Communication methods, communication device, communication system, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to communication methods, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium and a program product. A communication method is executed by a first node. The first node is deployed in a satellite, and has a store-and-forward function for data and signaling. The communication method comprises: acquiring first information, the first information comprising at least one of the following: first time information, used for indicating a time at which a second node sends first data to the first node; second time information, used for indicating a time at which the second node receives the first data; third time information, used for indicating a time at which the first node sends the first data; and first location information, used for indicating the location of a terminal. The present disclosure can be used for effective management and analysis of data.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] To extend the coverage of mobile communication networks, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) were introduced. In NTNs, aerial equipment such as satellites and high-altitude platforms are used to supplement terrestrial communication networks. This provides a solution for achieving seamless global coverage. NTNs further incorporate a store-and-forward (S&F) mode. This mode allows communication to continue using NTNs even when the link between aerial and ground equipment is interrupted. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. This communication method is performed by a first node. The communication method includes: acquiring first information; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, used to indicate the time when a second node sends first data to the first node; second time information, used to indicate the time when the second node receives the first data; third time information, used to indicate the time when the first node sends the first data; and first location information, used to indicate the location of a terminal. The first node is deployed in a satellite and has data and signaling store-and-forward capabilities.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. This communication method is performed by a second node. The communication method includes: sending first data and first information to a first node; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, used to indicate the time when the second node sends the first data to the first node; second time information, used to indicate the time when the second node receives the first data; and first location information, used to indicate the location of a terminal. The first node is deployed in a satellite and has data and signaling store-and-forward capabilities.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication device is provided. This communication device is used to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first node and a second node. The first node is configured to implement the communication method as described in the first aspect. The second node is configured to implement the communication method as described in the second aspect.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a program product is provided. The program product includes at least one of a program and instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the steps of the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0012] Through the embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to manage and analyze data communication in NTN in store-and-forward mode.

[0013] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary scenario of NTN.

[0017] Figure 2B is an exemplary schematic diagram of the store-and-forward mode of NTN.

[0018] Figure 3A is an exemplary schematic diagram of one deployment method of NTN.

[0019] Figure 3B is an exemplary schematic diagram of another NTN deployment method.

[0020] Figure 4A is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4B is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4C is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4D is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5 is an exemplary interaction diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 6A is an exemplary interaction diagram of one embodiment of the communication method provided according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 6B is an exemplary interaction diagram of another embodiment of the communication method provided according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 7 is an exemplary structural diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 8A is an exemplary structural diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8B is an exemplary structural diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0031] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is performed by a first node. The communication method includes: acquiring first information. The first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, used to indicate the time when a second node sends first data to the first node; second time information, used to indicate the time when the second node receives the first data; third time information, used to indicate the time when the first node sends the first data; and first location information, used to indicate the location of a terminal. The first node is deployed in a satellite and has data and signaling store-and-forward capabilities.

[0032] In the above embodiments, a first node is deployed in a satellite with store-and-forward capability, and the first node can acquire at least one of first time information, second time information, third time information, and first location information. This information can indicate the time related to the transmission of first data in store-and-forward mode, and / or the location of the terminal when transmitting the first data. This information helps to record the transmission time and location of the first data when the feeder link is unavailable, enabling effective data management and analysis, thereby effectively managing data communication behavior.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be used to implement management and analysis of the first data.

[0034] In the above embodiments, based on the first information indicating the transmission time and / or the terminal location, data can be effectively managed and analyzed, thereby effectively managing data communication behavior.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first location information may include at least one of the following: a tracking area serving the terminal; a cell serving the terminal; an access network device serving the terminal; or a satellite serving the terminal.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the first location information can indicate the terminal's location in different ways and with different granularities. For example, the first location information can represent the tracking area, cell, access network equipment, satellite, etc., where the terminal is located. Thus, depending on different application scenarios, network configurations, and user needs, terminal-related data can be managed and analyzed based on the terminal location indicated by different methods and granularities, thereby improving the flexibility of management and analysis and enhancing communication performance.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the operation of obtaining the first information may include: receiving the first information sent by the second node, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, second time information, and first location information.

[0038] In the above embodiments, all or part of the first information can be received by the first node from the second node. When the first node itself cannot obtain or finds it inconvenient to obtain the first information, it can do so through the second node. This ensures data management and analysis based on the first information.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above communication method further includes: receiving first data sent by a second node.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above communication method may further include: sending first data and / or first information to the third node when the link between the first node and the third node is available; and storing the first data and first information when the link between the first node and the third node is unavailable.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the first node can send the acquired first information along with the first data to the third node. When the third node is deployed on the ground and located in the core network, the first information acquired by the third node can be used for effective management and analysis of data in the terrestrial network, thereby effectively managing data communication behavior.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above communication method may further include: deleting first data and first information when a first condition is met; wherein the first condition includes one of the following: the first node completes the transmission of the first data; the first node receives a reception confirmation from the third node for the first data; or the configuration timeout occurs.

[0043] In the above embodiments, a first condition can be set for the storage of the first data and the first information. When the first condition is met, the stored first data and the first information are deleted. In this way, the first data and the first information stored in the first node can be deleted in a timely manner while ensuring the transmission of the first data and the management and analysis based on the first information. Given the limited hardware resources of the satellite, this can prevent the first data and the first information from occupying the satellite's storage resources for a long time, thereby improving the utilization rate of storage resources.

[0044] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is performed by a second node. The communication method includes: sending first data and first information to a first node. The first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, indicating the time when the second node sends the first data to the first node; second time information, indicating the time when the second node receives the first data; and first location information, indicating the location of the terminal. The first node is deployed in a satellite and has data and signaling store-and-forward capabilities.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be used to implement management and analysis of the first data.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first location information may include at least one of the following: a tracking area serving the terminal; a cell serving the terminal; an access network device serving the terminal; or a satellite serving the terminal.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second node can be deployed on a terrestrial network; wherein, the above method may further include: storing first data and first information when the link between the first node and the second node is unavailable.

[0048] In a third aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. This communication device is disposed at a first node. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to acquire first information. The first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, used to indicate the time when a second node sends first data to the first node; second time information, used to indicate the time when the second node receives the first data; third time information, used to indicate the time when the first node sends the first data; and first location information, used to indicate the location of a terminal. The first node is deployed in a satellite and has data and signaling store-and-forward capabilities.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be used to implement management and analysis of the first data.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first location information may include at least one of the following: a tracking area serving the terminal; a cell serving the terminal; an access network device serving the terminal; or a satellite serving the terminal.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be configured to: receive first information sent by the second node, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, second time information, and first location information.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to receive first data sent by the second node.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send first data and / or first information to the third node when the link between the first node and the third node is available; and store the first data and first information when the link between the first node and the third node is unavailable.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the communication device described above may further include a processing module. The processing module is configured to: delete the first data and the first information when a first condition is met; wherein the first condition includes one of the following: the first node completes the transmission of the first data; the first node receives a reception confirmation from the third node for the first data; or a configuration timeout occurs.

[0055] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. This communication device is located at a second node. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send first data and first information to a first node, wherein the first node is deployed in a satellite and has store-and-forward functionality for data and signaling. The first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, indicating the time when the second node sends the first data to the first node; second time information, indicating the time when the second node receives the first data; and first location information, indicating the location of the terminal. The first node is deployed in a satellite and has store-and-forward functionality for data and signaling.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be used to implement management and analysis of the first data.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first location information may include at least one of the following: a tracking area serving the terminal; a cell serving the terminal; an access network device serving the terminal; or a satellite serving the terminal.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second node can be deployed on a terrestrial network; wherein, the aforementioned communication device may further include a determining module. The determining module is configured to store first data and first information in the event that the link between the first node and the second node is unavailable.

[0059] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. This communication device is used to perform the communication methods described in the first and second aspects, and any of their possible implementations.

[0060] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first node and a second node. The first node is configured to implement the communication method as described in any of the first aspect and its possible embodiments. The second node is configured to implement the communication method as described in any of the second aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0061] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first and second aspects, and any of their possible implementations.

[0062] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product. This program product includes at least one of a program and instructions. When executed by a communication device, the program or instructions implement the communication method as described in the first and second aspects, and their possible embodiments.

[0063] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program. When this computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication methods described in the first and second aspects, and any of their possible implementations.

[0064] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication methods described in the first and second aspects, and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0065] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, chip systems, etc., are all used to execute the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, terms such as communication apparatus, communication device, and information processing apparatus may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, terms such as information processing system and communication system may be used interchangeably.

[0067] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementations in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. Moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. As another example, a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with optional implementations of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0068] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0070] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0071] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0072] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0073] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0074] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0075] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0076] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0077] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "when...", "when...", "if...", etc., can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, without necessarily limiting the time, nor requiring the device to perform a judgment action during implementation, nor implying that other limitations must exist.

[0078] In some embodiments, the terms "greater than", "more than", "higher than", and "exceeding" can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the terms "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", and "above" can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the terms "less than", "less than", and "lower than" can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the terms "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be used interchangeably.

[0079] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “network function”, “network device”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0080] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0081] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0082] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0083] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0084] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0085] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0086] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0087] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0088] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network device 103.

[0089] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0090] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 is, for example, a node or device that connects the terminal 101 to a wireless network. In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: an evolved Node B (eNB), a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a radio backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open RAN, a cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, and an access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0091] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architectures. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0092] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0093] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a single device, including a first network element 1031, a second network element 1032, a third network element 1033, a fourth network element 1034, etc. In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be multiple devices or a group of devices, including all or some of the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, the third network element 1033, the fourth network element 1034, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), the 5G Core Network (5GCN), and the Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0094] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be responsible for handling signaling and control functions related to user mobility, such as mobility management, encryption and integrity protection of NAS signaling, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be, for example, a mobility management entity (MME).

