Method and apparatus for determining communication mode, storage medium, and electronic apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a method and apparatus for determining a communication mode, a storage medium, and an electronic apparatus. The method comprises: receiving a first call request sent by a calling side second network element; when it is determined that the first call request carries a first identifier, determining subscription data of a calling user equipment (UE), wherein the first identifier is used for indicating that the calling UE is allowed to perform communication by means of a satellite; and when it is determined, on the basis of the subscription data of the calling UE, that the calling UE is allowed to perform communication by means of the satellite, returning to the calling side second network element the first call request carrying the first identifier, so that the calling side second network element triggers the calling UE to perform communication by means of the satellite.

Description

Methods and apparatus for determining communication modes, storage media and electronic devices

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411442012.X, filed on October 15, 2024, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Determining Communication Mode, Storage Medium and Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of satellite communication, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for determining a communication mode, a storage medium, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0004] With the increasing integration of satellite and terrestrial communication systems, there is a growing trend and practice of incorporating 3GPP (The 3rd Generation Partnership Project) 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) standards into satellite networks. Data channels are provided through the 5G standard, and satellite calls are also provided by the 5G standard IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem).

[0005] In this scenario, a method of communication directly via satellite is introduced, which enables communication data to be transmitted only between the UE terminal and the satellite, without returning to the ground via a power supply link.

[0006] However, no effective solution has been proposed in the relevant technologies for how to achieve communication via satellite. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, a method for determining a communication mode is provided, applied to a first network element on the calling side, comprising: receiving a first call request sent by a second network element on the calling side; determining the subscription data of a calling user equipment (UE) when it is determined that the first call request carries a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite; and returning the first call request carrying the first identifier to the second network element on the calling side when it is determined based on the subscription data of the calling UE that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, so that the second network element on the calling side triggers the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

[0008] In one embodiment, after determining the subscription data of the calling UE, the method further includes: if it is determined based on the subscription data of the calling UE that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite, removing the first identifier carried in the first call request to obtain a second call request; and returning the second call request to the calling side second network element so that the calling side second network element triggers the calling UE to perform other types of communication besides communicating via satellite.

[0009] In one embodiment, determining the subscription data of the calling UE includes at least one of the following: determining the subscription data of the calling UE from the subscription data of a plurality of UEs pre-stored locally, wherein the subscription data of the plurality of UEs is data pre-obtained from the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and stored locally when the plurality of UEs register; obtaining the subscription data of the calling UE from the Home Subscriber Server (HSS).

[0010] In one embodiment, the first call request carries the first identifier in at least one of the following ways: using the Access Network Information (PANI) header of the first call request; using the Require header and / or Support header of the first call request; or using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header additionally set in the first call request.

[0011] In one embodiment, when it is determined based on the subscription data of the calling UE that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, returning the first call request carrying the first identifier to the calling side second network element includes: when it is determined based on the subscription data of the calling UE and the first local configuration policy of the calling side first network element that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, returning the first call request carrying the first identifier to the calling side second network element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first local configuration policy includes at least one of the following: the calling UE's demand information, the downstream system's support capability for the UE to communicate via satellite, and a pre-configured configuration field indicating whether the UE is allowed to communicate via satellite.

[0013] In one embodiment, after determining the subscription data of the calling UE, the method further includes: if the subscription data of the calling UE contains information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for satellite communication, and the first local configuration policy indicates support for the calling UE to communicate via satellite, then determining that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite; if the subscription data of the calling UE does not contain information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for satellite communication, then determining that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite; if the subscription data of the calling UE contains information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for satellite communication, and the first local configuration policy indicates that support for the calling UE to communicate via satellite, then determining that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, a method for determining a communication mode is also provided, applied to a second network element on the calling side, comprising: receiving a first call request sent by a third network element on the calling side; sending the first call request to a first network element on the calling side to instruct the first network element on the calling side to determine, based on the subscription data of the calling UE, whether to remove the first identifier if it is determined that the first call request carries a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate that the calling user equipment UE is allowed to communicate via satellite; receiving the first call request carrying the first identifier returned by the first network element on the calling side if it is determined based on the subscription data of the calling UE to retain the first identifier; and triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the first call request.

[0015] In one embodiment, after sending the first call request to the calling party's first network element, the method further includes: receiving a second call request returned by the calling party's first network element, wherein the second call request is a call request obtained by the calling party's first network element after removing the first identifier carried in the first call request based on the subscription data of the calling UE; and triggering the calling UE to perform other types of communication besides communication via satellite based on the second call request.

