Communication method and device

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a communication method and a device, which are applied to the technical field of communications. The method is applied to a first satellite device, and comprises: when the store-and-forward capability of the first satellite device is constrained, sending a redirection request to a second satellite device; when the second satellite device can provide a data transmission service for a terminal device, receiving a redirection response message sent by the second satellite device; and, when the second satellite device cannot provide the data transmission service for the terminal device, receiving a denial-of-data-transmission redirection response message sent by the second satellite device, wherein the first satellite device comprises a first core network device, and the second satellite device comprises a second core network device. On the basis of the technical solution, when the store-and-forward capability of the first satellite device is constrained, the first satellite device provides for the terminal device the second satellite device that can provide the service, so as not to affect the normal communication of the terminal device.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority from the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411391103.5 filed on September 30, 2024, and entitled "A communication method and device", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, in particular to a communication method and device. BACKGROUND

[0003] In the store-and-forward mode, the terminal device first transmits uplink data to the satellite device, the satellite device stores the uplink data locally, and then sends the uplink data to the ground device after the satellite device and the ground device establish a connection.

[0004] However, due to the physical limitations of the satellite on the on-board device, the storage capacity and forwarding capacity of the on-board device are limited, so when the store-and-forward capacity of the satellite device is insufficient, the terminal device cannot be served, affecting the normal communication of the terminal device. SUMMARY

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, which determines a second satellite device that can provide services for a terminal device for the terminal device in the case that the store-and-forward capacity of a first satellite device is limited, without affecting the normal communication of the terminal device.

[0006] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method applied to a first satellite device, the method comprising: in the case that the store-and-forward capacity of the first satellite device is limited, the first satellite device sends a redirection request to a second satellite device, the redirection request indicating that the second satellite device transmits service data of a terminal device. Then, in the case that the second satellite device can provide data transmission services for the terminal device, the first satellite device receives a redirection response message sent by the second satellite device, the redirection response message including an identifier pre-allocated to the terminal device. In the case that the second satellite device cannot provide data transmission services for the terminal device, the first satellite device receives a rejection data transmission redirection response message sent by the second satellite device. The first satellite device includes a first core network device, and the second satellite device includes a second core network device.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, in the case that the store-and-forward capacity of the first satellite device is limited, the first satellite device determines a satellite device that can provide services for the terminal device. The terminal device does not need to find a satellite device that can provide services, and the normal communication of the terminal device is not affected.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving a first service request sent by the terminal device, the first service request comprising service data and first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports the store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a delay tolerance type of the service data.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the redirection response message further comprises timing information, the timing information being used to indicate that the terminal device establishes communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period; and the store-and-forward capability of the second satellite device is not limited.

[0010] In this possible implementation manner, the terminal device can establish communication with the second satellite device at a suitable time and send a second service request to the second satellite device, thereby improving the possibility of the terminal device successfully establishing communication with the second satellite device and improving the realizability of the embodiments of the present application.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, in a case where the second satellite device can provide data transmission services for the terminal device, after receiving the redirection response message sent by the second satellite device, the method further includes: sending a service request rejection message to the terminal device, the service request rejection message comprising an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device, an identifier of the second satellite device, and timing information.

[0012] In this possible implementation manner, the service request rejection message comprises the identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device, so that the terminal device can quickly establish a connection with the second satellite device, thereby improving the efficiency of the terminal device switching satellite devices.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the first core network device comprises a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element; and the second core network device comprises a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element.

[0014] The sending of the redirection request to the second satellite device comprises: sending a redirection request to the second control plane network element, the redirection request indicating that the second forwarding plane network element transmits the service data.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, before sending the redirection request to the second satellite device, after receiving the first service request sent by the terminal device, the method further includes: determining the second satellite device from M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device according to store-and-forward capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices, the store-and-forward capability of the second satellite device not being limited, and M being a positive integer greater than 1.

[0016] In a possible implementation manner, the determining, according to the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, the second satellite device from the M neighboring satellite devices includes: determining N target satellite devices from the M neighboring satellite devices according to the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, the storage and forwarding capability of the N target satellite devices being not limited, M and N are positive integers greater than 1, and M is greater than N; in a case where the terminal device is located in a coverage range of the N target satellite devices, determining the second satellite device from the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device being a satellite device with the lightest load from the N target satellite devices; or, in a case where the terminal device is located in the coverage range of the N target satellite devices, determining the second satellite device from the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device being a satellite device closest to the terminal device from the N target satellite devices; or, in a case where the terminal device is located out of the coverage range of the N target satellite devices, determining the second satellite device from the N target satellite devices according to ephemeris information of the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device being a satellite device that covers the terminal device first from the N target satellite devices.

[0017] In this possible implementation manner, the method for the first satellite device to determine the second satellite device is specifically provided, so that a more suitable second satellite device is selected for the terminal device, and the realizability of the embodiments of the present application is improved.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner, before receiving the first service request sent by the terminal device, the method further includes: obtaining capability limitation information, the capability limitation information indicating that the storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element is limited.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, the capability limitation information includes a capability limitation type identifier and a capability limitation level identifier, the capability limitation type identifier indicating a type of limitation of the storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element, and the type including insufficient storage capacity, insufficient forwarding bandwidth, and / or excessive load; and the capability limitation level identifier indicating a level of limitation of the storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element.

[0020] In this possible implementation manner, the capability limitation information further includes a capability limitation type and a capability limitation level, and a more detailed description of the capability limitation of the forwarding plane network element is provided, which helps the control plane network element to perform more accurate response operations.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, before receiving the first service request sent by the terminal device, the method further includes: obtaining storage and forwarding capability information of M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, the storage and forwarding capability information including storage capacity, forwarding bandwidth, and load.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, the obtaining of the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device comprises: receiving the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices sent by an operation management module of the satellite group network; or receiving the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices sent by the M neighboring satellite devices.

[0023] In this possible implementation manner, the first satellite device can obtain the storage and forwarding capability of the neighboring satellite constellation, and the satellite devices can directly transmit through the inter-satellite link or obtain the storage and forwarding capability through the OM module, thereby obtaining the storage and forwarding capability of the neighboring satellite devices and improving the information sharing between the satellite devices, thereby providing an information basis for determining the second satellite device for the first satellite device.

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, the redirection request further comprises security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, service data, and context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device.

[0025] In this possible implementation manner, the redirection request further comprises the context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, so that the communication between the terminal device and the second satellite device can be continuous context rather than interrupted.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner, the redirection request is a Forward Relocation Request message, and the service request rejection message is a NAS message.