[0096] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be responsible for handling signaling and control functions related to user mobility, such as mobility management, encryption and integrity protection of NAS signaling, and selection of packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW) and serving gateway (S-GW), whose names are not limited thereto.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be, for example, an MME.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 and the second network element 1032 may be different parts of the same network function. For example, the first network element 1031 may be part of the MME, and the second network element 1032 may be another part of the MME. Of course, in some embodiments, the first network element 1031 and the second network element 1032 may be different network functions.

[0099] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be responsible for data transmission and processing of the user plane (UP), and its name is not limited thereto.

[0100] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be, for example, an S-GW.

[0101] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be responsible for providing various services and data to users, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0102] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be, for example, an application function (AF).

[0103] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be, for example, an application server (AS).

[0104] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be independent of the core network device 103. In other words, the fourth network element 1034 can be located outside the core network device 103. For example, the fourth network element 1034 can be located in a data network (DN).

[0105] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be part of the core network device 103. In other words, the fourth network element 1034 may be located inside the core network device 103.

[0106] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0107] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the entities, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are exemplary. The communication system may include all or some of the entities in FIG1, or may include other entities besides those in FIG1. ​​The entities can have any number and form. The entities can be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are exemplary. The entities may be unconnected or connected. The connection between the entities can be in any manner. For example, the connection between the entities can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0108] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0109] The communication system includes terrestrial networks (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). In NTNs, aerial equipment such as satellites and high-altitude platforms can be connected to by terminal devices to enable communication. Thus, NTNs can provide network coverage to areas inaccessible to terrestrial networks (e.g., oceans, deserts), supplementing terrestrial network coverage. This provides a solution for achieving seamless global coverage.

[0110] In some embodiments, an NTN can be implemented using satellites. For example, an NTN may include a satellite network consisting of multiple satellites. These satellites may be low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites, etc.

[0111] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary NTN scenario. As shown in Figure 2A, in an NTN, communication between UE 10 and terrestrial network 20 can be achieved through satellite 30 and ground station 40. In other words, signaling and / or data between UE 10 and terrestrial network 20 can be forwarded or transparently transmitted through satellite 30 and ground station 40. Satellite 30 is located in the air. Ground station 40 is located on the ground. Communication between UE 10 and satellite 30 can be achieved through a service link. Communication between satellite 30 and ground station 40 can be achieved through a feeder link. Ground station 40 can transmit signaling and / or data from the feeder link to terrestrial network 20, and can also send signaling and / or data from terrestrial network 20 to satellite 30 through the feeder link.

[0112] In some embodiments, the terrestrial network 20 may be connected to an external network 50. In one example, the external network 50 may include a data network. For example, the external network 50 may include application servers, application functions, IoT service endpoints, etc.

[0113] In some embodiments, satellite coverage is limited. Therefore, a terminal communicating via satellite and a ground station may not both be within the satellite's coverage area simultaneously. For example, the terminal may be within the satellite's coverage area, but the ground station may be outside. In this case, the power supply link between the satellite and the ground station is interrupted. Similarly, the ground station may be within the satellite's coverage area, but the terminal may be outside. In this case, the service link between the satellite and the terminal is interrupted. Whether it's a service link interruption or a power supply link interruption, as long as neither the service link nor the power supply link exists simultaneously, the terminal's service will be interrupted.

[0114] In some embodiments, store-and-forward (S&F) functionality for data and / or signaling can be introduced for network functions deployed on satellites. Satellites with store-and-forward functionality can operate in store-and-forward mode. Based on satellites in store-and-forward mode, NTN can support services with high latency tolerance (e.g., latency-tolerant services).

[0115] Figure 2B is an exemplary schematic diagram of the store-and-forward mode of NTN. As shown in Figure 2B, in store-and-forward mode, the interaction of end-to-end signaling and / or data transmission is processed as a combination of two steps that are not performed simultaneously (steps A and B in Figure 2B). In step A, signaling and / or data transmission occurs between UE 10 and satellite 30 via a serving link. At this time, there may be no connection between satellite 30 and terrestrial network 20 (i.e., satellite 30 can communicate with UE 10 using the serving link even without an available feed link). In step B, a connection is established between satellite 30 and terrestrial network 20 (i.e., a feed link is established), thereby enabling communication between satellite 30 and terrestrial network 20. Therefore, satellite 30 moves from establishing a connection with UE 10 in step A to establishing a connection with terrestrial network 20 in step B.

[0116] In some embodiments, support for store-and-forward functionality is particularly applicable to providing latency-tolerant or non-real-time IoT satellite services for non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) satellites.

[0117] In some embodiments, to enable store-and-forward functionality on airborne equipment such as satellites, it is possible to deploy network functions on the airborne equipment. For example, network functions in the core network can be deployed on a satellite.

[0118] Figure 3A is an exemplary schematic diagram of an NTN deployment method. As shown in Figure 3A, an eNB and an MME can be deployed on a satellite. Simultaneously, an MME can be deployed on the terrestrial network. An MME deployed on a satellite can be referred to as an on-board MME. An MME deployed on the terrestrial network can be referred to as a ground MME. The ground station connects to the data network via an S-GW and a P-GW. The ground MME connects to the ground station and also connects to the data network via an S-GW and a P-GW. Furthermore, the ground MME can connect to a home subscriber server (HSS).

[0119] In the MME-split architecture scenario shown in Figure 3A, the spaceborne MME and the ground-based MME may have the same or different functions. For example, both the spaceborne and ground-based MMEs may include complete MME functionality. For example, the spaceborne MME may include some of the MME's functionality, and the ground-based MME may include other parts of the MME's functionality. For example, the functionality of the spaceborne MME and the ground-based MME may be partially the same.

[0120] Figure 3B is an exemplary schematic diagram of another NTN deployment method. As shown in Figure 3B, an eNB can be deployed on the satellite, and the network functions of the core network can also be deployed there. For example, an MME, S-GW, P-GW, etc. can be deployed on the satellite.

[0121] The onboard MME deployed on the satellite in Figure 3A and the core network deployed on the satellite in Figure 3B can realize the store-and-forward function of signaling and / or data.

[0122] In some embodiments, there may be a need to manage and analyze data from user service interactions within a communication network. In some embodiments, the communication network can perform operations such as data monitoring, data analysis, and data tracking on user data. By managing and analyzing the data, it is possible to manage data from user service interactions. In some embodiments, the management and analysis of user data can be performed within a specific time period. However, since service interactions implemented via satellite in, for example, store-and-forward mode are not real-time, the management and analysis of user data is difficult to meet data management needs, and related service interactions are difficult to implement effectively.

[0123] Therefore, how to manage data interaction under the store-and-forward mode is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0124] Figure 4A is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in this embodiment can be applied to a communication system 100. As shown in Figure 4A, the communication method of this embodiment includes steps S4101 to S4109.

[0125] In step S4101, terminal 101 sends first data to access network device 102.

[0126] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may send first data. In some embodiments, the first data may be sent by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0127] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may receive first data. In some embodiments, the first data may be received by the access network device 102, but is not limited to, and may also be received by other entities.

[0128] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be deployed on an over-the-air device in an NTN. For example, the access network device 102 may be deployed on a satellite.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first data may be uplink data related to terminal 101. In some embodiments, the first data may be data sent by terminal 101 to a data network. In one example, the first data may include data from one or more services related to terminal 101.

[0130] In some embodiments, if a service link exists or is available between the satellite and terminal 101, terminal 101 may send first data to access network device 102 on the satellite. In one example, terminal 101 may be located within the coverage area of ​​the satellite, in which case the service link between terminal 101 and the satellite is available, and terminal 101 may send first data to access network device 102 on the satellite.

[0131] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may be in an idle state. For example, terminal 101 may be in an ECM idle state (ECM_IDLE). In some embodiments, the first data may be carried in a non-access stratum (NAS) packet data unit (PDU). In one example, the NAS PDU may include an evolved packet system (EPS) bearer identifier associated with its own PDU connection, and the first data. In one example, the first data carried in the NAS PDU may be encrypted.

[0132] In some embodiments, terminal 101 can establish a radio resource control (RRC) connection. As part of the RRC connection, terminal 101 can send a NAS PDU. In one example, the NAS PDU can be sent by terminal 101 to access network device 102 via the RRC connection. For example, terminal 101 can send signaling and / or control information to access network device 102 via the established RRC connection. The NAS PDU can be carried in this signaling and / or control information.

[0133] In some embodiments, terminal 101 can send encrypted and integrity-protected NAS PDUs to access network device 102 via an RRC connection.

[0134] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may send an RRC early data request to access network device 102. As part of the RRC early data request, terminal 101 may send a NAS PDU. For example, the RRC early data request may include a NAS PDU.

[0135] In some embodiments, the number of NAS PDUs carrying the first data can be one or more.

[0136] In some embodiments, the NAS PDU may also include NAS release auxiliary information.

[0137] In some embodiments, NAS release assistance information can be used to indicate whether further uplink or downlink data transmission is expected. In one example, by including NAS release assistance information in the NAS PDU, terminal 101 can indicate that downlink data transmission is expected. In another example, by including NAS release assistance information in the NAS PDU, terminal 101 can indicate that there is a need for additional uplink data transmission in addition to the current uplink data transmission. In some embodiments, NAS release assistance information can have multiple values. In one example, a first value of NAS release assistance information can indicate that downlink data transmission is expected, and a second value of NAS release assistance information can indicate a need for additional uplink data transmission. For example, if the value of NAS release assistance information is 1, then NAS release assistance information indicates that downlink data transmission is expected; if the value of NAS release assistance information is 0, then NAS release assistance information indicates that downlink data transmission is expected. In some embodiments, NAS release assistance information can have multiple fields. In one example, a first field of NAS release assistance information can indicate that downlink data transmission is expected, and a second field of NAS release assistance information can indicate a need for additional uplink data transmission. For example, if NAS release assistance information includes the first field, then NAS release assistance information indicates that downlink data transmission is expected; if NAS release assistance information includes the second field, then NAS release assistance information indicates a need for additional uplink data transmission.