[0016] In one embodiment, triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the first call request includes: sending the first call request to a called-side second network element to instruct the called-side second network element to trigger an operation within the called domain to determine whether communication between the calling and called UEs via satellite is permitted; receiving a response message returned by the called-side second network element; and, if it is determined that the response message carries the first identifier, triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

[0017] In one embodiment, triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the first call request includes: directly triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

[0018] In one embodiment, after sending the first call request to the called-side second network element, the method further includes: the called-side second network element sending the first call request to the called-side first network element to instruct the called-side first network element to determine whether to remove the first identifier based on the called UE's subscription data and / or a second local configuration policy; upon receiving a first call request from the called-side first network element indicating that the first identifier has not been removed, the called-side second network element sending the first call request to the called-side third network element to instruct the called-side third network element to determine whether to allow the called UE to communicate via satellite based on a third local configuration policy; and after receiving the first call request carrying the first identifier returned by the called-side third network element after determining that the called UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, the called-side second network element returns the response message carrying the first identifier to the calling-side second network element.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first call request carries the first identifier in at least one of the following ways: using the Access Network Information (PANI) header of the first call request; using the Require header and / or Support header of the first call request; or using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header additionally set in the first call request.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this application, a communication mode determination apparatus is provided, applied to a calling side second network element, comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it performs the following operations: receiving a first call request sent by the calling side second network element; determining the subscription data of a calling user equipment (UE) if the first call request carries a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate permission for the calling UE to communicate via satellite; and, if it is determined based on the subscription data of the calling UE that permission for the calling UE to communicate via satellite is granted, returning the first call request carrying the first identifier to the calling side second network element, so that the calling side second network element triggers the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

[0021] According to one embodiment of this application, a calling application server AS is also provided, including: a device for determining a communication mode as described in the above embodiments.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this application, another communication mode determination apparatus is also provided, applied to a second network element on the calling side, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it performs the following operations: receiving a first call request sent by a third network element on the calling side; sending the first call request to a first network element on the calling side to instruct the first network element on the calling side to determine, based on the subscription data of the calling user equipment (UE), whether to remove the first identifier if it is determined that the first call request carries a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite; receiving the first call request carrying the first identifier returned by the first network element on the calling side if it is determined to retain the first identifier based on the subscription data of the calling UE; and triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the first call request.

[0023] According to one embodiment of this application, a calling service call session control function (S-CSCF) is also provided, including: a device for determining another communication mode as described in the above embodiment.

[0024] According to one embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, wherein a computer program is stored in the computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0025] According to one embodiment of this application, an electronic device is also provided, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0026] According to one embodiment of this application, a computer program product is also provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0027] According to one embodiment of this application, a processor is also provided, the processor being configured to implement the steps of any of the above method embodiments by executing a built-in computer program. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 is a hardware structure block diagram of a mobile terminal for a method of determining a communication mode according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for determining a communication mode according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method for determining a communication mode according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the overall business interaction according to a specific embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0034] First, the relevant technologies associated with this application will be introduced:

[0035] Satellite phones establish 5G PDU (Protocol Data Unit) bearers according to 3GPP standards via satellite, and then establish call connections through the IMS system. The IMS system's P-CSCF (Proxy-Call Session Control Function) receives user signaling, the S-CSCF (Serving-Call Session Control Function) handles the connection, and the AS (Application Server) determines service subscriptions and processes the service. Communication data (e.g., voice media plane call data; the following explanation uses voice calls as an example) is processed by the IMS-AGW (IMS-Access Gateway).

[0036] To reduce latency and meet regulatory requirements, satellite systems can be designed to integrate the UPF (User Plane Function) and IMS-AGW onto the satellite. During a call, the IMS system determines whether the user's voice data can be directly processed by the IMS-AGW of the calling and called satellites. In other words, the terminals communicate via satellite (this operation can be called UE-SATELLITE-UE communication, i.e., user-satellite-user communication, or simply UE-Sat-UE communication or USU communication, or specifically USU voice call). Voice is transmitted only between the UE (User Equipment) terminal and the satellite, without returning to the ground via a power supply link.

[0037] In related technologies, whether to conduct USU communication is generally determined by the P-CSCF. The P-CSCF detects that the calling and called user terminals access the network via satellite, and that both satellites have gNB (gNodeB, 5G base station), UP (User Plane), and IMS-AGW, and that the two satellites can communicate directly. Therefore, by controlling the PCF (Policy Control Function), the on-board UPF is selected, and then the IMS-AGW is controlled to continue the session. The user's communication data is exchanged directly between the UPF and IMS-AGW on the two satellites.

[0038] It should be noted that the decision on whether to allow the calling and called UEs to conduct USU communication is mainly made by the P-CSCF. However, the P-CSCF uses the same logic for all users and does not take into account some specific data (such as user subscription data). Therefore, the operator cannot effectively control whether users can use USU communication.

