Information processing methods, communication device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are information processing methods, a communication device, a communication system and a storage medium. An information processing method, executed by a first network element, comprises: receiving first information sent by a second network element, the first information being used for indicating at least one first TA supported when a base station accesses the first network element, and the second network element being a network element other than the base station, wherein the first TA includes at least one of the following: a TA supported by the base station within a service area of the first network element; and a TA supported by the base station at a specified time.

Description

Information processing methods, communication equipment, communication systems and storage media Technical Field

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

[0002] In the field of communication technology, satellite communication technology has been introduced, meaning that terminals can communicate via satellite access networks. Regarding satellite access networks, the tracking area (TA) supported by the base station access network needs to be considered. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments disclosed herein aim to address the issue of not being able to clearly identify the TA supported by the base station.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a first network element, comprising: receiving first information sent by a second network element, the first information indicating at least one first TA supported by a base station when accessing the first network element; the second network element being a network element other than the base station; wherein the first TA includes at least one of the following: a TA supported by the base station within the service area of ​​the first network element; a TA supported by the base station at a specified time.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a second network element, comprising: sending first information to a first network element, the first information indicating at least one first TA supported by the base station when accessing the first network element; the second network element being a network element other than the base station; wherein the first TA includes at least one of the following: a TA supported by the base station within the service area of ​​the first network element; a TA supported by the base station at a specified time.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a base station, comprising: sending fourth information to a first network element, the fourth information indicating at least one second TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element; wherein the fourth information is used by the first network element to determine that the second TA is different from the first TA, and to determine whether to store the fourth information or the first information; the first information is obtained by the first network element from a second network element, and the first information indicates at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element; the second network element is a network element other than the base station.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed for a communication system, the communication system including a first network element and a second network element; the method includes: the second network element sending first information to the first network element, the first information indicating: at least one first TA supported by a base station when accessing the first network element; the second network element is a network element other than the base station; wherein the first TA includes at least one of the following: a TA supported by the base station within the service area of ​​the first network element; a TA supported by the base station at a specified time.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided, comprising: a first transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a second network element, the first information indicating: at least one first TA supported by a base station when accessing the first network element; the second network element being a network element other than the base station; wherein the first TA includes at least one of the following: a TA supported by the base station within the service area of ​​the first network element; a TA supported by the base station at a specified time.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided, comprising: a second transceiver module configured to send first information to a first network element, the first information indicating: at least one first TA supported by a base station when accessing the first network element; the second network element being a network element other than the base station; wherein the first TA includes at least one of the following: a TA supported by the base station within the service area of ​​the first network element; a TA supported by the base station at a specified time.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a base station is provided, comprising: a third transceiver module configured to send fourth information to a first network element, the fourth information indicating at least one second TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element; wherein the fourth information is used by the first network element to determine that the second TA is different from the first TA, and to determine whether to store the fourth information or the first information; the first information is obtained by the first network element from a second network element, and the first information indicates at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element; the second network element is a network element other than the base station.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication device is provided, which is used to perform an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first network element, a second network element, and a base station; wherein the first network element is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second network element is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, and the base station is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0013] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect.

[0014] According to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect.

[0015] The embodiments disclosed herein can clearly identify the TAs supported by the base station. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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.

[0017] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4A is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4B is a schematic flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0031] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose an information processing method, executed by a first network element, comprising: receiving first information sent by a second network element, the first information being used to indicate: at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element; the second network element being a network element other than the base station.

[0032] In the above embodiments, the TAs supported by the base station can be clearly identified. Furthermore, only the TAs supported by the base station provided by other network elements (e.g., a second network element other than the base station) can be obtained. This reduces the possibility of inconsistencies between the TAs supported by the base station and those provided by the second network element, thereby improving paging efficiency.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first TA includes at least one of the following: a TA supported by the base station within the service area of ​​the first network element; a TA supported by the base station at a specified time.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the base station can be provided with a TA supported within the service area of ​​the first network element where the base station is located; and / or, the first TA is a TA supported by the base station at a specified time, and the base station can be provided with TAs supported at different times.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before receiving the first information sent by the second network element, the method further includes: sending second information to the second network element, wherein the second information is used to request the first information.