[0027] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method applied to a terminal device, the method comprising: sending, by the terminal device, a first service request to a first satellite device, the first service request comprising service data to be transmitted by the terminal device and first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a storage and forwarding capability and / or indicating a delay tolerance type of the service data; receiving, by the terminal device, a service request rejection message from the first satellite device, the service request rejection message comprising an identifier pre-allocated to the terminal device by a second satellite device, an identifier of the second satellite device, and timing information, the timing information being used to indicate that the terminal device establishes communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period; and sending, by the terminal device, a second service request to the second satellite device, the second service request comprising the identifier pre-allocated to the terminal device by the second satellite device, the service data, and second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the terminal device supports the storage and forwarding capability and / or indicating the delay tolerance type of the service data; wherein the first satellite device comprises a first core network device, and the second satellite device comprises a second core network device.

[0028] Based on the above technical solution, in the case that the first satellite device is limited in the storage and forwarding capability, the first satellite device determines a satellite device that provides services for the terminal device again. The terminal device does not need to find a satellite device that can provide services, and can directly request the second satellite device to transmit the service data, without affecting the normal communication of the terminal device.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner, after receiving the service request rejection message from the first satellite device, the method further includes: setting, by the terminal device, a local delay data sending timer according to the timing information.

[0030] In this possible implementation manner, the terminal device can establish communication with the second satellite device at a suitable time, and send a second service request to the second satellite device, thereby improving the possibility of successful communication between the terminal device and the second satellite device, and improving the realizability of the embodiments of the application.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, the method of sending the second service request to the second satellite device further includes: sending the second service request to the second satellite device after a time period predetermined by the timing information.

[0032] In this possible implementation manner, the terminal device can establish communication with the second satellite device at a suitable time, and send a second service request to the second satellite device, thereby improving the possibility of successful communication between the terminal device and the second satellite device, and improving the realizability of the embodiments of the application.

[0033] In a possible implementation manner, the first core network device includes a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element, and the second core network device includes a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element; the sending of the first service request to the first satellite device includes sending the first service request to the first control plane network element; the receiving of the service request rejection message from the first satellite device includes receiving the service request rejection message from the first control plane network element; and the sending of the second service request to the second satellite device includes sending the second service request to the second control plane network element.

[0034] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving a service request response message sent by the second satellite device, the service request response message indicating that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, the redirection request is a Forward Relocation Request message, and the service request rejection message is a NAS message.

[0036] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method applied to a second satellite device, the method comprising: receiving a redirection request sent by a first satellite device, the redirection request indicating that the second satellite device transmits service data of a terminal device; determining whether the second satellite device can provide data transmission service for the terminal device; in the case that the second satellite device can provide data transmission service for the terminal device, sending a redirection response message to the first satellite device, the redirection response message comprising an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device; in the case that the second satellite device cannot provide data transmission service for the terminal device, sending a data transmission redirection rejection response message to the first satellite device; wherein the first satellite device comprises a first core network device, and the second satellite device comprises a second core network device.

[0037] Based on the above technical solution, in the case that the storage and forwarding capability of the first satellite device is limited, the first satellite device determines a second satellite device for re-providing service for the terminal device. The terminal device does not need to find a satellite device that can provide service, and can directly perform service data transmission with the second satellite device, without affecting the normal communication of the terminal device.

[0038] In a possible implementation manner, after the redirection response message is sent to the first satellite device, the method further comprises: receiving a second service request sent by the terminal device, the second service request comprising the identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device, service data, and second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the terminal device supports the storage and forwarding capability and / or indicating a delay tolerance type of the service data; in response to the second service request, transmitting the service data of the terminal device.

[0039] In a possible implementation manner, the method further comprises: sending a service request response message to the terminal device, the service request response message indicating that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

[0040] In a possible implementation manner, the first core network device comprises a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element; the second core network device comprises a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element; and the receiving of the redirection request sent by the first satellite device comprises: receiving the redirection request sent by the first control plane network element.

[0041] In a possible implementation manner, the redirection request comprises security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, service data, and context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, and the determining of whether the second satellite device can provide data transmission service for the terminal device further comprises: determining whether the second satellite device can provide data transmission service for the terminal device according to the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, the context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, and the storage and forwarding capability of the second satellite device.

[0042] In the possible implementation, the second satellite device can further receive the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, and the context information of the communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, so as to better determine whether the terminal device can be provided with the data transmission service.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first satellite device, including a processor and a memory. The processor is coupled with the memory. The memory is configured to store computer instructions, and the computer instructions are loaded and executed by the processor to enable the satellite device to implement any method provided in the first aspect.

[0044] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a terminal device, including a processor and a memory. The processor is coupled with the memory. The memory is configured to store computer instructions, and the computer instructions are loaded and executed by the processor to enable the terminal device to implement any method provided in the second aspect.

[0045] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a second satellite device, including a processor and a memory. The processor is coupled with the memory. The memory is configured to store computer instructions, and the computer instructions are loaded and executed by the processor to enable the second satellite device to implement any method provided in the third aspect.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the processor. The processor is configured to run the code instructions to execute any method provided in the first aspect.

[0047] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the processor. The processor is configured to run the code instructions to execute any method provided in the second aspect.

[0048] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the processor. The processor is configured to run the code instructions to execute any method provided in the third aspect.

[0049] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores at least one computer program instruction. The computer program instruction is loaded and executed by a processor to implement any method provided in the first aspect.

[0050] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one computer program instruction that is loaded and executed by a processor to implement any of the methods provided in the second aspect above.

[0051] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one computer program instruction that is loaded and executed by a processor to implement any of the methods provided in the third aspect above.

[0052] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including computer execution instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the first aspect.

[0053] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including computer execution instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the second aspect.

[0054] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including computer execution instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the third aspect.

[0055] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a satellite communication system, characterized in that the satellite communication system includes a satellite base station network, terminal equipment, and a ground station. The satellite base station network includes a first satellite device and a second satellite device. The first satellite device is used to execute any method provided in the first aspect, the terminal device is used to execute any method provided in the second aspect, and the second satellite device is used to execute any method provided in the third aspect.

[0056] The possible implementations of aspects three through sixteen have effects similar to those of aspects one, possible designs of aspect one, aspect two, possible designs of aspect two, aspect three, and possible designs of aspect three, and will not be elaborated upon here. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication method scenario;

[0058] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a communication method;

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] FIG. 5 is a scenario diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0062] FIG. 6 is a scenario diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0063] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0064] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0065] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0066] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a communication method of a first control plane network element provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0067] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a communication method of a first satellite device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0068] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a communication method of a terminal device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0069] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a communication method of a second satellite device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0070] FIG. 14 is a structural diagram of a first satellite device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0071] FIG. 15 is a structural diagram of a terminal device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0072] FIG. 16 is a structural diagram of a second satellite device provided by the embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0074] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " represents that the objects before and after the " / " are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0075] In the description of the present application, "a plurality of" means two or more than two, unless otherwise specified. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of the items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0076] In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second" and the like are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same function and role. The skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second" and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second" and the like do not necessarily mean different.