[0039] In this embodiment, user subscription data can be used to control whether a user can use the USU service, thereby enabling the operator to precisely control the USU service and perform precise metering and billing. The following examples illustrate this application:

[0040] The methods and embodiments provided in this application can be executed in a mobile terminal, computer terminal, or similar computing device. Taking a mobile terminal as an example, FIG1 is a hardware structure block diagram of a mobile terminal for a method of determining a communication mode according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG1, the mobile terminal may include one or more (only one is shown in FIG1) processors 102 (processor 102 may include, but is not limited to, a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device FPGA, etc.) and a memory 104 configured to store data. The mobile terminal may also include a transmission device 106 for communication functions and an input / output device 108. Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure shown in FIG1 is only illustrative and does not limit the structure of the mobile terminal. For example, the mobile terminal may also include more or fewer components than shown in FIG1, or have a different configuration than shown in FIG1.

[0041] The memory 104 may be configured to store computer programs, such as application software programs and modules, like the computer program corresponding to the communication mode determination method in this embodiment. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer programs stored in the memory 104, thereby implementing the aforementioned method. The memory 104 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some instances, the memory 104 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories can be connected to the mobile terminal via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0042] The transmission device 106 is configured to receive or send data via a network. Specific examples of the network described above may include a wireless network provided by the mobile terminal's communication provider. In one example, the transmission device 106 includes a Network Interface Controller (NIC), which can connect to other network devices via a base station to communicate with the Internet. In another example, the transmission device 106 may be a Radio Frequency (RF) module configured to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0043] This embodiment provides a method for determining a communication mode. Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for determining a communication mode according to an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the first network element on the calling side. As shown in Figure 2, the process includes the following steps:

[0044] Step S202: Receive the first call request sent by the second network element on the calling side;

[0045] Step S204: If it is determined that the first call request carries a first identifier, determine the subscription data of the calling user equipment (UE), wherein the first identifier is used to indicate that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite;

[0046] Step S206: If it is determined based on the subscription data of the calling UE that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, the first call request carrying the first identifier is returned to the calling side second network element, so that the calling side second network element triggers the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the first network element on the calling side may include the calling side AS, and the second network element on the calling side may include the calling side P-CSCF. The first call request may be a call request generated by the third network element on the calling side (e.g., the calling proxy call session control function P-CSCF) after receiving the initial call request sent by the calling UE and performing predetermined processing on the initial call request, and then sent to the calling side S-CSCF. The first identifier may be an identifier added by the calling side P-CSCF when it determines that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite. The first identifier may also be called UE-SATELLITE-UE identifier, UE-Sat-UE identifier, or USU identifier.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the calling user (i.e., the calling UE) initiates satellite communication (or satellite phone) and sends a SIP INVITE (Session Initiation Protocol INVITE, i.e., the initial call request) to the calling side's P-CSCF. The P-CSCF will perform pre-processing on the SIP INVITE based on the actual situation. The pre-processing mainly includes the following:

[0049] 1) In the SIP INVITE (which can be in the SIP INVITE extension header, such as the PANI (P-Access-Network-Information) header), add information related to the satellite accessed by the calling user, that is, add descriptive service satellite information, wherein the descriptive service satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0050] Satellite orbital parameters (e.g., satellite orbital type, orbital altitude, orbital inclination, orbital period, etc.), satellite functions (i.e., the main functions of the satellite, such as communication, navigation, remote sensing, Earth observation, etc.), satellite coverage area, satellite performance parameters (e.g., positioning accuracy, velocity strategy accuracy, timing accuracy, communication bandwidth, frequency range, etc.), satellite launch information (e.g., launch time, launch location), satellite identifier, satellite type, etc.

[0051] 2) Add the UE-SATELLITE-UE identifier to the INVITE message according to the P-CSCF local configuration.

[0052] The P-CSCF local configuration includes user requirements, downstream system capabilities, and whether the currently adjudicated system allows USU services (for example, if a configuration field in the local configuration is disable-USU, it means that all UEs corresponding to requests passing through this P-CSCF are not allowed to make direct calls, i.e., USU communication is not allowed; conversely, if a configuration field in the local configuration is enable-USU, it means that all UEs corresponding to requests passing through this P-CSCF can make direct calls). In other words, in addition to obtaining information from the terminal side and the satellite side for judgment, the P-CSCF can also additionally determine whether USU communication is allowed based on its own local configuration.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the entity performing each of the above steps may be the calling AS, or a processing network element or system integrated with an AS, or a network element or system associated with the calling AS, or other devices or systems with similar processing capabilities.

[0054] In the above embodiments, since the subscription data of the calling UE is comprehensively considered when determining whether to allow the calling UE to communicate via satellite, it is possible to determine whether to allow the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the actual services activated by the calling UE. This achieves precise control over services that communicate via satellite and effectively solves the problem in related technologies that cannot effectively achieve communication via satellite.

[0055] In one embodiment, after determining the subscription data of the calling UE, the method further includes: if it is determined based on the subscription data of the calling UE that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite, removing the first identifier carried in the first call request to obtain a second call request; and returning the second call request to the calling side second network element so that the calling side second network element triggers the calling UE to perform other types of communication besides communicating via satellite.