[0036] In the above embodiments, a method is provided for a first network element to actively obtain first information, which can be adapted to more application scenarios; and the first information is only obtained when the first network element sends a request to the second network element, without the need for real-time acquisition, which can save resources.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, the second information includes a first identifier, which is used to indicate a base station.

[0038] In the above embodiments, it can be determined which base station is requested to support the first TA.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending second information to the second network element includes: sending second information to the second network element based on third information, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the base station is a base station in a satellite access network based on regeneration mode.

[0040] In the above embodiments, paging efficiency can be improved when accessing the network based on regenerative mode satellites.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information is configured in the first network element, or the third information is obtained from a base station or a third network element, which is different from the first network element.

[0042] In the above embodiments, third-party information can be obtained through multiple means to adapt to more application scenarios.

[0043] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving fourth information sent by a base station, the fourth information indicating at least one second TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element; and determining whether to store the first information or the fourth information based on the difference between the first TA and the second TA.

[0044] In the above embodiments, when the base station also provides a TA supported by the base station, it can be decided to store the TA provided by the base station, thereby reducing the occurrence of inconsistencies between the TA supported by the base station and the TA provided by the second network element, and improving paging efficiency.

[0045] Secondly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a second network element, comprising: sending first information to a first network element, the first information indicating at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element; the second network element being a network element other than the base station.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first TA includes at least one of the following: a TA supported by the base station within the service area of ​​the first network element; a TA supported by the base station at a specified time.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, before sending the first information to the first network element, the method further includes: receiving second information sent by the first network element, wherein the second information is used to request the first information.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes a first identifier, which is used to indicate a base station.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending first information to the first network element includes one of the following: sending first information to the first network element based on configuration information; or sending first information to the first network element based on interaction with the base station.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the first information is sent in multiple ways, which can adapt to more application scenarios.

[0051] Thirdly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a base station, comprising: sending fourth information to a first network element, the fourth information indicating at least one second TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element; wherein the fourth information is used by the first network element to determine that the second TA is different from the first TA, and to determine whether to store the fourth information or the first information; the first information is obtained by the first network element from a second network element, and the first information indicates at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element; the second network element is a network element other than the base station.

[0052] Fourthly, this disclosure provides an information processing method for a communication system, the communication system including a first network element and a second network element; the method includes: the second network element sending first information to the first network element, the first information indicating at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element.

[0053] Fifthly, this disclosure provides a first network element, including: a first transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a second network element, the first information indicating at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element.

[0054] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a second network element, including: a second transceiver module configured to send first information to a first network element, the first information being used to indicate: at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element.

[0055] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a base station, comprising: a third transceiver module configured to send fourth information to a first network element, the fourth information being used to indicate: at least one second TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element; wherein, the fourth information is used by the first network element to determine that the second TA is different from the first TA, and to determine whether to store the fourth information or the first information; the first information is obtained by the first network element from the second network element, and the first information is used to indicate: at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element.

[0056] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect.

[0057] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: a first network element, a second network element, and a base station; wherein the first network element is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second network element is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, and the base station is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0058] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect.

[0059] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect.

[0060] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the information processing method as described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect.

[0061] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system including processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in accordance with the first, second, third, or alternative implementations of the first, second, and third aspects described above.

[0062] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices (e.g., first network element, second network element, base station, etc.), communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0063] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "information processing method" and "information processing apparatus" are interchangeable, as are "information processing device" and "communication apparatus," and "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0064] 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 implementation methods 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, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods 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 utilized. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0068] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0069] 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 whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); 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, and C.