[0077] In the embodiments of the present application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design presented as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner, facilitating understanding.

[0078] It can be understood that the "embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It can be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the execution order, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0079] It can be understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented independently in some scenarios, without relying on other features, such as the scheme currently based on, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects, or can be combined with other features according to demand in some scenarios. Correspondingly, the devices given in the embodiments of the present application can also realize these features or functions, which will not be described here.

[0080] In the present application, the same or similar parts between various embodiments can be mutually referred to, unless otherwise specified. In the present application, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent, and can be mutually referred to, unless otherwise specified and logically conflicted, and different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship. The following embodiments of the present application do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present application.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 1, in the store-and-forward mode, at T1, the terminal device first transmits the uplink data to the satellite device, and the satellite device stores the uplink data locally. Then at T2, the satellite device sends the uplink data to the ground device after moving to establish a connection with the ground device.

[0082] However, due to the physical limitations of the satellite to the on-board device, the storage capacity and forwarding capacity of the on-board device are limited, so when the store-and-forward capacity of the satellite device is insufficient, the terminal device cannot be served, affecting the normal communication of the terminal device.

[0083] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, after the store-and-forward capacity of the first SGW of the first satellite device is limited, the first SGW sends the capacity limitation information to the first MME, indicating that the store-and-forward capacity of the first SGW is limited. Then, when the first MME receives the first service request of the terminal device requesting to forward the service data, the first MME determines that the first SGW cannot forward the service data, and sends a request rejection message to the terminal device, indicating that the first satellite device cannot forward the service data. The signaling interaction between the terminal device and the first MME is forwarded by the first satellite base station.

[0084] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method applied to a first satellite device, the method comprising: in the case that the store-and-forward capacity of the first satellite device is limited, the first satellite device sends a redirection request to a second satellite device, the redirection request indicating that the second satellite device transmits the service data of a terminal device. Then, in the case that the second satellite device can provide data transmission service for the terminal device, the first satellite device receives a redirection response message sent by the second satellite device, the redirection response message comprising an identifier pre-allocated to the terminal device. In the case that the second satellite device cannot provide data transmission service for the terminal device, the first satellite device receives a rejection data transmission redirection response message sent by the second satellite device. The first satellite device comprises a first core network device, and the second satellite device comprises a second core network device.

[0085] Based on the above technical scheme, in the case that the first satellite device has limited store-and-forward capability, the first satellite device determines a second satellite device to re-provide service for the terminal device. The terminal device does not need to search for a satellite device that can provide service, and the normal communication of the terminal device is not affected.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 3, the communication method in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the satellite communication system shown in FIG. 3, which includes satellite networking, a terminal device and a ground station device on the ground. The satellite networking includes at least one satellite device, and the satellite networking includes a first satellite device and a second satellite device. The first satellite device includes a first control plane network element, a corresponding first forwarding plane network element and a first satellite base station. The second satellite device includes a second control plane network element, a corresponding second forwarding plane network element and a second satellite base station. The terminal device establishes a communication connection in a store-and-forward mode with the first control plane network element.

[0087] It can be understood that, in the embodiment of the present application, the information interaction between the terminal device and the control plane network element, and the information interaction between the control plane network element and another control plane network element are realized through the forwarding of the satellite base station.

[0088] In the embodiment of the present application, one satellite device can include at least one satellite base station, at least one forwarding plane network element and at least one control plane network element, and the specific implementation is not limited.

[0089] In the embodiment of the present application, a satellite constellation refers to a group of artificial satellites working together as a whole system, also known as a distributed-satellite system (DSS). Therefore, the above-mentioned satellite device including at least one satellite base station, at least one forwarding plane network element and at least one control plane network element can be referred to as a satellite constellation, and the specific implementation is not limited. Therefore, in the subsequent description, each satellite device can be understood as a satellite constellation.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 4, in the embodiment of the present application, each satellite device has its corresponding coverage range, and the terminal devices within the coverage range of each satellite device can be connected with the satellite device for communication, for example, in FIG. 4, the first satellite device can communicate with the terminal device 1 within its coverage range, and the second satellite device can communicate with the terminal device 2 within its coverage range.

[0091] For a terminal device, as shown in FIG. 5, the terminal device is only in the coverage of the first satellite device, and thus the terminal device needs to wait for a period of time T and then establish a communication connection with the second satellite device through the movement of the satellite device, so that the second satellite device can provide services for the terminal device.

[0092] In another possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 6, the terminal device can be in the coverage of both the first satellite device and the second satellite device, that is, the terminal device is in the overlapping area of the coverage of the first satellite device and the coverage of the second satellite device, and thus the terminal device can immediately establish a communication connection with the second satellite device without waiting, so that the second satellite device can provide services for the terminal device.

[0093] In the embodiments of the present application, the control plane network element refers to a network element responsible for mobility management, session management, forwarding path management, or charging measurement management in a mobile network, such as a mobility management entity (MME), a gateway controller (GWC), a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, or all or part of a mobile gateway controller formed by fusion of the above network elements and an SDN controller, which is not limited here.

[0094] In the embodiments of the present application, the forwarding plane network element refers to a network element performing a data forwarding action, which can be a packet data network gateway (PGW), a serving gateway (SGW), a forwarding plane of the PGW / SGW, a router, a switch, or an SDN switch in a mobile network

[0095] In the embodiments of the present application, the ground station device is a ground communication device, which can be used for communication with the satellite base station group network. The ground station device can be a base station, a server, or other network communication device having a communication capability with a satellite forwarding device. The ground station device in the embodiments of the present application can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also referred to as small stations), relay stations, access points, and the like.

[0096] The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can be used for communication with the satellite base station group network. The terminal device (user equipment, UE) in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as a terminal device, a terminal, a mobile station (mobile station, MS), a mobile terminal (mobile terminal, MT), etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (mobile internet device, MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (virtual reality, VR) device, an augmented reality (augmented reality, AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, or a wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form of the terminal.

[0097] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (long term evolution, LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (frequency division duplex, FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (time division duplex, TDD), universal mobile communication system (universal mobile telecommunication system, UMTS), worldwide microwave access (worldwide interoperability for microwave access, WiMAX) communication system, 5th generation (5th generation, 5G) mobile communication system, new radio (new radio, NR), etc. The 5G mobile communication system in the embodiments of the present application includes a non-standalone (non-standalone, NSA) 5G mobile communication system or a standalone (standalone, SA) 5G mobile communication system.

[0098] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication system, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0099] It can be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, the execution subject can execute part or all of the steps in the embodiments of the present application, and these steps or operations are only examples, and the embodiments of the present application can also execute other operations or various modifications of the operations. In addition, the various steps can be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of the present application, and it is possible that not all the operations in the embodiments of the present application are executed.