[0056] In the above embodiments, if it is determined based on the UE's subscription data that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite, the first identifier carried in the first call request needs to be processed. For example, the first identifier can be directly removed. Of course, other processing can also be considered, such as hiding, modifying, or replacing the first identifier, so that the first call request does not carry the first identifier. The specific processing method can be determined based on actual needs. Through the above methods, precise control over whether the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite can be achieved.

[0057] In one embodiment, determining the subscription data of the calling UE includes at least one of the following: determining the subscription data of the calling UE from the subscription data of a plurality of UEs pre-stored locally, wherein the subscription data of the plurality of UEs is data pre-obtained from the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and stored locally when the plurality of UEs register; obtaining the subscription data of the calling UE from the Home Subscriber Server (HSS).

[0058] In the above embodiments, the calling AS can obtain the registered UE's subscription data from the HSS during UE registration and store it locally. Therefore, when subscription data is needed, it can directly query the locally stored subscription data, saving query time. Furthermore, for calling ASs with limited local storage space, it can also query the calling UE's subscription data from the HSS only after receiving a request. Although this method will consume more query time, it can reduce unnecessary local storage space usage and improve local storage space utilization to some extent.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first call request carries the first identifier in at least one of the following ways: using the Access Network Information (PANI) header of the first call request; using the Require header and / or Support header of the first call request; or using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header additionally set in the first call request.

[0060] In the above embodiments, when using an additionally configured SIP header to carry the first identifier, a USU header can be added to the SIP header, and relevant parameters (or related identifiers) can be configured in the USU header. Alternatively, the relevant parameters can be configured directly in the SIP header. It should be noted that the above carrying methods are only examples; other carrying methods can be used in practical applications, such as carrying using other 3GPP specifications. It should also be noted that both the calling and called ASs in the IMS system obtain user subscription data by downloading IMS transparent data from the HSS. Since the format of IMS transparent data does not specify a particular way to describe user services in the 3GPP protocol framework, other formats that can define USU services are acceptable, as long as the IMS transparent data contains corresponding fields to describe whether the user has activated the USU service.

[0061] In one embodiment, when it is determined based on the calling UE's subscription data that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, returning the first call request carrying the first identifier to the calling side second network element includes: when it is determined based on the calling UE's subscription data and the calling side first network element's first local configuration policy that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, returning the first call request carrying the first identifier to the calling side second network element. In this embodiment, in addition to determining whether to allow the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the calling UE's subscription data, the calling side first network element's first local configuration policy can also be considered. That is, multiple aspects of information are used to determine whether to allow the calling UE to communicate via satellite, thereby making the determination result more reasonable.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first local configuration policy includes at least one of the following: the calling UE's demand information, the downstream system's support capability for the UE to communicate via satellite, and a pre-configured configuration field indicating whether the UE is allowed to communicate via satellite.

[0063] It should be noted that the content included in this local configuration policy is only an example. In actual applications, other content may also be included, such as authentication and authorization mechanisms, regulatory and compliance requirements, session management and control, load balancing policies, priority configuration policies, and so on.

[0064] In one embodiment, after determining the subscription data of the calling UE and the first local configuration policy, the method further includes: if the subscription data of the calling UE contains information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for satellite communication, and the first local configuration policy indicates that the calling UE is supported to communicate via satellite, then determining that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite; if the subscription data of the calling UE does not contain information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for satellite communication, then determining that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite; if the subscription data of the calling UE contains information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for satellite communication, and the first local configuration policy indicates that the calling UE is not supported to communicate via satellite, then determining that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite.

[0065] In the above embodiments, when determining whether to allow the calling UE to conduct USU communication, the local configuration policy and subscription data can be combined for judgment. Using a method that combines multiple pieces of information for judgment can make the judgment result more accurate.

[0066] This embodiment also provides a method for determining a communication mode. Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method for determining a communication mode according to an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the second network element on the calling side. As shown in Figure 3, the process includes the following steps:

[0067] Step S302: Receive the first call request sent by the third network element on the calling side;

[0068] Step S304: The first call request is sent to the first network element on the calling side to instruct the first network element on the calling side to determine whether to remove the first identifier based on the subscription data of the calling UE when it is determined that the first identifier is carried in the first call request. The first identifier is used to indicate that the calling user equipment UE is allowed to communicate via satellite.

[0069] Step S306: Receive the first call request carrying the first identifier returned by the first network element on the calling side, after determining to retain the first identifier based on the subscription data of the calling UE.

[0070] Step S308: Based on the first call request, the calling UE is triggered to communicate via satellite.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the first call request is a call request generated by the calling side third network element after receiving the initial call request sent by the calling user equipment UE and performing predetermined processing on the initial call request.