[0138] In some embodiments, NAS release auxiliary information can be used to indicate whether a single downlink data transfer is expected. In some embodiments, the single downlink data transfer may follow an uplink data transfer. In some embodiments, the single downlink data transfer may be an acknowledgment or response to uplink data. In some embodiments, the NAS release auxiliary information may have a single value. In one example, a first value of the NAS release auxiliary information may indicate that a single downlink data transfer is expected.

[0139] It should be noted that since a NAS PDU carries data, it can also be called a NAS DATA PDU.

[0140] In step S4102, the access network device 102 sends a first message to the first network element 1031.

[0141] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may send a first message. In some embodiments, the first message may be sent by the access network device 102, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive the first message. In some embodiments, the first message can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first message can be used to send first data to the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the access network device 102 can send the received first data to the first network element 1031 through the first message.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first message may include at least one of the following: first data, second time information, and first location information.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first message may include a NAS PDU received by the access network device 102. The NAS PDU carries first data.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second time information can be used to indicate the time when access network device 102 receives the first data. In some embodiments, the second time information can be used to indicate the time when terminal 101 sends the first data to access network device 102. In one example, the first data is transmitted between terminal 101 and access network device 102 at the time indicated by the second time information. It is understood that the transmission time of the first data from terminal 101 to access network device 102 can be very short and therefore negligible, so the time when terminal 101 sends the first data and the time when access network device 102 receives the first data can be considered to be the same time. In this case, the second time information can indicate the time when access network device 102 receives the first data. For example, the second time information can indicate the moment when terminal 101 sends the first data. For example, the second time information can indicate the moment when access network device 102 receives the first data.

[0147] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 can acquire second time information while receiving first data. In one example, when receiving the first data, the access network device 102 can determine the time when the first data was received and obtain the second time information.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second time information may indicate at least one of the following: the start time of receiving the first data, the end time of receiving the first data, and the duration of receiving the first data. In some embodiments, the first data may be carried in multiple NAS PDUs. These NAS PDUs may be successively sent by terminal 101 and arrive at access network device 102. In this case, the reception of multiple NAS PDUs carrying the first data may last for a period of time. The second time information may indicate at least one of the start time, end time, and duration of this period. The start time may be, for example, the time when access network device 102 receives the first NAS PDU. The end time may be, for example, the time when access network device 102 receives the last NAS PDU. The duration may be, for example, the duration between the time when access network device 102 receives the first NAS PDU and the time when it receives the last NAS PDU.

[0149] In some embodiments, the amount of the first data is small, and the duration of sending and receiving the first data is short. In this case, the duration for which the access network device 102 receives the first data can be ignored, and the second time information can indicate a moment. This moment can be considered as the reception time of the first data.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first location information may be used to indicate the location of terminal 101.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first location information may indicate at least one of the following: a tracking area (TA) serving terminal 101, a cell serving terminal 101, an access network device 102 serving terminal 101, or a satellite serving terminal 101.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first location information may include identification information of the tracking area where the terminal 101 is located. For example, the first location information may include a tracking area identity (TAI). The tracking area identity is used to identify the tracking area where the terminal 101 is located.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first location information may include the identification information of the cell where the terminal 101 is located. For example, the first location information may include a cell identity (Cell ID). The cell identity is used to identify the cell where the terminal 101 is located.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first location information may include identification information of the access network device 102 to which the terminal 101 is connected. For example, the first location information may include a base station identifier (e.g., eNodeB ID). The base station identifier can be used to identify the access network device 102 to which the terminal 101 is connected.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first location information may include identification information of the satellite to which terminal 101 is connected. For example, the first location information may include a satellite identifier. This satellite identifier can be used to identify the satellite to which terminal 101 is connected. The satellite identifier may, for example, be the international designator (ID) of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR).

[0156] In some embodiments, the first location information may be obtained locally by the access network device 102 or received from the terminal 101.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first message may include only first data. In some embodiments, the first message may include only second time information. In some embodiments, the first message may include only first location information. In some embodiments, the first message may include first data and second time information. In some embodiments, the first message may include first data and first location information. In some embodiments, the first message may include first data, second time information, and first location information.

[0158] In some embodiments, when the satellite is operating in store-and-forward mode, the first message may include second time information and / or first location information. It is understood that when the satellite is not in store-and-forward mode, the first message may not carry the second time information and the first location information.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first message may include an S1-AP Initial UE message. In one example, access network device 102 forwards a NAS PDU to the first network element 1031 via the S1-AP Initial UE message.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first data, as well as the second time information and / or the first location information, can be transmitted through the same message. For example, the first data, as well as the second time information and / or the first location information, can all be carried in the S1-AP initial UE message. In some embodiments, the transmission of the second time information and / or the first location information can be independent of the transmission of the first data. For example, the first data can be transmitted through the S1-AP initial UE message, while the second time information and / or the first location information can be transmitted through another S1-AP initial UE message or other types of messages.

[0161] In step S4103, the first network element 1031 performs an integrity check.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may perform an integrity check upon receiving a NAS PDU carrying first data.

[0163] In some embodiments, in step S4103, the first network element 1031 can verify the integrity of the incoming NAS PDU and decrypt the first data in the NAS PDU.

[0164] In step S4104, the first network element 1031 stores the first data and the first information.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may store the acquired first data and first information locally.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first data may be the data received from the access network device 102 in step S4102. In some embodiments, when the first network element 1031 receives the first data, if the feed link between the satellite and the ground station is absent or unavailable, the link between the first network element 1031 and the second network element 1032 deployed in the terrestrial network is unavailable. Therefore, in store-and-forward mode, the first data may be stored in the first network element 1031.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can acquire first information and store the acquired first information.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first information can be used to manage and analyze the first data. In one example, the management and analysis of the first data may include one or more of data monitoring, data analysis, and data tracking. The first information may be information used or referenced in data monitoring, and / or data analysis, and / or data tracking of the first data.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first information acquired by the first network element 1031 may include at least one of the following: second time information, third time information, and first location information.

[0170] In some embodiments, the second time information and / or the first location information may be information received from the access network device 102 in step S4102.

[0171] In some embodiments, the third time information can be used to indicate the time when the first network element 1031 sends the first data. In some embodiments, the third indication information can indicate the time when the first network element 1031 sends the first data to the second network element 1032 in step S4105.

[0172] In one example, at the time indicated by the third time information, first data is transmitted between the first network element 1031 and the second network element 1032. It is understood that the transmission time of the first data from the first network element 1031 to the second network element 1032 can be very short and therefore negligible; thus, the time when the first network element 1031 sends the first data and the time when the second network element 1032 receives the first data can be considered the same time. In this case, the third time information can indicate the time when the second network element 1032 receives the first data. For example, the third time information can indicate the moment when the first network element 1031 sends the first data. For example, the third time information can indicate the moment when the second network element 1032 receives the first data.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can acquire third time information while transmitting first data. In one example, when transmitting the first data, the first network element 1031 can determine the time when the first data is transmitted and obtain the third time information.

[0174] In some embodiments, the third time information may indicate at least one of the following: the start time of transmission of the first data, the end time of transmission of the first data, and the duration of transmission of the first data. In some embodiments, the transmission of the first data from the first network element 1031 to the second network element 1032 may last for a period of time. The third time information may indicate at least one of the start time, end time, and duration of this period.

[0175] In some embodiments, the amount of the first data is very small, and the duration of sending and receiving the first data is very short. In this case, the duration of the first data transmission by the first network element 1031 can be ignored, and the third time information can indicate a moment in time.

[0176] In some embodiments, network functions for managing and analyzing the first data can be deployed on the satellite. These network functions may be referred to as management and analysis network elements. In one example, the management and analysis network element may be an existing network function in the core network (e.g., the first network element) or a newly deployed network function. In some embodiments, the first information acquired by the first network element 1031 can be provided to the management and analysis network element for the management and analysis network element to perform operations such as data monitoring, data analysis, and data management of the first data.

[0177] In step S4105, the first network element 1031 sends a second message to the second network element 1032.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send a second message. In some embodiments, the second message may be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0179] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can receive the second message. In some embodiments, the second message can be received by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0180] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can be deployed on a terrestrial network and communicate with the first network element 1031 through a ground station and a power supply link.

[0181] In some embodiments, when the feed link between the first network element 1031 and the second network element 1032, i.e., between the satellite and the ground station, changes from unavailable to available, the first network element 1031 may send a second message to the second network element 1032. For example, as the satellite moves, the ground station moves from outside the satellite's coverage area to within the satellite's coverage area, and the feed link becomes available.

[0182] In some embodiments, the second message can be used to send the first data to the second network element 1032. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send the stored first data to the second network element 1032 through the second message.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first message may include at least one of the following: first data and first information. In some embodiments, the first message may include only first data. In some embodiments, the first message may include first data and first information. For example, the first message may include at least one of the following: second time information, third time information, and first location information.

[0184] In some embodiments, a management and analysis network element may be deployed in the terrestrial network. In one example, the management and analysis network element may be an existing network function in the core network (e.g., a second network element) or a newly deployed network function. In some embodiments, the first information acquired by the second network element 1032 may be provided to the management and analysis network element so that the management and analysis network element can perform operations such as data monitoring, data analysis, and data management on the first data.

[0185] In step S4106, the second network element 1032 sends a third message to the first network element 1031.

[0186] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send a third message. In some embodiments, the third message may be sent by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive a third message. In some embodiments, the third message can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0188] In some embodiments, the third message can be used to indicate that the second network element 1032 has received the first data. In some embodiments, the third message can be used to acknowledge receipt of the first data.

[0189] In one example, the third message can be an acknowledgment (ACK). In one example, sending an acknowledgment message can be used to indicate that the second network element 1032 has received the first data. In one example, if the second network element 1032 does not send an acknowledgment message or sends a non-acknowledgment (NACK), it indicates that the second network element 1032 has not received the first data.

[0190] In one example, the third message can be a response message. In another example, the response message can indicate whether the first data was received using different values. For example, the response message can use a first value to indicate that the second network element 1032 received the first data. Alternatively, the response message can use a second value to indicate that the second network element 1032 did not receive the first data.