[0100] It should be noted that the names of messages between various devices in the following embodiments of the present application or the names of various parameters in the messages are only examples, and other names can also be used in specific implementations, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations.

[0101] The technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail below in combination with FIG. 7 in a specific method embodiment. The following several specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes can not be described again in some embodiments.

[0102] For example, FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG. 7, taking the control plane network element as MME and the forwarding plane network element as SGW as an example, the communication method can specifically include the following steps:

[0103] 701. The first MME acquires the store-and-forward capability information of the adjacent satellite device.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the first MME in the first satellite device acquires the store-and-forward capability information of the adjacent satellite device of the first satellite device. The store-and-forward capability information can include information such as storage capacity, forwarding bandwidth and load.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the operations management (OM) module of the satellite networking in the embodiments of the present application can periodically acquire the store-and-forward capability information of each constellation, and then send the store-and-forward capability information of each constellation to a device when the device needs. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present application, the first MME can acquire the store-and-forward capability information of the adjacent satellite device of the first satellite device by receiving the store-and-forward capability information of the M adjacent satellite devices sent by the operations management module of the satellite networking.

[0106] In another possible implementation, the first MME can send a store-and-forward capability acquisition request to the neighboring M satellite devices, and the request indicates that the neighboring M satellite devices send the store-and-forward capability information to the first MME through an interior switching link (ISL). Then the neighboring M satellite devices send the store-and-forward capability information to the first MME, and the first MME receives the store-and-forward capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices sent by the M neighboring satellite devices.

[0107] In this possible implementation, the first MME can acquire the store-and-forward capability of the neighboring satellite devices, which can be directly transmitted between the satellite devices through an ISL or acquired through an OM module, thereby obtaining the store-and-forward capability of the neighboring satellite devices and improving information sharing between the satellite devices, thereby providing an information basis for the first MME to determine the second MME for the terminal device.

[0108] In the embodiments of the present application, it can be understood that whether the store-and-forward capability of a constellation (a satellite device) is limited actually mainly depends on whether the store-and-forward capability of a forwarding plane network element of the constellation is limited (insufficient), and therefore the store-and-forward capability of each constellation can be understood as the store-and-forward capability of a forwarding plane network element corresponding to each constellation, and the store-and-forward capability information of each constellation can be the store-and-forward capability information of a forwarding plane network element corresponding to each constellation. Of course, it can be understood that in the case that the forwarding bandwidth of the satellite base station and the control plane network element is insufficient and / or the load is too heavy, the store-and-forward capability of the constellation is also insufficient, which is not limited here.

[0109] 702、The first MME receives the capability limitation information from the first SGW.

[0110] After the store-and-forward capability of the first SGW is limited, the first SGW sends capability limitation information to the first MME, and the capability limitation information indicates that the store-and-forward capability of the first SGW is limited, and the store-and-forward capability limitation can include a case that the first SGW is insufficient in storage capacity, insufficient in forwarding bandwidth, and / or too heavy in load.

[0111] Correspondingly, the first MME receives the capability limitation information from the first SGW.

[0112] In the embodiments of the present application, the capability limitation information of the first SGW can include a corresponding capability limitation type identifier, and the capability limitation type identifier can indicate different capability limitation types, for example, identifier 1 indicates insufficient storage capacity, identifier 2 indicates insufficient forwarding bandwidth, identifier 3 indicates too heavy load, and identifier 4 indicates insufficient storage capacity and insufficient forwarding bandwidth, which is not limited here.

[0113] In the embodiments of the present application, the capability limitation information can include a corresponding capability limitation level identifier, and different identifiers indicate different capability limitation levels. For example, identifier 5 can indicate that the storage capacity is insufficient by 1 G, identifier 4 can indicate that the storage capacity is insufficient by 0.5 G, and there can be other identifiers indicating capability limitation levels, which are not limited herein.

[0114] In the possible implementation manner, the capability limitation information further includes a capability limitation type and a capability limitation level, which provides a more detailed description of the capability limitation of the forwarding plane network element, and helps the control plane network element to perform more accurate response operations.

[0115] 703. The first MME receives a first service request sent by the terminal device.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, the first MME in the first satellite device receives a first service request sent by the terminal device, and the first service request includes service data and first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the terminal device supports the store-and-forward capability and / or indicates a delay-tolerant type of the service data.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present application, the first service request further includes mode support information and a delay-tolerant type. The mode support information can indicate that the service data corresponding to the first service request can support a forwarding mode, for example, whether the store-and-forward mode is supported. The delay-tolerant type can indicate whether the service corresponding to the first service request can tolerate delay.

[0118] In the embodiments of the present application, the first service request can be a tracking area update (TAU) message, and in addition, can be other messages such as a service request message, and the like, which are not limited herein.

[0119] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the information interaction between the terminal device and the control plane network element, and the information interaction between the control plane network element and another control plane network element are realized through the forwarding of the satellite base station. For example, the first MME receives the first service request sent by the terminal device through the first satellite base station receiving the first service request sent by the terminal device, and then the first satellite base station forwards the first service request to the first MME, and the subsequent description is omitted.

[0120] 704. The first MME determines a second MME according to the first service request.

[0121] In the case that the store-and-forward capability of the first SGW is limited, the first MME determines a second MME according to the first service request, and the store-and-forward capability of the second SGW corresponding to the second MME is not limited.

[0122] Specifically, in the case that the first SGW has limited store-and-forward capability and cannot complete the forwarding service data indicated by the first service request, the first MME has the store-and-forward capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices, and then the first MME determines a second satellite device from the M neighboring satellite devices, the second satellite device corresponding to a second SGW having unlimited store-and-forward capability and being capable of forwarding the service data of the terminal device. Then the second MME corresponding to the second satellite device is determined.

[0123] In the embodiments of the present application, the first MME can determine the second constellation in the following manner: determining N target satellite devices from the M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device according to the first service request and the store-and-forward capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices, the N target satellite devices corresponding to N forwarding plane network elements having unlimited store-and-forward capability, M and N being positive integers greater than 1, and M being greater than N. Then the first MME selects the most suitable MME of the constellation from the N target satellite devices.

[0124] Specifically, the first MME can select the most suitable constellation from the N target satellite devices in the following manner:

[0125] In one possible implementation, in the case that the terminal device is located within the coverage range of the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined from the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is the satellite device corresponding to the forwarding plane network element having the lightest load among the N target satellite devices.

[0126] Or, in the case that the terminal device is located within the coverage range of the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined from the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is the satellite device closest to the terminal device among the N target satellite devices.

[0127] Or, in the case that the terminal device is located outside the coverage range of the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined from the N target satellite devices according to the ephemeris information of the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is the satellite device covering the terminal device first among the N target satellite devices. In addition to the above, there can be other determination manners, which are not limited herein.