[0072] The first network element on the calling side may include the calling side AS, the second network element on the calling side may include the calling side P-CSCF, and the third network element on the calling side may include the calling side P-CSCF.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the calling user (i.e., the calling UE) will initiate satellite communication (or satellite phone) and send a SIP INVITE (Session Initiation Protocol INVITE, i.e., the initial call request) to the P-CSCF. The P-CSCF will perform pre-processing on the SIP INVITE based on the actual situation and send the processed call request to the S-CSCF. The specific processing method of the P-CSCF can be referred to the content described in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0074] The entity executing each of the above steps may be the calling S-CSCF, a processing network element or system integrated with an S-CSCF, a network element or system associated with the calling S-CSCF, or other devices or systems with similar processing capabilities.

[0075] In the above embodiments, since the subscription data of the calling UE is comprehensively considered when determining whether to allow the calling UE to communicate via satellite, it is possible to determine whether to allow the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the actual services activated by the calling UE. This achieves precise control over services that communicate via satellite and effectively solves the problem in related technologies that cannot effectively achieve communication via satellite.

[0076] In one embodiment, after sending the first call request to the calling party's first network element, the method further includes: receiving a second call request returned by the calling party's first network element, wherein the second call request is a call request obtained by the calling party's first network element after removing the first identifier carried in the first call request based on the subscription data of the calling UE; and triggering the calling UE to perform other types of communication besides communication via satellite based on the second call request.

[0077] In the above embodiments, when the calling UE determines that it is not allowed to communicate via satellite based on the calling UE's subscription data (in practical applications, the local configuration strategy of the calling UE can also be considered), the calling UE needs to process the first identifier carried in the first call request. Similarly, in addition to directly removing the first identifier, other processing can be performed on the first identifier, such as hiding, modifying, or replacing it, so that the first call request does not carry the first identifier. The specific processing method can be determined based on actual needs.

[0078] In one embodiment, triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the first call request includes: sending the first call request to the called side second network element to instruct the called side second network element to trigger an operation in the called IMS domain to determine whether communication between the calling and called UEs via satellite is allowed; receiving a response message returned by the called side second network element; and, if it is determined that the response message carries the first identifier, triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

[0079] In the above embodiments, the called-side second network element includes the called-side S-CSCF. Furthermore, the called-side first network element mentioned in this application embodiment may include the called-side AS, and the called-side third network element may include the called-side P-CSCF. The first identifier carried in the response message is added when it is determined within the called IMS domain that communication between the calling and called UEs via satellite is permitted.

[0080] In the above embodiments, the determination of whether to allow communication between the calling and called UEs via satellite can be made by combining the judgments in the IMS domains on both sides of the calling side. That is, communication between the calling and called parties via satellite will only be allowed if the calling side IMS domain determines that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, and at the same time, the called side IMS domain determines that the called UE is allowed to communicate via satellite.

[0081] It should be noted that the above judgment method is only an exemplary implementation. In practical applications, it is also possible to determine whether the calling and called UEs are allowed to communicate via satellite based solely on the judgment of one party's IMS domain. In this case, triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the first call request includes: directly triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

[0082] In other words, if the calling UE determines that it is allowed to communicate via satellite in the IMS domain of the calling side, the operation of satellite communication between the calling and called parties will be triggered. Similarly, if the called UE determines that it is allowed to communicate via satellite in the IMS domain of the called side, the operation of satellite communication between the calling and called parties can also be triggered. That is to say, as long as one of the calling or called UEs can communicate via satellite, the two are allowed to talk via satellite. This ensures that users who have activated satellite communication services can use the satellite communication function to the maximum extent and effectively improve the user experience.

[0083] In one embodiment, after sending the first call request to the called-side second network element, the method further includes: the called-side second network element sending the first call request to the called-side first network element to instruct the called-side first network element to determine whether to remove the first identifier based on the called UE's subscription data and / or a second local configuration policy; upon receiving a first call request from the called-side first network element indicating that the first identifier has not been removed, the called-side second network element sending the first call request to the called-side third network element to instruct the called-side third network element to determine whether to allow the called UE to communicate via satellite based on a third local configuration policy; and after receiving the first call request carrying the first identifier returned by the called-side third network element after determining that the called UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, the called-side second network element returns the response message carrying the first identifier to the calling-side second network element. In this embodiment, the processing logic of each network element on the called side is actually similar to that of each network element on the calling side. In addition, the above response message can be of various types. For example, it can be a temporary response message, such as 183 Session Progress (or simply 183 Progress). Of course, it can also be other types of response messages, such as 100 Trying, 200 OK, etc.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first call request carries the first identifier in at least one of the following ways: using the Access Network Information (PANI) header of the first call request; using the Require header and / or Support header of the first call request; or using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header additionally set in the first call request.

[0085] Similar to the embodiments described above, the above-mentioned carrying methods are only a few examples. In practical applications, other carrying methods can also be used, such as carrying using other 3GPP specifications, etc.

[0086] The above embodiments are all described from one perspective. For ease of understanding, the present application will be described in its entirety below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0087] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the overall business interaction according to a specific embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, it includes the following:

[0088] S402, the calling user initiates a satellite call by sending a SIP INVITE (corresponding to the aforementioned initial call request) to the P-CSCF.