[0191] It should be noted that step S4106 is an optional step. In some embodiments, step S4106 may not be performed.

[0192] In step S4107, the second network element 1032 sends the first data to the third network element 1033.

[0193] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can transmit the first data. In some embodiments, the first data can be transmitted by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be transmitted by other entities.

[0194] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can receive the first data. In some embodiments, the first data can be received by the third network element 1033, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0195] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can send the received first data to the third network element 1033. In one example, the third network element 1033 can be an S-GW. In this case, the second network element 1032 can send the first data to the S-GW, and the first data can then be passed to the P-GW.

[0196] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can send first data to the third network element 1033 via a user plane connection. For example, the user plane connection may include an S11-U connection.

[0197] In some embodiments, before the S11-U connection is established, the second network element 1032 and the third network element 1033 can establish the S11-U connection first. In one example, the second network element 1032 can send a modify bearer request message to the third network element 1033 for the PDN connection, and the third network element 1033 can return a modify bearer response message to the second network element 1032. In this way, the establishment of the S11-U connection can be achieved.

[0198] In step S4108, the first network element 1031 determines that the first condition is met.

[0199] In some embodiments, the storage time of the first data and the first information in the first network element 1031 can be determined according to the requirements of network implementation and / or data management and analysis. Based on the requirements of network implementation and / or data management and analysis, the first network element 1031 can determine whether to continue storing the first data and the first information; in other words, determine when to delete the first data and the first information.

[0200] In some embodiments, whether to continue storing or delete the first data and first information can be determined based on a first condition. In some embodiments, the first condition can be used to determine whether to delete the first data and first information stored in the first network element 1031.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first condition may include at least one of the following: the first network element 1031 completes the transmission of the first data, the first network element 1031 receives a receipt confirmation for the first data from the second network element 1032, or the configuration time expires.

[0202] In some embodiments, when the first network element 1031 completes the transmission of the first data, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is met. For example, if the first network element 1031 sends all of the first data to the second network element 1032, then the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is met.

[0203] In some embodiments, when the first network element 1031 receives a reception acknowledgment from the second network element 1032 for the first data, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is met. For example, if the third message received by the first network element 1031 in step S4106 indicates that the second network element 1032 has received the first data, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first data has been successfully received by the second network element 1032, and thus determine that the first condition is met.

[0204] In some embodiments, if the configuration time expires, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is met. In one example, the configuration time may be the duration configured for storing the first data and first information for the first network element 1031. If the configuration time expires, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is met.

[0205] In some embodiments, the configuration time can be determined based on at least one of the following: network implementation, data management and analysis requirements, and operator policies. Of course, other factors can also be considered in determining the configuration time, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0206] In some embodiments, the configuration time can be calculated from the time when the first network element 1031 saves the first data locally. In some embodiments, the configuration time can be calculated from the time when the first network element 1031 sends the first data. In some embodiments, the configuration time can be calculated from the time when the first network element 1031 receives the third message.

[0207] In some embodiments, the configuration time can be a time period. For example, the configuration time can be the duration for which the first data and first information are stored in the first network element 1031. In one example, the first network element 1031 can be equipped with a timer whose duration is the same as the configuration time. In this case, if the timer expires, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is met.

[0208] In some embodiments, the configuration time can be a point in time. For example, the configuration time can be the cutoff point for storing the first data and first information in the first network element 1031. Before this point in time, the first data and first information can be stored in the first network element 1031. In one example, when this point in time is reached, the first network element 1031 can determine that a first condition is met.

[0209] In some embodiments, the different conditions in the first condition can be used independently to determine whether the first condition is met. Of course, in some embodiments, the different conditions in the first condition can also be combined to determine whether the first condition is met.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first condition may include the first network element 1031 completing the transmission of the first data and the configuration timeout. In this case, the configuration time can be calculated from the time the first network element 1031 stores the first data locally. In one example, the first network element 1031 can complete the transmission of the first data, but the configuration time has not yet expired; therefore, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is not met. In another example, the first network element 1031 can complete the transmission of the first data, and the configuration timeout occurs; therefore, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is met. In yet another example, the configuration timeout occurs, but the first network element 1031 has not completed the transmission of the first data; therefore, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is not met.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first condition may include the first network element 1031 receiving a reception acknowledgment from the second network element 1032 for the first data, and a configuration timeout. The configuration time can be calculated from the time the first network element 1031 stores the first data locally, or from the time the first network element 1031 sends the first data. In one example, the first network element 1031 receives a reception acknowledgment from the second network element 1032 for the first data, but the configuration time has not yet expired; therefore, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is not met. In another example, the first network element 1031 receives a reception acknowledgment from the second network element 1032 for the first data, and the configuration timeout occurs; therefore, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is met. In yet another example, the configuration timeout occurs, but the first network element 1031 does not receive a reception acknowledgment from the second network element 1032 for the first data; therefore, the first network element 1031 can determine that the first condition is not met.

[0212] It should be noted that the deletion of the first data and the deletion of the first information can be performed synchronously. In this case, the first data and the first information can correspond to the same first condition. In some cases, the deletion of the first data and the first information can correspond to different first conditions. In one example, the first condition corresponding to the first data may include the first network element 1031 completing the transmission of the first data, while the first condition corresponding to the first information may include the first network element 1031 receiving a reception acknowledgment for the first data from the second network element 1032. In one example, the first condition corresponding to the first data may include the first network element 1031 completing the transmission of the first data, while the first condition corresponding to the first information may include a configuration timeout. In one example, the first condition corresponding to the first data may include the first network element 1031 receiving a reception acknowledgment for the first data from the second network element 1032, while the first condition corresponding to the first information may include a configuration timeout. In one example, both the first conditions corresponding to the first data and the first conditions corresponding to the first information may include a configuration timeout, but the corresponding configuration times are different. It is understood that the storage duration of the first information can be the same as, greater than or less than the storage duration of the first data, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0213] In step S4109, the first network element 1031 deletes the first data and the first information.

[0214] In some embodiments, if the first network element 1031 determines that the first condition is met, the first network element 1031 may determine that it will no longer store the first data and the first information. At this time, the first network element 1031 may delete the first data and the first information.

[0215] The communication method of this embodiment can be implemented through steps S4101 to S4109.

[0216] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4109. For example, step S4102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S4102 and S4104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, steps S4104 and S4105 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, steps S4102 and S4105 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and steps S4102, S4104 and S4105 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0217] In some embodiments, steps S4103 and S4104 may be performed in a different order or simultaneously, and steps S4105 and S4108 may be performed in a different order or simultaneously.

[0218] In some embodiments, steps S4101, S4103, S4104, S4105, S4106, S4107, S4108, and S4109 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0219] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0220] Figure 4B is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 4B, the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S4201 to S4208.

[0221] In step S4201, terminal 101 sends first data to access network device 102.

[0222] The optional implementation of step S4201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4101 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0223] In step S4202, the access network device 102 sends a first message to the core network device 103.

[0224] The optional implementation of step S4202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4102 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0225] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may send a first message. In some embodiments, the first message may be sent by the access network device 102, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0226] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may receive the first message. In some embodiments, the first message may be received by the core network device 103, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first message can be used to send first data to the core network device 103. In some embodiments, the access network device 102 can send the received first data to the core network device 103 via the first message.

[0228] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be deployed on a satellite. In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may include at least one of the following: a first network element 1031, a second network element 1032, and a third network element 1033.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first message may include an S1-AP Initial UE message. In one example, access network device 102 forwards a NAS PDU to core network device 103 via an S1-AP Initial UE message. For example, network access device 102 transmits a NAS PDU to a first network element 1031 in core network device 103 via an S1-AP Initial UE message.

[0230] In step S4203, the core network device 103 performs an integrity check.

[0231] The optional implementation of step S4203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4103 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0232] In some embodiments, integrity verification can be performed by a first network element 1031 in the core network device 103. In one example, the first network element 1031 can perform integrity verification upon receiving a NAS PDU carrying first data.

[0233] In some embodiments, in step S4103, the first network element 1031 can verify the integrity of the incoming NAS PDU and decrypt the first data in the NAS PDU.

[0234] In step S4204, the core network device 103 stores the first data and the first information.

[0235] The optional implementation of step S4204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4104 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0236] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may store the acquired first data and first information locally.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first data may be the data received from the access network device 102 in step S4202. In some embodiments, if the feed link between the satellite and the ground station is absent or unavailable when the core network device 103 receives the first data, the link between the core network device 103 and the fourth network element 1034 deployed on the ground is unavailable. Therefore, in store-and-forward mode, the first data may be stored in the core network device 103.

[0238] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may acquire first information and store the acquired first information.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first data and the first information can be stored in the same network element or different network elements in the core network device 103. For example, both the first data and the first information can be stored in the first network element 1031. For example, the first data can be stored in the first network element 1031, and the first information can be stored in another network element in the core network device 103.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first information acquired by the core network device 103 may include at least one of the following: second time information, third time information, and first location information.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second time information and / or the first location information may be information received from the access network device 102 in step S4202.

[0242] In some embodiments, the third time information can be used to indicate the time when the core network device 103 sends the first data. In some embodiments, the third indication information can indicate the time when the core network device 103 sends the first data to the fourth network element 1034 in step S4205.

[0243] In some embodiments, network functions for managing and analyzing the first data can be deployed on the satellite. These network functions may be referred to as management and analysis network elements. In one example, the management and analysis network element may be an existing network function (e.g., the first network element) in the core network device 103, or a newly deployed network function. In some embodiments, the first information acquired by the core network device 103 can be provided to the management and analysis network element so that the management and analysis network element can perform operations such as data monitoring, data analysis, and data management on the first data.

[0244] In step S4205, the core network device 103 sends a second message to the fourth network element 1034.

[0245] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may send a second message. In some embodiments, the second message may be sent by the core network device 103, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0246] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can receive the second message. In some embodiments, the second message can be received by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0247] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be deployed on the ground and communicate with the core network equipment 103 via a ground station and a power supply link. For example, the fourth network element 1034 can communicate with the P-GW in the core network equipment 103.