[0071] 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 whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0072] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); 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, and C.

[0073] 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.

[0074] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0075] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0076] 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 making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0077] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0078] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0079] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0085] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0086] 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.

[0087] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 may include: a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network device 103.

[0088] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, 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, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include 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 wireless 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, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. 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.

[0091] In some embodiments, the access network device 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.

[0092] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a single device, including a first network element 1031 or a third network element 1032, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the aforementioned first network element 1031, third network element 1032, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), Next Generation Core (NGC), and 6G Core Network (6GCN).

[0093] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0094] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 is used for access management and / or mobility management, etc., and its name is not limited thereto.

[0095] In some embodiments, the second network element 1033 may be an Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) function or operator equipment, etc.

[0096] In some embodiments, the second network element 1033 may be independent of the core network device 103. For example, as shown in FIG1A.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second network element 1033 may be part of the core network device 103.

[0098] In some embodiments, the second network element 1033 is used for network management and / or maintenance (e.g., performance monitoring, fault management), and its name is not limited thereto.

[0099] In some embodiments, the third network element 1032 may be a Session Management function (SMF), a Unified Data Management (UDM) function or UDM, a Unified Data Repository (UDR) function, a Mobility Management Entity (MME), or a Network function (NF), etc.

[0100] In some embodiments, the third network element 1032 is any network element, entity, function, or device in the core network other than the first network element.

[0101] In some embodiments, the third network element 1032 is used for mobility management, session management, data management and / or storage, etc., and its name is not limited thereto.

[0102] 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 provided 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 provided in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0103] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0104] 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).

[0105] In some embodiments, FIG1B is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1B, the satellite establishes a communication connection with the UE through a service link, and the satellite establishes a communication connection with the ground station through a feeder link. The satellite access network is connected to both the core network and the UE; the core network includes AMF, SMF, and User Plane Function (UPF). The core network is connected to the data network.

[0106] Regenerative mode-based satellite networks deploy network functions, such as gNBs, on satellites. When signaling and / or data pass through the satellite, the satellite needs to process the signaling and / or data. In regenerative mode-based satellite networks, because gNBs move with the satellite, one gNB will leave the AMF's service area, while other gNBs will enter the AMF's service area. When a gNB enters the AMF's service area, an NG configuration (or establishment) procedure needs to be initiated; when it leaves the AMF's service area, an NG configuration (or establishment) deletion procedure needs to be initiated.

[0107] The purpose of NG establishment is to exchange application layer data required by the NG-RAN node and AMF to operate correctly on the NG-C interface. This NG establishment process uses non-UE-related signaling. The NG-RAN node initiates the NG establishment process by sending an NG establishment request message to the AMF. The AMF sends an NG establishment response message. TAIs supported by the NG-RAN node will be included in the supported TA list in the IE and sent to the AMF in the NG establishment request message; this parameter (i.e., the parameter for the TAIs supported by the NG-RAN node) is mandatory.

[0108] Meanwhile, for satellite access based on regeneration mode, there is also a scheme based on OAM providing base station support for TA, that is, allowing OAM to provide AMF with information on TAI supported by Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) gNB.

[0109] In some embodiments, the UE can be a terminal, or the terminal can be a UE.

[0110] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0111] Step S2101: The first network element sends the second information to the second network element.

[0112] In some embodiments, the second network element receives second information from the first network element.

[0113] Optionally, the second information is used to request the first information.

[0114] For example, the first information is used to indicate at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element. Here, the base station can be replaced by an access network device.

[0115] For example, the first information is used to indicate: a list of first TAs supported when the base station accesses the first network element; the list of first TAs includes at least one first TA.

[0116] For example, the first information may include first TA list information, which is used to indicate at least one first TA. Here, the first TA list information may be a list of first Tracking Area IDs (TAIs), which includes at least one first TAI, and one first TAI is used to indicate one first TA.