[0128] In the embodiments of the present application, it can be understood that the determination of the first MME to the second MME is essentially to determine a more suitable forwarding device for the terminal device to implement the service request of the terminal device, and therefore the storage and forwarding capability of the SGW (or corresponding constellation) corresponding to the determined second MME needs to meet the service requirement of the terminal device and is not limited. Further, in the case where there are multiple optional MMEs that meet the service requirement of the terminal device, the first MME can select the optimal one for the terminal device. For example, in the case where the terminal device is located in the coverage range of the target N target satellite devices, the first MME selects one with the lightest forwarding plane network element load or the closest distance to the terminal device; in the case where the terminal device is located outside the coverage range of the N target satellite devices, the first MME selects one that covers the terminal device first to serve the terminal device.

[0129] In the possible implementation manner, a method for the first MME to determine the second MME is specifically provided, which provides a specific selection method for the first MME to select a more suitable second MME for the terminal device, and improves the realizability of the embodiments of the present application.

[0130] 705. The first MME sends a redirection request to the second MME.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 11, the first MME in the first satellite device can send a redirection request to the second MME of the second satellite device, and the redirection request includes the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data and the context information of the terminal device and the first MME. The redirection request indicates that the service data of the terminal device is transmitted by the second SGW of the second satellite device.

[0132] In the embodiments of the present application, the redirection request can be a Forward Relocation Request message. In addition, it can also be other messages that can realize the above functions, which are not limited here.

[0133] In the embodiments of the present application, the security authentication information can be a network attached storage (NAS) security parameter, and in addition to this, it can also be other information, which is not limited here.

[0134] Correspondingly, the second MME receives the redirection request from the first MME.

[0135] 706. The second MME judges whether it can provide data transmission service for the terminal device.

[0136] The second MME, in response to the redirection request, determines whether the second SGW can provide data transmission service for the terminal device according to the store-and-forward capability of the second SGW after receiving the redirection request from the first MME.

[0137] Specifically, the redirection request further includes security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, service data, and context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, and the second MME can determine whether the second satellite device can provide data transmission service for the terminal device according to the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, and the context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, and the store-and-forward capability of the second satellite device.

[0138] In a case where the second MME can provide data transmission service for the terminal device, the second MME can notify the second SGW to reserve store-and-forward resources for the terminal device, and activate the reserved store-and-forward network resources after the terminal device establishes communication with the second MME.

[0139] Specifically, the second MME sends a reserved resource message to the second SGW, and the reserved resource message instructs the second SGW to reserve sufficient store-and-forward network resources for forwarding service data of the terminal device. Correspondingly, the second SGW reserves sufficient store-and-forward network resources for forwarding service data of the terminal device after receiving the reserved resource message, and activates the reserved store-and-forward network resources to forward service data of the terminal device after the terminal device establishes communication with the second MME.

[0140] 707、The first MME receives a redirection response message or a data transmission redirection rejection message of the second MME.

[0141] The second MME, in response to the redirection request, determines a redirection response message or a data transmission redirection rejection message of the second MME and sends the message to the first MME after receiving the redirection request from the first MME.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, specifically, if the second MME determines that the store-and-forward capability of the second SGW is not limited and meets the requirement of forwarding service data, the second MME generates a redirection response message, and the redirection response message indicates that the second SGW can forward service data of the terminal device. The redirection response message can include an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device.

[0143] In a possible implementation, the redirection response message further includes timing information, and the timing information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period.

[0144] Specifically, in a case that the second MME can provide data transmission service for the terminal device, the second MME can reserve a store-and-forward resource for the terminal device, and generate a local timer to wait for the terminal device to communicate with the second MME at a specified time. Meanwhile, the redirection response message generated by the second MME includes corresponding timing information, which instructs the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period. For example, a deferred timer is carried in a NAS container to instruct the terminal device to establish a communication connection with the second MME after a specified time period.

[0145] In a possible implementation, if the second MME determines that the store-and-forward capability of the second SGW is not limited and meets the requirement of forwarding service data, the second MME further reserves a store-and-forward network resource, such as a storage space and a forwarding bandwidth, for the terminal device, and activates the reserved store-and-forward network resource after receiving a corresponding request from the terminal device, to ensure that the terminal device can implement store-and-forward of service data through the reserved network resource.

[0146] In a possible implementation, the redirection response message further includes an identifier pre-assigned by the second MME for the terminal device.

[0147] Correspondingly, the first MME receives the redirection response message sent by the second MME, and the redirection response message indicates that the second SGW can forward service data.

[0148] In a possible implementation, the redirection response message indicates that the second satellite device cannot forward service data, and the first MME needs to re-determine a satellite device for forwarding data for the terminal device. The first MME can repeatedly select until a satellite device for forwarding data for the terminal device is re-determined, which is not limited herein.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 9, if the second MME determines that the store-and-forward capability of the second SGW is limited and does not meet the requirement of forwarding service data, the second MME generates a data transmission rejection redirection response message, which indicates that the second MME rejects to transmit service data of the terminal device.

[0150] Correspondingly, the first MME receives the data transmission rejection redirection response message sent by the second MME, and the data transmission rejection redirection response message indicates that the second SGW cannot forward service data. The first MME further sends a service request rejection message to the terminal device, and the service rejection request indicates that no satellite device for forwarding data for the terminal device is found.

[0151] 708、The first MME sends a service request rejection message.

[0152] In a case where the redirection response message indicates that the second satellite device can provide data transmission service for the terminal device, and the service data can be forwarded, the first MME sends a service request rejection message to the terminal device, the service request rejection message indicating that the first MME rejects to forward the service data and the service data is forwarded by the second MME, the service request rejection message comprising an identifier pre-allocated to the terminal device by the second MME and an identifier of the second satellite device.

[0153] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the service request rejection message sent by the first MME.

[0154] In a possible implementation, the service request rejection message further comprises timing information, the timing information indicating that the terminal device establishes communication with the second MME in a specified time period, or indicating that the terminal device establishes communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period.

[0155] In a possible implementation, the timing information is determined by the second MME in the step 706, or is calculated by the first satellite device according to ephemeris information, and is specifically as follows:

[0156] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in a case where the terminal device is only in the coverage of the first satellite device and is not currently in the coverage of the second satellite device, the first MME can calculate, according to ephemeris information, a time t1 at which the second satellite device starts to cover the terminal device, that is, the terminal device is in the coverage of the second satellite device after waiting for a time period T through the movement of the satellite device, and the second satellite device can provide service for the terminal device. Therefore, the first MME can set corresponding timing information according to the time t1, so that the terminal device establishes a communication connection with the second MME of the second satellite device after the time indicated by the timing information.