[0248] In some embodiments, when the feed link between the core network device 103 and the fourth network element 1034, i.e., between the satellite and the ground station, changes from unavailable to available, the core network device 103 may send a second message to the fourth network element 1034. For example, as the satellite moves, the ground station moves from outside the satellite's coverage area to within the satellite's coverage area, and the feed link becomes available.

[0249] In some embodiments, the second message can be used to send the first data to the fourth network element 1034. In some embodiments, the core network device 103 can send the stored first data to the fourth network element 1034 through the second message.

[0250] In some embodiments, the second message may include the first data.

[0251] In step S4206, the fourth network element 1034 sends a third message to the core network device 103.

[0252] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send a third message. In some embodiments, the third message can be sent by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited to this; it can also be sent by other entities.

[0253] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may receive a third message. In some embodiments, the third message may be received by the core network device 103, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0254] In some embodiments, the third message can be used to instruct the fourth network element 1034 to receive the first data. In some embodiments, the third message can be used to acknowledge receipt of the first data.

[0255] In one example, the third message can be an acknowledgment message. In one example, sending an acknowledgment message can be used to indicate that the fourth network element 1034 has received the first data. In one example, if the fourth network element 1034 does not send an acknowledgment message or sends a NACK, it indicates that the fourth network element 1034 has not received the first data.

[0256] In one example, the third message can be a response message. In another example, the response message can indicate whether the first data was received using different values. For example, the response message can indicate that the fourth network element 1034 received the first data using a first value. Alternatively, the response message can indicate that the fourth network element 1034 did not receive the first data using a second value.

[0257] It should be noted that step S4206 is an optional step. In some embodiments, step S4206 may not be performed.

[0258] In step S4207, the core network device 103 determines that the first condition is met.

[0259] The optional implementation of step S4207 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4108 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0260] In step S4208, the core network device 103 deletes the first data and the first information.

[0261] The optional implementation of step S4208 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4109 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0262] In some embodiments, if the core network device 103 determines that the first condition is met, the core network device 103 may determine that it will no longer store the first data and the first information. At this time, the core network device 103 may delete the first data and the first information.

[0263] It should be noted that the operations implemented by the core network device 103 in this embodiment can be implemented by one or more network functions in the core network device 103. For example, all of these operations can be implemented by the first network element 1031 in the core network device 103. For example, some of these operations can be implemented by the first network element 1031 in the core network device 103, and another part can be implemented by other network elements (e.g., the second network element) in the core network device 103.

[0264] The communication method of this embodiment can be implemented through steps S4201 to S4208.

[0265] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4208. For example, step S4202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S4202 and S4204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, steps S4204 and S4205 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, steps S4202 and S4205 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and steps S4202, S4204 and S4205 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0266] In some embodiments, steps S4203 and S4204 may be performed in a different order or simultaneously, and steps S4205 and S4207 may be performed in a different order or simultaneously.

[0267] In some embodiments, steps S4201, S4203, S4204, S4205, S4206, S4207, and S4208 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0268] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0269] Figure 4C is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in this embodiment can be applied to a communication system 100. As shown in Figure 4C, the communication method of this embodiment includes steps S4301 to S4309.

[0270] In step S4301, the third network element 1033 sends the first data to the second network element 1032.

[0271] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can transmit the first data. In some embodiments, the first data can be transmitted by the third network element 1033, but is not limited to this, and can also be transmitted by other entities.

[0272] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can receive the first data. In some embodiments, the first data can be received by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0273] In some embodiments, the first data may include data packets and / or control signaling.

[0274] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 and the third network element 1033 can be deployed on a terrestrial network.

[0275] In some embodiments, the first data may be downlink data related to terminal 101. For example, the first data may be data sent to terminal 101 by a third network element 1033. In one example, the first data may include data related to one or more services of terminal 101.

[0276] In some embodiments, the first data can be transmitted from the third network element 1033 to the second network element 1032 via a user plane connection. For example, the user plane connection may include an S11-U connection.

[0277] In some embodiments, if the NAS release auxiliary information included in the uplink NAS PDU indicates that downlink data transmission is expected, the S11-U connection previously used for uplink NAS PDU transmission can be maintained and used by the third network element 1033 to send first data to the second network element 1032. For example, the third network element 1033 can send the first data arriving at the third network element 1033 to the second network element 1032 through this S11-U connection.

[0278] In some embodiments, terminal 101 can be attached to the network side and be in an ECM idle state. At this time, if third network element 1033 receives first data pointing to terminal 101, and the context data in third network element 1033 indicates that there is no downlink user plane connection with second network element 1032, then third network element 1033 can send a downlink data notification message to second network element 1032. Second network element 1032 can send a paging message to terminal 101 via first network element 1031 and access network device 102. Terminal 101, upon receiving the paging message, can send a NAS control plane service request to first network element 1031. In some embodiments, if the S11-U connection has not yet been established, the second network element 1032 and third network element 1033 can establish the S11-U connection first. In one example, second network element 1032 can send a modify bearer request message to third network element 1033 for the PDN connection, and third network element 1033 can return a modify bearer response message to second network element 1032. In this way, the S11-U connection can be established.

[0279] In step S4302, the second network element 1032 performs an integrity check.

[0280] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may perform an integrity check upon receiving the first data.

[0281] In some embodiments, in step S4302, the second network element 1032 can verify the integrity of the incoming first data and encrypt the first data.

[0282] In step S4303, the second network element 1032 stores the first data and the first information.

[0283] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may store the acquired first data and first information locally.

[0284] In some embodiments, if the power supply link between the satellite and the ground station is absent or unavailable, the link between the second network element 1032 deployed on the ground network and the first network element 1031 deployed on the satellite is unavailable. Therefore, in store-and-forward mode, the first data can be stored in the second network element 1032.

[0285] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can acquire first information and store the acquired first information.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first information can be used to manage and analyze the first data. In one example, the management and analysis of the first data may include one or more of data monitoring, data analysis, and data tracking. The first information may be information used or referenced in data monitoring, and / or data analysis, and / or data tracking of the first data.

[0287] In some embodiments, the first information acquired by the second network element 1032 may include first time information.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first time information can be used to indicate the time when the second network element 1032 sends the first data to the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the first time information can indicate the time when the second network element 1032 sends the first data to the first network element 1031 in step S4304.

[0289] In some embodiments, first data is transmitted between the second network element 1032 and the first network element 1031 at the time indicated by the first time information. It is understood that the transmission time of the first data from the second network element 1032 to the first network element 1031 can be very short and therefore negligible; in this case, the time when the second network element 1032 sends the first data and the time when the first network element 1031 receives the first data can be considered the same time. In this situation, the first time information can indicate the time when the first network element 1031 receives the first data. For example, the first time information can indicate the moment when the second network element 1032 sends the first data. For example, the first time information can indicate the moment when the first network element 1031 receives the first data.

[0290] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can acquire first time information while transmitting the first data. In one example, when transmitting the first data, the second network element 1032 can determine the time when the first data is transmitted and obtain the first time information.

[0291] In some embodiments, the first time information may indicate at least one of the following: the start time of transmission of the first data, the end time of transmission of the first data, and the duration of transmission of the first data. In some embodiments, the transmission of the first data from the second network element 1032 to the first network element 1031 may last for a period of time. The first time information may indicate at least one of the start time, end time, and duration of this period.

[0292] In some embodiments, the amount of the first data is very small, and the duration of sending and receiving the first data is very short. In this case, the duration for which the second network element 1032 sends the first data can be ignored, and the first time information can indicate a moment in time.

[0293] In some embodiments, a network function for managing and analyzing the first data can be deployed in the terrestrial network. This network function may be referred to as a management and analysis network element. In one example, the management and analysis network element may be an existing network function in the core network (e.g., a second network element) or a newly deployed network function. In some embodiments, the first information acquired by the second network element 1032 may be provided to the management and analysis network element so that the management and analysis network element can perform operations such as data monitoring, data analysis, and data management on the first data.

[0294] In step S4304, the second network element 1032 sends a fourth message to the first network element 1031.

[0295] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send a fourth message. In some embodiments, the fourth message may be sent by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive a fourth message. In some embodiments, the fourth message can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can be deployed on an over-the-air device in the NTN. For example, the first network element 1031 can be deployed on a satellite. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can communicate with the second network element 1032 via a ground station and a feeder link.

[0298] In some embodiments, when the feed link between the first network element 1031 and the second network element 1032, i.e., between the satellite and the ground station, changes from unavailable to available, the second network element 1032 can send a fourth message to the first network element 1031 on the satellite via the ground station. In one example, the ground station may be located within the coverage area of ​​the satellite, in which case the feed link between the ground station and the satellite is available, and the second network element 1032 can send a fourth message to the first network element 1031 on the satellite.

[0299] In some embodiments, the fourth message can be used to send the first data to the first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can send the stored first data to the first network element 1031 through the fourth message.

[0300] In some embodiments, the fourth message may include at least one of the following: first data and first time information. In some embodiments, the fourth message may include only the first data. In some embodiments, the fourth message may include both the first data and the first time information.

[0301] In some embodiments, the first data and the first time information can be transmitted through the same message. In some embodiments, the transmission of the first time information can be independent of the transmission of the first data.

[0302] In step S4305, the first network element 1031 stores the first data and the first information.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may store the acquired first data and first information locally.

[0304] In some embodiments, the first data may be the data received from the second network element 1032 in step S4304. In some embodiments, when the first network element 1031 receives the first data, if the service link between the satellite and the terminal 101 is absent or unavailable, the link between the first network element 1031 and the terminal 101 deployed on the ground is unavailable. Alternatively, the link between the access network device 102 and the terminal 101 is unavailable. Therefore, in store-and-forward mode, the first data may be stored in the first network element 1031.

[0305] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can acquire first information and store the acquired first information.

[0306] In some embodiments, the first information obtained by the first network element 1031 may include at least one of the following: first time information and third time information.