[0089] S404, P-CSCF adds description of the serving satellite information to the PANI header of the INVITE protocol, and adds the UE-SATELLITE-UE identifier (corresponding to the satellite UE-Sat-UE identifier shown in Figure 4) to the INVITE message according to the local configuration of P-CSCF.

[0090] S406, the INVITE message (a message with the UE-SATELLITE-UE identifier added, corresponding to the aforementioned first call request) is triggered by the S-CSCF to the calling AS.

[0091] S408, the calling AS has transparent data of the user (e.g., subscription data, which is mainly obtained in this embodiment). This subscription data is stored in the HSS by the operator according to the UE-SATELLITE-UE service (i.e., whether the service allows communication between UEs via satellite) subscription status, and the AS reads it from the HSS when the user registers.

[0092] S410, the calling AS determines whether the user can use the service based on whether the UE-SATELLITE-UE service is enabled in the service information (i.e., user subscription data) in the transparent data and the AS's local configuration policy. If the user can use the service, the UE-SATELLITE-UE identifier in the INVITE will not be modified; if the user cannot use the UE-SATELLITE-UE service, the AS will remove the UE-SATELLITE-UE identifier.

[0093] S412, the calling AS returns an INVITE message to the calling S-CSCF.

[0094] S414, the calling S-CSCF sends an INVITE message to the network element in the called IMS domain.

[0095] S416, the called party's IMS domain determines whether USU communication is permitted. The processing flow on the called side is similar to that on the calling side. For example, the called AS determines whether to retain the UE-SATELLITE-UE identifier based on whether the UE-SATELLITE-UE service is enabled in the transparent data (e.g., user subscription data) in the HSS and the AS's local configuration policy. The called P-CSCF selects whether to use the satellite IMS-AGW based on whether the UE-SATELLITE-UE service is supported and its local configuration (the called P-CSCF can also select whether to use the satellite IMS-AGW based solely on its local configuration) and triggers the corresponding management process through the PCF.

[0096] S418, the network element in the called IMS domain returns the INVITE response 183 Session Progress (corresponding to 183 Progress in Figure 4) to the S-CSCF. If it is determined in the called IMS domain that USU communication is allowed, the response will also carry the UE-SATELLITE-UE identifier.

[0097] After the 183 Session Progress signaling is sent back to the calling P-CSCF by the calling S-CSCF, the calling P-CSCF determines whether to use the satellite's IMS-AGW based on whether the 183 Session Progress signaling carries the UE-SATELLITE-UE identifier and its local configuration, and triggers the corresponding management procedure through the PCF. Specifically, when both the calling and called parties use the satellite's UPF and IMS-AGW, a UE-SATELLITE-UE call is formed; otherwise, it is a non-UE-SATELLITE-UE call.

[0098] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods according to the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0099] This embodiment also provides a communication mode determination device, which is configured to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments; details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can refer to a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0100] According to another embodiment of this application, a communication mode determination apparatus is provided, applied to a first network element on the calling side, comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it performs the following operations: receiving a first call request sent by a second network element on the calling side; determining the subscription data of a calling user equipment (UE) if the first call request carries a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite; and returning the first call request carrying the first identifier to the second network element on the calling side if it is determined based on the subscription data of the calling UE that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, so that the second network element on the calling side triggers the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

[0101] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it can also perform the following operations: after determining the subscription data of the calling UE, if it is determined based on the subscription data of the calling UE that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite, remove the first identifier carried in the first call request to obtain a second call request; return the second call request to the calling side second network element so that the calling side second network element triggers the calling UE to perform other types of communication besides communicating via satellite.

[0102] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it may determine the subscription data of the calling UE in at least one of the following ways: determining the subscription data of the calling UE from the subscription data of a plurality of UEs pre-stored locally, wherein the subscription data of the plurality of UEs is data pre-obtained from the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and stored locally when the plurality of UEs register; obtaining the subscription data of the calling UE from the HSS.

[0103] In one embodiment, the first call request carries the first identifier in at least one of the following ways: using the Access Network Information (PANI) header of the first call request; using the Require header and / or Support header of the first call request; or using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header additionally set in the first call request.

[0104] In one embodiment, the first local configuration policy includes at least one of the following: the calling UE's demand information, the downstream system's support capability for the UE to communicate via satellite, and a pre-configured configuration field indicating whether the UE is allowed to communicate via satellite.

[0105] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it may further perform the following operations: after determining the subscription data of the calling UE, if the subscription data of the calling UE contains information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for satellite communication, and the first local configuration policy indicates that the calling UE is supported to communicate via satellite, then the processor determines that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite; if the subscription data of the calling UE does not contain information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for satellite communication, then the processor determines that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite; if the subscription data of the calling UE contains information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for satellite communication, and the first local configuration policy indicates that the processor is not supported to communicate via satellite, then the processor determines that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite.