[0157] In another possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 6, the terminal device can be simultaneously in the coverage of the first satellite device and the coverage of the second satellite device, that is, the terminal device is in an overlapping area of the coverage of the first satellite device and the coverage of the second satellite device, and therefore the terminal device can immediately establish a communication connection with the second satellite device without waiting in a case where the first satellite device cannot provide store-and-forward service for the terminal device, and the second satellite device provides service for the terminal device. In this case, the waiting time T set by the timing information can be zero, that is, the terminal device can immediately establish a communication connection with the second satellite device without waiting.

[0158] It can be understood that the manner in which the second MME determines the timing information is the same as the manner in which the first MME determines the timing information, and details are not described herein again.

[0159] In a possible implementation manner, the service request rejection message further comprises an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second MME.

[0160] In the embodiments of the present application, the service request rejection message can be a non-access stratum (NAS) message, or can be another message, which is not limited herein.

[0161] In a possible implementation manner, the first MME does not find a satellite device that can provide data forwarding for the terminal device, and the first MME can calculate corresponding timing information and transmit the timing information to the terminal device, so that the terminal device connects to the first MME again after a time period specified by the timing information.

[0162] 709、The terminal device sends a second service request to the second MME.

[0163] According to the service request rejection message, the terminal device no longer forwards service data through the first SGW, but forwards service data through the second SGW, and accordingly, the terminal device sends a second service request to the second MME, the second service request comprising an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device, service data, and second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a time delay tolerance type of the service data.

[0164] In a possible implementation manner, the second service request further comprises an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second MME.

[0165] In a possible implementation manner, the service request rejection message further comprises timing information, the timing information indicating that the terminal device establishes communication with the second MME in a specified time period. For example, in a case where the terminal device is currently not within a coverage range of the second satellite device, the first MME can calculate a time t1 at which the second satellite device starts to cover the terminal device according to ephemeris information, and then set corresponding timing information according to the time, so that the terminal device starts to establish a communication connection with the second MME of the second satellite device after the time t1 according to the timing information. Correspondingly, the terminal device starts to send the second service request to the second MME after the time t1 upon receiving the service request rejection message.

[0166] In this possible implementation manner, the terminal device can establish communication with the second MME at a suitable time and send the second service request to the second MME through the timing information, which improves the possibility of the terminal device successfully establishing communication with the second MME and improves the realizability of the embodiments of the present application.

[0167] Correspondingly, the second MME receives the second service request.

[0168] 710、The second MME sends a service request response message to the terminal device.

[0169] After the second MME determines to forward the service data, the second MME sends a service request response message to the terminal device, the service request response message indicating that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request and performed forwarding processing on the service data.

[0170] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the service request response message sent by the second MME.

[0171] 711、The second SGW forwards the service data.

[0172] After receiving the second service request, the second MME informs the second SGW to transmit the service data in response to the second service request, and the second SGW transmits the service data to the ground station device.

[0173] In a possible implementation, the second SGW also reserves network resources for storage and forwarding for the terminal device, such as reserving storage space and forwarding bandwidth and the like, to ensure that the terminal device can implement storage and forwarding of the service data through the reserved network resources. After receiving the second service request, the second MME can activate the reserved storage and forwarding network resources in response to the second service request, and forward the service data through the reserved storage and forwarding network resources.

[0174] In a possible implementation, the second service request further includes an identifier pre-assigned by the second MME for the terminal device.

[0175] In this possible implementation, the second MME can quickly identify the terminal device through the identifier pre-assigned by the second MME for the terminal device, without the need to assign an identifier for the terminal device again, thereby reducing the access time of the terminal device and improving the access efficiency.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a communication method of a first control plane network element provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 10, the communication method applied to a first control plane network element of a first satellite device can include the following steps:

[0177] 1001、The first control plane network element acquires storage and forwarding capability information of a neighboring satellite device.

[0178] 1002、The first control plane network element receives capability restriction information sent by a first forwarding plane network element, indicating that the storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element is restricted.

[0179] 1003、The first control plane network element receives a first service request sent by the terminal device, the first service request comprising service data and first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a delay-tolerant type of the service data.

[0180] 1004、The first control plane network element determines, from a plurality of adjacent satellite devices, a second satellite device whose store-and-forward capability is not limited.

[0181] 1005、The first control plane network element sends a redirection request to a second control plane network element, the redirection request indicating that the service data of the terminal device is to be transmitted by the second satellite device.

[0182] 1006、The first control plane network element receives a redirection response message sent by the second control plane network element, the redirection response message comprising an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device.

[0183] 1007、The first control plane network element sends a service request rejection message to the terminal device, the service request rejection message comprising the identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device and timing information.

[0184] In this embodiment, the method performed by the first control plane network element is the same as the method performed by the first control plane network element in the methods of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, and details are not repeated here.

[0185] As shown in FIG. 11, FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a communication method of a first satellite device according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 11, the communication method applied to the first satellite device can include the following steps.

[0186] 1101: The first satellite device receives a first service request sent by the terminal device, the first service request comprising service data and first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a delay-tolerant type of the service data.

[0187] 1102: In a case where the store-and-forward capability of the first satellite device is limited, the first satellite device sends a redirection request to a second satellite device, the redirection request indicating that the service data of the terminal device is to be transmitted by the second satellite device.

[0188] 1103: In a case where the second satellite device can provide data transmission services for the terminal device, the first satellite device receives a redirection response message sent by the second satellite device, the redirection response message comprising an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device, wherein the first satellite device comprises a first core network device, and the second satellite device comprises a second core network device.

[0189] The redirection response message includes timing information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period.

[0190] 1104: The first satellite device sends a service request rejection message to the terminal device, the service request rejection message including the identity pre-allocated to the terminal device by the second satellite device and the timing information.

[0191] In this embodiment, the method performed by the first satellite device is the same as the method performed by the first satellite device in the methods of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, and details are not repeated here.

[0192] As shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a communication method of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 12, on the terminal device side, the communication method can include the following steps:

[0193] 1201: The terminal device sends a first service request to the first satellite device, the first service request including service data and first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a delay-tolerant type of the service data.

[0194] 1202: The terminal device receives a service request rejection message sent by the first satellite device, the service request rejection message including the identity pre-allocated to the terminal device by the second satellite device and timing information, the timing information being used to instruct the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period.

[0195] 1203: The terminal device sends a second service request to the second satellite device, the second service request including the identity pre-allocated to the terminal device by the second satellite device, the service data, and second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a delay-tolerant type of the service data.

[0196] 1204: The terminal device receives a service request response message sent by the second satellite device, the service request response message indicating that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

[0197] In this embodiment, the method performed by the terminal device is the same as the method performed by the terminal device in the methods of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, and details are not repeated here.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a communication method of a second satellite device according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 13, on the second satellite device side, the communication method can include the following steps:

[0199] 1301、The second satellite device receives the redirection request sent by the first satellite device, and the redirection request indicates that the second satellite device transmits the service data of the terminal device.