[0307] In some embodiments, the first time information may be the information received from the second network element 1032 in step S4304. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may acquire the first time information while receiving the first data. In one example, when receiving the first data, the first network element 1031 may determine the time when the first data was received and obtain the first time information.

[0308] In some embodiments, the third time information can be used to indicate the time when the first network element 1031 sends the first data. In some embodiments, the third indication information can indicate the time when the first network element 1031 sends the first data to the terminal 101 in step S4306.

[0309] In one example, at the time indicated by the third time information, first data is transmitted between the first network element 1031 and the terminal 101. It is understood that the transmission time of the first data from the first network element 1031 to the terminal 101 can be very short and therefore negligible; thus, the time when the first network element 1031 sends the first data and the time when the terminal 101 receives the first data can be considered the same time. In this case, the third time information can indicate the time when the terminal 101 receives the first data. For example, the third time information can indicate the moment when the first network element 1031 sends the first data. For example, the third time information can indicate the moment when the terminal 101 receives the first data.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can acquire third time information while transmitting first data. In one example, when transmitting the first data, the first network element 1031 can determine the time when the first data is transmitted and obtain the third time information.

[0311] In some embodiments, the third time information may indicate at least one of the following: the start time of transmission of the first data, the end time of transmission of the first data, and the duration of transmission of the first data. In some embodiments, the transmission of the first data from the first network element 1031 to the terminal 101 may last for a period of time. The third time information may indicate at least one of the start time, end time, and duration of this period.

[0312] In some embodiments, the amount of the first data is very small, and the duration of sending and receiving the first data is very short. In this case, the duration of the first data transmission by the first network element 1031 can be ignored, and the third time information can indicate a moment in time.

[0313] In some embodiments, network functions for managing and analyzing the first data can be deployed on the satellite. These network functions may be referred to as management and analysis network elements. In one example, the management and analysis network element may be an existing network function in the core network (e.g., the first network element) or a newly deployed network function. In some embodiments, the first information acquired by the first network element 1031 can be provided to the management and analysis network element for the management and analysis network element to perform operations such as data monitoring, data analysis, and data management of the first data.

[0314] In step S4306, the first network element 1031 sends the first data to the terminal 101.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can transmit first data. In some embodiments, the first data can be transmitted by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also be transmitted by other entities.

[0316] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive first data. In some embodiments, the first data may be received by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0317] In some embodiments, when the service link between access network device 102 and terminal 101, i.e., between the satellite and the ground station, changes from unavailable to available, the first network element 1031 may send first data to terminal 101. For example, as the satellite moves, terminal 101 moves from outside the satellite's coverage area to within the satellite's coverage area, and the service link becomes available.

[0318] In some embodiments, step S4306 may include: the first network element 1031 sending first data to the access network device 102; and the access network device 102 sending the first data to the terminal 101. At this time, the first data sent by the first network element 1031 can be forwarded to the terminal 101 through the access network device 102.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send a downlink S1-AP message to the access network device 102. The S1-AP message may carry a NAS PDU. In one example, the first data may be included in the NAS PDU.

[0320] In some embodiments, access network device 102 may send a downlink RRC message to terminal 101. The RRC message may carry a NAS PDU received from the first network element 1031.

[0321] In step S4307, terminal 101 sends a third message to the first network element 1031.

[0322] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may send a third message. In some embodiments, the third message may be sent by terminal 101, but is not limited to this, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive a third message. In some embodiments, the third message can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0324] In some embodiments, the third message may be used to indicate that the terminal 101 has received the first data. In some embodiments, the third message may be used to acknowledge receipt of the first data.

[0325] In one example, the third message could be an acknowledgment message. In another example, sending an acknowledgment message could indicate that terminal 101 has received the first data. In yet another example, if terminal 101 does not send an acknowledgment message or sends a NACK, it indicates that terminal 101 has not received the first data.

[0326] In one example, the third message could be a response message. In another example, the response message could indicate whether the first data was received using different values. For example, the response message could indicate that terminal 101 received the first data using a first value. Alternatively, the response message could indicate that terminal 101 did not receive the first data using a second value.

[0327] It should be noted that step S4307 is an optional step. In some embodiments, step S4307 may not be performed.

[0328] In step S4308, the first network element 1031 determines that the first condition is met.

[0329] The optional implementation of step S4308 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4108 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0330] In some embodiments, the first condition may include at least one of the following: the first network element 1031 completes the transmission of the first data, the first network element 1031 receives a receipt confirmation for the first data from the terminal 101, or the configuration time expires.

[0331] In some embodiments, the different conditions in the first condition can be used independently to determine whether the first condition is met. Of course, in some embodiments, the different conditions in the first condition can also be combined to determine whether the first condition is met.

[0332] In step S4309, the first network element 1031 deletes the first data and the first information.

[0333] The optional implementation of step S4309 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4109 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0334] The communication method of this embodiment can be implemented through steps S4301 to S4309.

[0335] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4301 to S4309. For example, step S4303 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4304 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S4303 and S4304 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, steps S4304 and S4305 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and steps S4303, S4304, and S4305 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0336] In some embodiments, steps S4302 and S4303 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously, and steps S4306 and S4308 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0337] In some embodiments, steps S4303, S4302, S4304, S4305, S4306, S4307, S4308, and S4309 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0338] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0339] Figure 4D is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in this embodiment can be applied to a communication system 100. As shown in Figure 4D, the communication method of this embodiment includes steps S4401 to S4407.

[0340] In step S4401, the fourth network element 1034 sends the first data to the core network device 103.

[0341] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can transmit the first data. In some embodiments, the first data can be transmitted by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto; it can also be transmitted by other entities.

[0342] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may receive the first data. In some embodiments, the first data may be received by the core network device 103, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0343] In some embodiments, the first data may include data packets and / or control signaling.

[0344] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can be deployed on the ground. In some embodiments, the core network device 103 can be deployed on an over-the-air device in an NTN. For example, the core network device 103 can be deployed in a satellite. In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may include at least one of the following: a first network element 1031, a second network element 1032, and a third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can communicate with the core network device 103 via a ground station and a power supply link.

[0345] In some embodiments, when the feed link between the fourth network element 1034 and the core network device 103, i.e., between the satellite and the ground station, changes from unavailable to available, the fourth network element 1034 can send first data to the core network device on the satellite via the ground station. In one example, the ground station may be located within the coverage area of ​​the satellite, in which case the feed link between the ground station and the satellite is available, and the second network element 1032 can send the first data to the first network element 1031 on the satellite.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first data may be downlink data related to terminal 101. For example, the first data may be data sent to terminal 101 by the fourth network element 1034. In one example, the first data may include data related to one or more services of terminal 101.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first data can be transmitted from the fourth network element 1034 to the core network device 103 via a user plane connection.

[0348] In step S4402, the core network device 103 performs an integrity check.

[0349] The optional implementation of step S4402 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4302 in Figure 4C, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4C, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] In some embodiments, integrity verification can be implemented by a first network element 1031 and / or a second network element 1032 in the core network device 103. In one example, the first network element 1031 and the second network element 1032 can be an MME. For example, the MME can perform integrity verification upon receiving first data.

[0351] In some embodiments, in step S4402, the core network device 103 may verify the integrity of the incoming first data and encrypt the first data.

[0352] In step S4403, the core network device 103 stores the first data and the first information.

[0353] The optional implementation of step S4403 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4305 in Figure 4C, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4C, which will not be repeated here.

[0354] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may store the acquired first data and first information locally.

[0355] In some embodiments, the first data may be the data received from the fourth network element 1034 in step S4402. In some embodiments, if the service link between the satellite and the terminal 101 is absent or unavailable when the core network device 103 receives the first data, then the link between the core network device 103 and the terminal 101 deployed on the ground is unavailable. Alternatively, the link between the access network device 102 and the terminal 101 is unavailable. Therefore, in store-and-forward mode, the first data may be stored in the core network device 103.

[0356] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may acquire first information and store the acquired first information.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first information acquired by the core network device 103 may include at least one of the following: first time information and third time information.

[0358] In some embodiments, the first time information can be used to indicate the time when the fourth network element 1034 sends the first data to the core network device 103. In some embodiments, the first time information can indicate the time when the fourth network element 1034 sends the first data to the core network device 103 in step S4401.

[0359] In some embodiments, at the time indicated by the first time information, first data is transmitted between the fourth network element 1034 and the core network device 103. It is understood that the transmission time of the first data from the fourth network element 1034 to the core network device 103 can be very short and therefore negligible; thus, the time when the fourth network element 1034 sends the first data and the time when the core network device 103 receives the first data can be considered the same time. In this case, the first time information can indicate the time when the core network device 103 receives the first data. For example, the first time information can indicate the moment when the fourth network element 1034 sends the first data. For example, the first time information can indicate the moment when the core network device 103 receives the first data.

[0360] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 can acquire first time information while receiving first data. In one example, when receiving the first data, the core network device 103 can determine the time when the first data was received and obtain the first time information.

[0361] In some embodiments, the first time information may indicate at least one of the following: the start time of receiving the first data, the end time of receiving the first data, and the duration of receiving the first data. In some embodiments, the transmission of the first data from the fourth network element 1034 to the core network device 103 may last for a period of time. The first time information may indicate at least one of the start time, end time, and duration of this period.

[0362] In some embodiments, the amount of the first data is very small, and the duration of sending and receiving the first data is very short. In this case, the duration for which the core network device 103 receives the first data can be ignored, and the first time information can indicate a single moment.

[0363] In some embodiments, the third time information can be used to indicate the time when the core network device 103 sends the first data. In some embodiments, the third indication information can indicate the time when the core network device 103 sends the first data to the terminal 101 in step S4404.

[0364] In one example, at the time indicated by the third time information, first data is transmitted between core network device 103 and terminal 101. It is understood that the transmission time of the first data from core network device 103 to terminal 101 can be very short and therefore negligible; thus, the time when core network device 103 sends the first data and the time when terminal 101 receives the first data can be considered the same time. In this case, the third time information can indicate the time when terminal 101 receives the first data. For example, the third time information can indicate the moment when core network device 103 sends the first data. For example, the third time information can indicate the moment when terminal 101 receives the first data.