[0106] According to another embodiment of this application, a calling application server AS is also provided, including: a means for determining the communication mode as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0107] According to another embodiment of this application, a different communication mode determination apparatus is also provided, applied to a second network element on the calling side, comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it performs the following operations: receiving a first call request sent by a third network element on the calling side; sending the first call request to a first network element on the calling side to instruct the first network element on the calling side, if it determines that the first call request carries a first identifier, to determine whether to remove the first identifier based on the subscription data of the calling user equipment (UE), wherein the first identifier is used to indicate that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite; receiving the first call request carrying the first identifier returned by the first network element on the calling side if it determines to retain the first identifier based on the subscription data of the calling UE; and triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the first call request.

[0108] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it can also perform the following operations: after sending the first call request to the calling side first network element, it receives a second call request returned by the calling side first network element, wherein the second call request is a call request obtained by the calling side first network element after removing the first identifier carried in the first call request based on the subscription data of the calling UE; and triggers the calling UE to perform other types of communication besides communication via satellite based on the second call request.

[0109] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it can trigger the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the first call request in the following manner: sending the first call request to the called side second network element to instruct the called side second network element to trigger an operation within the called domain to determine whether communication between the calling and called UEs via satellite is allowed; receiving a response message returned by the called side second network element; and, if it is determined that the response message carries the first identifier, triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

[0110] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it can trigger the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the first call request by directly triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

[0111] In one embodiment, after sending the first call request to the called-side second network element, the called-side second network element performs the following operations: the called-side second network element sends the first call request to the called-side first network element to instruct the called-side first network element to determine whether to remove the first identifier based on the called UE's subscription data and / or a second local configuration policy; if the called-side second network element receives a first call request from the called-side first network element indicating that the first identifier has not been removed, the called-side second network element sends the first call request to the called-side third network element to instruct the called-side third network element to determine whether to allow the called UE to communicate via satellite based on a third local configuration policy; after receiving the first call request carrying the first identifier returned by the called-side third network element after determining that the called UE can communicate via satellite, the called-side second network element returns the response message carrying the first identifier to the calling-side second network element.

[0112] In one embodiment, the first call request carries the first identifier in at least one of the following ways: using the Access Network Information (PANI) header of the first call request; using the Require header and / or Support header of the first call request; or using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header additionally set in the first call request.

[0113] According to another embodiment of this application, a calling service call session control function (S-CSCF) is also provided, including: a means for determining the communication mode as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0114] According to another embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, wherein a computer program is stored therein, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps described in any of the above method embodiments.

[0115] In one exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, various media capable of storing computer programs, such as a USB flash drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard disk, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0116] According to another embodiment of this application, an electronic device is also provided, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps described in any of the above method embodiments.

[0117] In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may further include a transmission device and an input / output device, wherein the transmission device is connected to the processor and the input / output device is connected to the processor.

[0118] According to another embodiment of this application, a computer program product is also provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps described in any of the method embodiments.

[0119] According to another embodiment of this application, a processor is also provided, the processor being configured to implement the steps described in any of the method embodiments by executing a built-in computer program. In this embodiment, the processor may be a computer chip or a pre-configured communication module, wherein the type of the communication module may be configured based on actual circumstances.

[0120] It should be noted that the above steps can also be implemented by specific modules, which can be implemented by software or hardware. For the latter, it can be implemented in the following ways, but not limited to these: all the above modules are located in the same processor; or, the above modules are located in different processors in any combination.

[0121] Specific examples in this embodiment can be found in the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0122] Obviously, those skilled in the art should understand that the modules or steps of this application described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. They can be implemented using computer-executable program code, and thus can be stored in a storage device for execution by a computing device. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than those presented here, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, this application is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0123] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for determining a communication mode, applied to a first network element on the calling side, comprising: Receive the first call request sent by the second network element on the calling side; If it is determined that the first call request carries a first identifier, the subscription data of the calling user equipment (UE) is determined, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite; If, based on the subscription data of the calling UE, it is determined that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, the first call request carrying the first identifier is returned to the calling side second network element, so that the calling side second network element triggers the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, After determining the calling UE's subscription data, the method further includes: If it is determined based on the subscription data of the calling UE that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite, the first identifier carried in the first call request is removed to obtain the second call request; The second call request is returned to the calling side second network element, so that the calling side second network element triggers the calling UE to perform other types of communication besides communication via satellite.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The subscription data for the calling UE includes at least one of the following: The subscription data of the calling UE is determined from the subscription data of multiple UEs pre-stored locally, wherein the subscription data of the multiple UEs is data that is pre-obtained from the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and stored locally when the multiple UEs register. The subscription data of the calling UE is obtained from the Home Subscriber Server (HSS).