[0200] 1302、The second satellite device judges whether the terminal device can be provided with the data transmission service.

[0201] 1303、In the case that the second satellite device can provide the terminal device with the data transmission service, the second satellite device sends a redirection response message to the first satellite device, and the redirection response message includes the identifier pre-allocated to the terminal device.

[0202] 1304、The second satellite device sends a service request response message to the terminal device, and the service request response message indicates that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

[0203] In the embodiment, the method executed by the second satellite device is the same as the method executed by the second satellite device in the methods of FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, and details are not described herein.

[0204] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is described above in combination with FIG. 7 to FIG. 13, and the first satellite device, the terminal device and the second satellite device for executing the above communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application are described below.

[0205] FIG. 14 is a structural schematic diagram of a first satellite device provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 14, the first satellite device 1400 includes one or more than two (including two) processors 1401, a communication line 1402 and a communication interface 1403, and optionally, the first satellite device 1400 further includes a memory 1404.

[0206] In some embodiments, the memory 1404 stores the following elements: executable modules or data structures, or a subset thereof, or an extended set thereof.

[0207] The method described in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the processor 1401 or implemented by the processor 1401. The processor 1401 can be an integrated circuit chip having a signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit or an instruction in the form of software in the processor 1401. The processor 1401 described above can be a general processor (for example, a microprocessor or a conventional processor), a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices or discrete hardware components, and the processor 1401 can implement or execute the methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application.

[0208] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware coding processor to perform, or a combination of hardware and software modules in the coding processor to perform. Among them, the software modules can be located in the storage medium of the mature storage medium in the art such as random access memory, read only memory, programmable read only memory or electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). The storage medium is located in the storage 1404, and the processor 1401 reads the information in the storage 1404, and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0209] The processor 1401, the storage 1404 and the communication interface 1403 can communicate through the communication line 1402.

[0210] In the above embodiments, the instructions stored in the storage for the processor to execute can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. Among them, the computer program product can be written in the storage in advance, or downloaded and installed in the storage in the form of software.

[0211] FIG. 15 is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal device provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 15, the terminal device 1500 includes one or more than two (including two) processors 1501, a communication line 1502 and a communication interface 1503, and optionally, the terminal device 1500 further includes a storage 1504.

[0212] In some embodiments, the storage 1504 stores the following elements: executable modules or data structures, or a subset thereof, or an extended set thereof.

[0213] The method described in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the processor 1501 or implemented by the processor 1501. The processor 1501 can be an integrated circuit chip having a signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit or an instruction in the form of software in the processor 1501. The processor 1501 described above can be a general processor (for example, a microprocessor or a conventional processor), a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. The processor 1501 can implement or execute the disclosed methods, steps and logic block diagrams in the embodiments of the present application.

[0214] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware coding processor to perform, or a combination of hardware and software modules in the coding processor to perform. Among them, the software module can be located in a storage medium in the art mature, such as random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and the like. The storage medium is located in the storage 1504, and the processor 1501 reads the information in the storage 1504, and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0215] The processor 1501, the storage 1504 and the communication interface 1503 can communicate through the communication line 1502.

[0216] In the above embodiments, the instructions stored in the storage for the processor to execute can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. Among them, the computer program product can be written in the storage in advance, or downloaded and installed in the storage in the form of software.

[0217] FIG. 16 is a structural schematic diagram of a second satellite device provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 16, the second satellite device 1600 includes one or more (including two) processors 1601, a communication line 1602 and a communication interface 1603. Optionally, the second satellite device 1600 further includes a storage 1604.

[0218] In some embodiments, the storage 1604 stores the following elements: executable modules or data structures, or a subset thereof, or an extended set thereof.

[0219] The method described in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the processor 1601 or implemented by the processor 1601. The processor 1601 can be an integrated circuit chip having a signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuits or the instructions in the software form of the processor 1601. The processor 1601 described above can be a general processor (for example, a microprocessor or a conventional processor), a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The processor 1601 can implement or execute the methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application.

[0220] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware code process executed by a code processor, or a combination of hardware and software modules in the code processor. Among them, the software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the field, such as a random access memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The storage medium is located in the storage 1604, and the processor 1601 reads the information in the storage 1604 and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0221] The processor 1601, the storage 1604 and the communication interface 1603 can communicate through the communication line 1602.

[0222] In the above embodiments, the instructions stored in the storage for the processor to execute can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. Among them, the computer program product can be written in the storage in advance, or downloaded and installed in the storage in the form of software.

[0223] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product comprising one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions performed by the first control plane network element, the terminal device or the second control plane network element according to the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transferred from one computer readable storage medium to another, for example, the computer instructions can be transferred from one website satellite constellation, computer, server or data center to another website device, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that the computer can store or the data storage device such as server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media sets. For example, the available media can include magnetic media (such as floppy disk, hard disk or magnetic tape), optical media (such as digital versatile disc (DVD)), or semiconductor media (such as solid state disk (SSD)) and the like.

[0224] The embodiments of the present application provide a first satellite device, which comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program to perform the communication method described above.

[0225] The embodiments of the present application provide a terminal device, which comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program to perform the communication method described above.

[0226] The embodiments of the present application provide a second satellite device, which comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program to perform the communication method described above.

[0227] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium stores computer programs or instructions. The computer programs or instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method performed by the first control plane network element, the terminal device or the second control plane network element. The method described in the above embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof, in whole or in part. If implemented by software, the functions can be stored in or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium can include computer storage medium and communication medium, and can also include any medium that can transfer computer programs from one place to another. The storage medium can be any target medium accessible by a computer.

[0228] As a possible design, the computer readable medium can include a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), RAM, ROM, EEPROM or other optical disk storage; the computer readable medium can include magnetic disk storage or other magnetic disk storage devices. Moreover, any connection line can also be appropriately referred to as a computer readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server or other remote source using a coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave), the coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of the medium. As used herein, the disk and the optical disk include compact discs (CD), laser discs, optical discs, DVDs, floppy disks and Blu-ray discs, in which the disk usually reproduces data in a magnetic manner, and the optical disk reproduces data optically with a laser. The above combinations should also be included in the scope of the computer readable medium.

[0229] Those skilled in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0230] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0231] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other manners. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and there can be another division manner for the actual implementation, for example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections between different units, or the among different units, can be indirect couplings or communication connections through some interfaces, devices or units, and can be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0232] The units described as separated components can or can not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units can or can not be physical units, i.e., can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purposes of the embodiments of the present application.

[0233] In addition, each functional unit in the embodiments of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically as a separate unit, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0234] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of the present application essentially or the parts of the technical solutions that make contributions to the prior art, or the parts of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various other media that can store program codes.