[0365] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 can acquire third time information while transmitting first data. In one example, when transmitting the first data, the core network device 103 can determine the time when the first data is transmitted and obtain the third time information.

[0366] In some embodiments, the third time information may indicate at least one of the following: the start time of transmission of the first data, the end time of transmission of the first data, and the duration of transmission of the first data. In some embodiments, the transmission of the first data from the core network device 103 to the terminal 101 may last for a period of time. The third time information may indicate at least one of the start time, end time, and duration of this period.

[0367] In some embodiments, the amount of the first data is small, and the duration of sending and receiving the first data is short. In this case, the duration for which the core network device 103 sends the first data can be ignored, and the third time information can indicate a moment in time.

[0368] In some embodiments, network functions for managing and analyzing the first data can be deployed on the satellite. These network functions may be referred to as management and analysis network elements. In one example, the management and analysis network element may be an existing network function in the core network (e.g., MME) or a newly deployed network function. In some embodiments, the first information acquired by the core network device 103 can be provided to the management and analysis network element so that the management and analysis network element can perform operations such as data monitoring, data analysis, and data management on the first data.

[0369] In step S4404, the core network device 103 sends the first data to the terminal 101.

[0370] The optional implementation of step S4403 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4306 in Figure 4C, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4C, which will not be repeated here.

[0371] In step S4405, terminal 101 sends a third message to core network device 103.

[0372] The optional implementation of step S4405 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4307 in Figure 4C, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4C, which will not be repeated here.

[0373] In step S4306, the core network device 103 determines that the first condition is met.

[0374] The optional implementation of step S4406 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4308 in Figure 4C, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4C, which will not be repeated here.

[0375] In step S4407, the first network element 1031 deletes the first data and the first information.

[0376] The optional implementation of step S4407 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4309 in Figure 4C, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4C, which will not be repeated here.

[0377] In some embodiments, if the core network device 103 determines that the first condition is met, the core network device 103 may determine that it will no longer store the first data and the first information. At this time, the core network device 103 may delete the first data and the first information.

[0378] It should be noted that the operations implemented by the core network device 103 in this embodiment can be implemented by one or more network functions within the core network device 103. For example, all of these operations can be implemented by the MME within the core network device 103. For example, some of these operations can be implemented by the MME within the core network device 103, while others can be implemented by other network elements within the core network device 103.

[0379] The communication method of this embodiment can be implemented through steps S4401 to S4407.

[0380] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4401 to S4407. For example, step S4403 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, the combination of steps S4401 and S4402 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and the combination of steps S4403, S4406 and S4407 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0381] In some embodiments, steps S4402 and S4403 may be performed in a different order or simultaneously, and steps S4404 and S4406 may be performed in a different order or simultaneously.

[0382] In some embodiments, steps S4401, S4402, S4404, S4405, S4406, and S4407 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0383] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0384] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0385] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink".

[0386] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0387] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0388] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0389] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0390] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0391] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0392] In some embodiments, the terms "service", "business", and "traffic" can be used interchangeably.

[0393] In some embodiments, if an arrow in the interaction diagram representing the sending of information, signaling, etc. from one subject to another passes through other subjects, it can be interpreted as the information being forwarded from one subject to another via other subjects, or it can be interpreted as the information being sent from one subject to another without passing through other subjects.

[0394] Figure 5 is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes steps S501 and S502.

[0395] In step S501, the second node sends the first data to the first node.

[0396] Optional implementations of step S501 can be found in step S4102 of Figure 4A, step S4202 of Figure 4B, step S4304 of Figure 4C, step S4401 of Figure 4D, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, which will not be repeated here.

[0397] In step S502, the first node acquires the first information.

[0398] Optional implementations of step S502 can be found in steps S4102 and S4104 in Figure 4A, steps S4202 and S4204 in Figure 4B, steps S4304 and S4305 in Figure 4C, optional implementations of step S4403 in Figure 4D, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, which will not be repeated here.

[0399] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first time information, used to indicate the time when the second node sends the first data to the first node; second time information, used to indicate the time when the second node receives the first data; third time information, used to indicate the time when the first node sends the first data; and first location information, used to indicate the location of the terminal.

[0400] In some embodiments, the first location information may include at least one of the following: a tracking area serving the terminal; a cell serving the terminal; an access network device serving the terminal; or a satellite serving the terminal.

[0401] In some embodiments, the above method may further include: the first node storing first data and first information.

[0402] In some embodiments, the above method may further include: the first node sending first data and / or first information to the third node.

[0403] In some embodiments, the first node can be a first network element 1031, the second node can be an access network device 102, and the third node can be a second network element 1032. In this case, the first data can be uplink data. The first information can include at least one of second time information, third time information, and first location information.

[0404] In some embodiments, the first node can be a first network element 1031, the second node can be a second network element 1032, and the third node can be a terminal 101. In this case, the first data can be downlink data. The first information may include first time information and / or third time information.

[0405] In some embodiments, the first node may be a core network device 103, the second node may be an access network device 102, and the third node may be a fourth network element 1034. In this case, the first data may be uplink data. The first information may include at least one of second time information, third time information, and first location information.

[0406] In some embodiments, the first node may be a core network device 103, the second node may be a fourth network element 1034, and the third node may be a terminal 101. In this case, the first data may be downlink data. The first information may include first time information and / or third time information.

[0407] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0408] In the following, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example.

[0409] In some embodiments, when the first device (i.e., the second node) sends data (i.e., first data) to the second device (i.e., the first node), it includes first information. This first information indicates the time when the data is received from the third device and / or the time when the data is sent to the second device; the third device is either a network device other than the first device and the second device, or a terminal device (i.e., a terminal).

[0410] In some embodiments, when the first device sends the data to the second device, it further includes second information; wherein the second information is used to indicate the location information of the terminal device when sending the data.

[0411] In some embodiments, the location information (i.e., the first location information) includes at least one of the following: the current tracking area serving the terminal device; the current cell serving the terminal device; the current base station serving the terminal device; and the current satellite serving the terminal device.

[0412] In some embodiments, when the network where the terminal and the second device are located supports the data storage and forwarding mode, the first information and / or the second information are sent.

[0413] In some embodiments, the second device stores the data and the first information and / or the second information, wherein the data, as well as the first information and / or the second information, are used for data management and analysis.

[0414] In some embodiments, the second device sends the data to the third network device.

[0415] In some embodiments, the second device also sends the first information and / or the second information to the third device.

[0416] In some embodiments, the second device deletes the data, as well as the first information and / or the second information, according to one of the following conditions (i.e., the first condition): after the second device sends the data to the third device, the data, the first information, and the second information are deleted; after receiving the data reception confirmation message from the third device, the data, the first information, and the second information are deleted; or the data, the first information, and the second information are deleted within a configured time period.

[0417] Figure 6A is an exemplary interactive schematic diagram of an embodiment of the communication method provided according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, the communication method may include steps S6101 to S6112.

[0418] In step S6101, the UE (i.e., the terminal) is ECM-IDLE.

[0419] In step S6102, the UE establishes an RRC connection and sends a NAS PDU with integrity protection as part of the RRC connection. The NAS PDU carries the EPS bearer identifier and encrypted uplink data. The UE can also indicate in the NAS release auxiliary information within the NAS PDU whether it expects further uplink or downlink data transmission, or only expects a single downlink data transmission after this uplink data transmission.

[0420] In step S6103, the NAS PDU is forwarded (relayed) to the MME by the eNodeB (i.e., the access network device) through the S1-AP initial UE message.

[0421] In some embodiments, during the UE attach / tracking area update (TAU) process, after negotiation between the UE and the network, and with the network operating in store-and-forward mode, satellite store-and-forward operations are enabled to facilitate the exchange of UE signaling and / or data. To assist with management requirements, the eNodeB indicates to the onboard MME (i.e., the first network element) the time when the NAS PDU DATA was received and / or the UE's location information (e.g., serving TA, and / or serving cell ID).

[0422] In step S6104 (including S6104a, S6104b, and S6104c), the MME verifies the integrity of the incoming NAS PDU and decrypts the data contained therein.

[0423] In some embodiments, in the absence of a power supply link with the ground MME (i.e., the second network element), the MME may store data, as well as the data received in step S6103, and time and location information.

[0424] In some embodiments, the duration for which data should be stored in the onboard MME, or the deletion of data after it has been sent to the ground MME, may depend on the network implementation based on management requirements.

[0425] In some implementations, upon detecting that the power supply link has become available, the onboard MME transmits the stored data to the ground MME. In some embodiments, time and location information may also be transmitted to the ground MME along with the stored data, if needed.

[0426] In some embodiments, where management-enabled network functions are deployed in satellites or on the ground, data analysis of the stored data can be performed based on time and location information stored in the satellite.

[0427] In step S6105, if the S11-U connection is not established, the ground MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the S-GW (i.e., the third network element) for each PDU connection. The S-GW is then able to send downlink data to the UE.

[0428] In step S6106, the S-GW can return a modified bearing response to the ground MME.

[0429] In step S6107, the MME sends uplink data to the S-GW.

[0430] In step S6108, if downlink data is not expected based on the NAS release auxiliary information from the UE in step S6102, this means that all application layer data exchange for uplink data transmission is completed, and if the MME does not detect any pending MT traffic and the S1-U bearer is not established, steps S6109 and S6110 can be skipped and step S6111 can be executed.

[0431] In step S6109 (including S6109a, S6109b, and S6109c), the ground MME encrypts and protects the integrity of the downlink data. In some embodiments, if the power supply link is unavailable, the downlink data is stored together with the time data at the ground MME.

[0432] In step S6110, when the service link goes from unavailable to available, the onboard MME stores the downlink data, as well as the corresponding data reception time and data transmission time.

[0433] In some embodiments, where management-enabled network functions are deployed in satellites or on the ground, data analysis of the stored data can be performed based on time and location information stored in the satellite.