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first call request carries the first identifier by at least one of the following methods: The first identifier is carried in the PANI header of the first call request; Use the Require header and / or Support header of the first call request to carry the first identifier; The first identifier is carried in the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header, which is additionally set in the first call request.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, When it is determined, based on the subscription data of the calling UE, that the calling UE is permitted to communicate via satellite, returning the first call request carrying the first identifier to the second network element on the calling side includes: If, based on the subscription data of the calling UE and the first local configuration policy of the calling side first network element, it is determined that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, the first call request carrying the first identifier is returned to the calling side second network element.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The first local configuration policy includes at least one of the following: The calling UE's demand information, the downstream system's support capability for the UE to communicate via satellite, and the pre-configured configuration field indicating whether the UE is allowed to communicate via satellite.

7. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein, After determining the calling UE's subscription data, the method further includes: If the subscription data of the calling UE contains information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for communication via satellite, and the first local configuration policy is used to indicate support for the calling UE to communicate via satellite, then it is determined that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite. If it is determined that the calling UE's subscription data does not contain information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for communication via satellite, then it is determined that the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite. If the calling UE's subscription data contains information indicating that the calling UE has activated a service for satellite communication, and the first local configuration policy indicates that satellite communication is not supported for the calling UE, then the calling UE is not allowed to communicate via satellite.

8. A method for determining a communication mode, applied to a second network element on the calling side, comprising: Receive the first call request sent by the third network element on the calling side; The first call request is sent to the calling side first network element to instruct the calling side first network element to determine whether to remove the first identifier based on the subscription data of the calling user equipment UE if it is determined that the first identifier is carried in the first call request. The first identifier is used to indicate that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite. Receive the first call request carrying the first identifier returned by the first network element on the calling side, if it determines to retain the first identifier based on the subscription data of the calling UE; The calling UE is triggered to communicate via satellite based on the first call request.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, After sending the first call request to the calling party's first network element, the method further includes: The first network element on the calling side receives a second call request, wherein the second call request is a call request obtained by the first network element on the calling side after removing the first identifier carried in the first call request based on the subscription data of the calling UE. The calling UE is triggered to conduct other types of communication besides communication via satellite based on the second call request.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, Triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the first call request includes: The first call request is sent to the called side second network element to instruct the called side second network element to trigger an operation within the called domain to determine whether communication between the calling and called UEs via satellite is allowed; Receive the response message returned by the called party's second network element; If the response message is found to carry the first identifier, the calling UE is triggered to communicate via satellite.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein, Triggering the calling UE to communicate via satellite based on the first call request includes: This directly triggers the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, After sending the first call request to the called party's second network element, the method further includes: The called side second network element sends the first call request to the called side first network element to instruct the called side first network element to determine whether to remove the first identifier based on the called UE's subscription data and / or the second local configuration policy; When the called-side second network element receives the first call request returned by the called-side first network element indicating that the first identifier has not been removed, it sends the first call request to the called-side third network element to instruct the called-side third network element to determine whether to allow the called UE to communicate via satellite based on a third local configuration policy. After receiving the first call request carrying the first identifier returned by the third network element on the called side after determining that the called UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, the second network element on the called side returns the response message carrying the first identifier to the second network element on the calling side.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein, The first call request carries the first identifier by at least one of the following methods: The first identifier is carried in the PANI header of the first call request; Use the Require header and / or Support header of the first call request to carry the first identifier; The first identifier is carried in the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header, which is additionally set in the first call request.

14. A communication mode determining apparatus applied to a second network element on a calling side, comprising: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, performs the following operations: Receive the first call request sent by the second network element on the calling side; If it is determined that the first call request carries a first identifier, the subscription data of the calling user equipment (UE) is determined, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite; If, based on the subscription data of the calling UE, it is determined that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite, the first call request carrying the first identifier is returned to the calling side second network element, so that the calling side second network element triggers the calling UE to communicate via satellite.

15. A calling Application Server, AS, comprising: The communication mode determination device according to claim 14.

16. A communication mode determination apparatus applied to a calling side second network element, comprising: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, performs the following operations: Receive the first call request sent by the third network element on the calling side; The first call request is sent to the calling side first network element to instruct the calling side first network element to determine whether to remove the first identifier based on the subscription data of the calling user equipment UE if it is determined that the first identifier is carried in the first call request. The first identifier is used to indicate that the calling UE is allowed to communicate via satellite. Receive the first call request carrying the first identifier returned by the first network element on the calling side, if it determines to retain the first identifier based on the subscription data of the calling UE; The calling UE is triggered to communicate via satellite based on the first call request.

17. A calling serving call session control function, S-CSCF, comprising: The communication mode determination device according to claim 16.

18. A computer readable storage medium having stored therein a computer program, wherein, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the steps of the method described in any one of claims 8 to 13.

19. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

20. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

21. A processor configured to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, or the steps of the method of any one of claims 8 to 13, by executing a built-in computer program.

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