[0235] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method applied to a first satellite device comprises: In a case where a store-and-forward capability of the first satellite device is limited, sending a redirection request to a second satellite device, the redirection request indicating that a terminal device transmits service data by the second satellite device; In a case where the second satellite device can provide data transmission service for the terminal device, receiving a redirection response message sent by the second satellite device, the redirection response message comprising an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device; In a case where the second satellite device cannot provide data transmission service for the terminal device, receiving a data transmission redirection rejection response message sent by the second satellite device; The first satellite device comprises a first core network device, and the second satellite device comprises a second core network device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Before the redirection request is sent to the second satellite device, the method further comprises: Receiving a first service request sent by a terminal device, the first service request comprising service data and first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a time delay tolerance type of the service data.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The redirection response message further comprises timing information, the timing information being used to indicate that the terminal device establishes communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period; The store-and-forward capability of the second satellite device is not limited.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, In a case where the second satellite device can provide data transmission service for the terminal device, after the redirection response message sent by the second satellite device is received, the method further comprises: Sending a service request rejection message to the terminal device, the service request rejection message comprising the identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device and the timing information.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The first core network device comprises a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element, and the second core network device comprises a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element; The redirection request sent to the second satellite device comprises: Sending a redirection request to the second control plane network element, the redirection request indicating that the second forwarding plane network element transmits the service data.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, Before the redirection request is sent to the second satellite device, after the first service request sent by the terminal device is received, the method further comprises: According to store-and-forward capability information of M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, determining a second satellite device from the M neighboring satellite devices, the store-and-forward capability of the second satellite device not being limited, M being a positive integer greater than 1.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, According to the store-and-forward capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, determining N target satellite devices from the M neighboring satellite devices, the store-and-forward capability of the N target satellite devices not being limited, M and N both being positive integers greater than 1, M being greater than N; ​ In a case that the terminal device is located in a coverage of the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined from the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is a satellite device with a lightest load among the N target satellite devices; Or, in a case that the terminal device is located in a coverage of the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined from the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is a satellite device closest to the terminal device among the N target satellite devices; Or, in a case that the terminal device is located out of a coverage of the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined from the N target satellite devices according to ephemeris information of the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is a satellite device that covers the terminal device first among the N target satellite devices.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, Before receiving the first service request sent by the terminal device, the method further comprises: obtaining capability limitation information, the capability limitation information indicating that the storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element is limited.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The capability limitation information comprises a capability limitation type identifier and a capability limitation level identifier, the capability limitation type identifier indicating a type of the limited storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element, and the type comprising insufficient storage capacity, insufficient forwarding bandwidth, and / or excessive load; and the capability limitation level identifier indicating a level of the limited storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, Before receiving the first service request sent by the terminal device, the method further comprises: obtaining storage and forwarding capability information of M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, the storage and forwarding capability information comprising storage capacity, forwarding bandwidth, and load.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The obtaining of the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device comprises: receiving the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices sent by an operation and management module of the satellite networking; or receiving the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices sent by the M neighboring satellite devices.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The redirection request further comprises security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, and context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The redirection request is a Forward Relocation Request message, and the service request rejection message is a NAS message.

14. A communication method, comprising: The method applied to a terminal device comprises: sending a first service request to a first satellite device, the first service request comprising service data and first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a storage and forwarding capability and / or indicating a time delay tolerance type of the service data; receiving a service request rejection message from the first satellite device, the service request rejection message comprising an identifier pre-allocated to the terminal device by a second satellite device and timing information, the timing information being used to indicate that the terminal device establishes communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period; and sending a second service request to the second satellite device, the second service request comprising an identity pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device, service data, and second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the terminal device supports store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a latency-tolerant type of the service data; wherein the first satellite device comprises a first core network device, and the second satellite device comprises a second core network device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, after receiving the service request rejection message from the first satellite device, the method further comprises: setting an on-local delay data sending timer according to the timing information.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The method of sending a second service request to the second satellite device further comprises: sending a second service request to the second satellite device after a time period predetermined by the timing information.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The first core network device comprises a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element, and the second core network device comprises a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element. The method of sending a first service request to the first satellite device further comprises: sending the first service request to the first control plane network element. The method of receiving a service request rejection message from the first satellite device further comprises: receiving a service request rejection message from the first control plane network element. The method of sending a second service request to the second satellite device further comprises: sending the second service request to the second control plane network element.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a service request response message sent by the second satellite device, the service request response message indicating that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized by, The redirection request is a Forward Relocation Request message, and the service request rejection message is a NAS message.

20. A method of communication, comprising: The method applied to a second satellite device, the method comprising: receiving a redirection request sent by a first satellite device, the redirection request indicating that the terminal device's service data is to be transmitted by the second satellite device; determining whether the terminal device can be provided with data transmission service by the second satellite device; in a case where the terminal device can be provided with data transmission service by the second satellite device, sending a redirection response message to the first satellite device, the redirection response message comprising an identity pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device; in a case where the terminal device cannot be provided with data transmission service by the second satellite device, sending a data transmission redirection rejection response message to the first satellite device. wherein the first satellite device comprises a first core network device, and the second satellite device comprises a second core network device.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, after sending the redirection response message to the first satellite device, the method further comprises: receiving a second service request sent by the terminal device, the second service request comprising an identity pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device, service data, and second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the terminal device supports store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a latency-tolerant type of the service data; in response to the second service request, transmitting the terminal device's service data.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The method further includes: sending a service request response message to the terminal device, the service request response message indicating that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The first core network device includes a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element; and the second core network device includes a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element. The receiving of the redirection request sent by the first satellite device includes: accepting the redirection request sent by the first control plane network element.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The redirection request includes security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, and context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, and the determining of whether the second satellite device can provide data transmission services for the terminal device further includes: determining, according to the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, the context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, and the storage and forwarding capability of the second satellite device, whether the second satellite device can provide data transmission services for the terminal device.

25. A communications device, characterized by The communication device includes a processor, a communication interface, and a memory coupled to the processor and the communication interface; The memory stores instructions, and the processor executes the instructions to cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 13, or to cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any one of claims 14 to 19, or to cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any one of claims 20 to 24.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed, the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 13 is implemented, or the communication method of any one of claims 14 to 19 is implemented, or the communication method of any one of claims 20 to 24 is implemented.

27. A satellite communication system, characterized by The satellite communication system includes a satellite network and a terminal device, the satellite network includes at least one satellite device, the satellite network includes a first satellite device and a second satellite device, the first satellite device includes the first control plane network element and the corresponding first forwarding plane network element, the second satellite device includes the second control plane network element and the corresponding second forwarding plane network element, the terminal device establishes a communication connection in a storage and forwarding mode with the first control plane network element, the first satellite device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, the terminal device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 14 to 19, and the second satellite device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 20 to 24.

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