[0434] In step S6111 (including S6111a and S6111b), if the service link is available, the onboard MME sends the stored downlink data to the eNodeB in the S1-AP downlink NAS message.

[0435] In some embodiments, when uplink data is received along with NAS release assistance information and the NAS release assistance information indicates expected downlink data, this means that the next downlink packet after the NAS release assistance information is the last packet of application layer data exchange. In this case, unless the MME detects additional pending mobile-targeted traffic and unless the S1-U bearer is established, the MME can immediately send an S1 UE context release command after the S1-AP message including downlink data encapsulated in the NAS PDU as an indication that the eNodeB should attempt to release the RRC connection after successfully sending data to the UE.

[0436] In step S6112, the eNodeB sends an RRC downlink data message, which includes downlink data encapsulated in the NAS PDU.

[0437] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0438] Figure 6B is an exemplary interaction diagram of another embodiment of the communication method provided according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, the communication method may include steps S6201 to S6215.

[0439] In step S6201, the UE is attached and in ECM-IDLE mode. When the S-GW receives downlink data packets and / or control signaling for the UE, if the S-GW context data indicates that there is no downlink user plane pointing to the MME, the S-GW buffers the downlink data packets. The S-GW sends a downlink data notification message to the ground MME. This ground MME has control plane connectivity for the given UE.

[0440] In step S6202, if the UE registers with the MME and is deemed reachable, the MME sends a paging message to the UE.

[0441] In step S6203, since the UE is in ECM-IDLE state, upon receiving a paging instruction, the UE sends a Control Plane Service Request (NAS) message via an RRC Connection Request and an S-AP Initial Message.

[0442] In step S6204, the eNodeB sends a service request to the MME.

[0443] In step S6205, if the S11-U connection is not established, the ground MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the S-GW for each PDN connection. The S-GW can then return a Modify Bearer Response to the ground MME.

[0444] In step S6206, the SG is able to send downlink data to the UE.

[0445] In step S6207 (including S6207a, S6207b, and S6207c), the ground-based MME encrypts and protects the integrity of the downlink data. In some embodiments, when the feeder link is unavailable, the downlink data and time information are stored in the ground-based MME.

[0446] In some embodiments, after the power supply link is rebuilt, the stored downlink data can be sent to the onboard MME.

[0447] In step S6208, when the service link goes from unavailable to available, the onboard MME stores the downlink data, as well as the corresponding data reception time and data transmission time.

[0448] In some embodiments, where management-enabled network functions are deployed in satellites or on the ground, data analysis of the stored data can be performed based on time and location information stored in the satellite.

[0449] In step S6209, the onboard MME uses the NAS PDU carried by the downlink S1-AP message to send downlink data to the eNodeB.

[0450] In step S6210, the NAS PDU with data is sent to the UE via a downlink RRC message.

[0451] In step S6211, when necessary, the eNodeB sends a NAS delivery instruction to the MME.

[0452] In step S6212, while the RRC connection remains active, more uplink and downlink data can be transmitted via the NAS PDU. Uplink data transmission is illustrated using an uplink RRC message that encapsulates the NAS PDU containing the data.

[0453] In step S6213, the NAS PDU is forwarded by the eNodeB to the MME via the S1-AP initial UE message.

[0454] In some embodiments, during UE attach / TAU negotiations between the UE and the network, and with the network operating in store-and-forward mode, satellite store-and-forward operations are enabled to facilitate the exchange of UE signaling and / or data. To assist with management requirements, the eNodeB indicates to the onboard MME the time when the NAS PDU DATA was received and / or the UE's location information (e.g., serving TA, and / or serving cell ID).

[0455] In step S6214 (including S6214a, S6214b, and S6214c), the MME verifies the integrity of the incoming NAS PDU and decrypts the data contained therein.

[0456] In some embodiments, in the absence of a power supply link with the ground MME, the MME may store data, as well as the data received in step S6213, and time and location information.

[0457] In some embodiments, the duration for which data should be stored in the onboard MME, or the deletion of data after it has been sent to the ground MME, may depend on the network implementation based on management requirements.

[0458] In some implementations, upon detecting that the power supply link has become available, the onboard MME transmits the stored data to the ground MME. In some embodiments, time and location information may also be transmitted to the ground MME along with the stored data, if needed.

[0459] In some embodiments, where management-enabled network functions are deployed in satellites or on the ground, data analysis of the stored data can be performed based on time and location information stored in the satellite.

[0460] In step S6215, the MME sends uplink data to the S-GW.

[0461] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0462] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0463] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication apparatus, communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., access network device, core network functional node, core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0464] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0465] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0466] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 701 and a processing module 702.

[0467] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may be a first node. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to: acquire first information; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, used to indicate the time when the second node sends first data to the first node; second time information, used to indicate the time when the second node receives the first data; third time information, used to indicate the time when the first node sends the first data; and first location information, used to indicate the location of the terminal. The first node is deployed in a satellite and has data and signaling store-and-forward functionality. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S4102, S4105, S4106, S4202, S4205, S4206, S4304, S4306, S4307, S4401, S4404, but not limited thereto) performed by the first node in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 702 may be configured to perform at least one of the following steps other than the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first node in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S4103, S4104, S4108, S4109, S4203, S4204, S4207, S4208, S4305, S4308, S4309, S4402, S4403, S4406, S4407, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0468] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may be a second node. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to: send first data and first information to a first node, wherein the first node is deployed in a satellite and has store-and-forward functionality for data and signaling; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, used to indicate the time when the second node sends the first data to the first node; second time information, used to indicate the time when the second node receives the first data; and first location information, used to indicate the location of the terminal. The first node is deployed in a satellite and has store-and-forward functionality for data and signaling. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S4101, S4102, S4201, S4202, S4301, S4304, S4401, but not limited thereto) performed by the second node in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 702 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S4302, S4303, but not limited thereto) besides the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second node in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0469] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may be a third node. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to: receive first data and / or first information sent by a first node, wherein the first node is deployed in a satellite and has data and signaling store-and-forward functionality; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, used to indicate the time when the second node sends the first data to the first node; second time information, used to indicate the time when the second node receives the first data; and first location information, used to indicate the location of the terminal. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the third node in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S4105, S4106, S4205, S4206, S4306, S4307, S4404, S4405, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0470] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting and receiving modules may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0471] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0472] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0473] As shown in Figure 8A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 8100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 8101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0474] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8102. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8102, the transceivers 8102 perform communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S4101, S4102, S4105, S4106, S4107, S4201, S4202, S4205, S4206, S4301, S4304, S4306, S4307, S4401, S4404, S4...). At least one of steps S4105 (but not limited to), processor 8101 executes at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S4103, S4104, S4108, S4109, S4203, S4204, S4207, S4208, S4302, S4303, S4305, S4308, S4309, S4402, S4403, S4406, S4407, but not limited to). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0475] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8103 may be located outside the communication device 8100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuits 8104 are connected to the memories 8103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 8103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 8103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8104 can read data stored in the memories 8103 and send that data to the processor 8101.

[0476] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG8A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0477] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 8200 shown in Figure 8B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0478] Chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201. Chip 8200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0479] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8203 may be located outside of chip 8200. Optionally, interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive data from memory 8203 or other devices, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to send data to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 8202 can read data stored in memory 8203 and send the data to processor 8201.

[0480] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S4101, S4102, S4105, S4106, S4107, S4201, S4202, S4205, S4206, S4301, S4304, S4306, S4307, S4401, S4404, S4405, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 8202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 8202 performing data interaction between the processor 8201, the chip 8200, the memory 8203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 8201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S4103, S4104, S4108, S4109, S4203, S4204, S4207, S4208, S4302, S4303, S4305, S4308, S4309, S4402, S4403, S4406, S4407, but not limited thereto).

[0481] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0482] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0483] This disclosure also provides a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0484] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0485] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0486] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

A communication method performed by a first node, wherein The method includes: Obtain first information; The first information includes at least one of the following: First-time information is used to indicate the time when the second node sends the first data to the first node; The second time information is used to indicate the time when the second node receives the first data; The third time information is used to indicate the time when the first node sent the first data; The first location information is used to indicate the location of the terminal; The first node is deployed in a satellite and has the function of storing and forwarding data and signaling. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information is used to manage and analyze the first data. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first location information includes at least one of the following: The tracking area serves the terminal; The cell serving the terminal; Access network equipment serving the terminal; Satellites serving the terminal. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The acquisition of the first information includes: The system receives first information sent by the second node, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: first time information, second time information, and first location information. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the first data sent by the second node. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The method further includes: If the link between the first node and the third node is available, send the first data and / or the first information to the third node; If the link between the first node and the third node is unavailable, store the first data and the first information. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The method further includes: If the first condition is met, delete the first data and the first information; The first condition includes one of the following: The first node completes the transmission of the first data; The first node receives a receipt confirmation from the third node for the first data; Configuration timeout. A communication method, performed by a second node, wherein The method includes: Send the first data and the first information to the first node; The first information includes at least one of the following: First-time information is used to indicate the time when the second node sends the first data to the first node; The second time information is used to indicate the time when the second node receives the first data; The first location information is used to indicate the location of the terminal; The first node is deployed in a satellite and has data and signaling storage and forwarding capabilities. The method of claim 8, wherein, The first information is used to manage and analyze the first data. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein The first location information includes at least one of the following: The tracking area serves the terminal; The cell serving the terminal; Access network equipment serving the terminal; Satellites serving the terminal. The method of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The second node is deployed on the ground network; The method further includes: If the link between the first node and the second node is unavailable, store the first data and the first information. A communication device characterized by The communication device is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-7 and 8-11. A communication system characterized by The communication system comprises a first node configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1-7 and a second node configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 8-11. A storage medium storing instructions, the instructions comprising: The instructions, when run on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-7, 8-11. A program product comprising at least one of a program, instructions, characterized in that The program, instructions, at least one of which, when executed by a communication device, implement the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1-7, 8-11.

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