[0117] For example, the name of the first information is not limited, and it may be, for example, TA list information, TAI list, TA indication information, or tracking area identification response, etc.

[0118] For example, the first TA is at least one of the following: a TA supported by the base station within the service area of ​​the first network element; or a TA supported by the base station at a specified time. Here, the service area can refer to the serving cell. The specified time can be any time within the service area of ​​the base station in the AMF; for example, the specified time can be a first time or a second time, etc.; or, for example, the specified time can be a period of time, such as the period from the third time to the fourth time.

[0119] For example, the first TA or first information is provided to the first network element by the second network element.

[0120] Optionally, the second information includes a first identifier, which indicates a base station. Here, the base station can be replaced by access network equipment.

[0121] For example, the second information is used to request at least one first TA supported by the base station access network first network element corresponding to the first identifier.

[0122] For example, the name of the second information is not limited; it can be, for example, a TA request message or a TAI request message. For instance, a first network element sends a TAI request message to a second network element, and the TAI request message is used to request the first information.

[0123] For example, the first identifier can be any string or number, as long as it is used to uniquely identify the base station.

[0124] For example, the name of the first identifier is not limited, and it may be, for example, a base station identifier or a device identifier.

[0125] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", and "data" can be used interchangeably.

[0126] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “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 autonomously implementing, among other meanings.

[0127] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "specified", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "specified 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, specified A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0128] In step S2102, the second network element sends the first information to the first network element.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first network element receives first information sent by the second network element.

[0130] In some embodiments, the second network element actively sends first information to the first network element. Here, the second network element triggers the sending of first information to the first network element based on configuration information or interaction with the base station.

[0131] Optionally, the second network element sends the first information to the first network based on the configuration information.

[0132] For example, the configuration information can be used to configure the first TA when the base station accesses the first network element for the second network element.

[0133] For example, the configuration information can also be used to trigger the second network element to send the first information to the first network element.

[0134] Optionally, the second network element sends first information to the first network element based on its interaction with the base station.

[0135] For example, during the NG establishment process, the second network element interacts with the base station to obtain the first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element.

[0136] For example, the second network element sends fifth information to the base station, the fifth information being used to request sixth information; the base station sends sixth information to the second network element, the sixth information being used to indicate the first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element.

[0137] For example, the names of the fifth and sixth information can be unrestricted; for example, the fifth information can be a TA request information, and the sixth information can be a TA instruction information.

[0138] Optionally, when the second network element terminal sends the first information to the first network element, the first information may also include a first identifier. This allows the first network element to know which base station supports the first TA when accessing the first network element.

[0139] In some embodiments, after receiving the second information from the first network element, the second network element sends the first information to the first network element. For example, the first network element sends the second information to the second network element, the second information being used to request the first information; the second network element then sends the first information to the first network element.

[0140] In some optional embodiments, if step S2101 exists, before step S2101, the method further includes: the first network element acquiring third information; or, if step S2101 does not exist, before step S2102, the method further includes: the first network element acquiring third information.

[0141] In some alternative embodiments, the first network element obtains the first information from the second network element based on the third information.

[0142] In some alternative embodiments, the first network element sends the second information to the second network element based on the third information.

[0143] Optionally, the third information is used to indicate a base station in a satellite access network where the base station is in regenerative mode.

[0144] Optionally, the second information is configured in the first network element. For example, during the NG establishment process, the first network element obtains the third information from the base station or the third network element; the first network element stores the third information.

[0145] Optionally, the third information is obtained from a base station or a third network element, which is different from the first network element. For example, the base station or the third network element sends the third information to the first network element. For example, the first network element sends seventh information to the base station or the third network element, the seventh information being used to request the third information; the first network element receives the third information sent by the base station or the third network element.

[0146] For example, the third network element is any network element in the core network other than the first network element; for example, the third network element can be SMF, MME or NF, etc.

[0147] Optionally, the name of the third information is not limited, and it may be, for example, base station type information.

[0148] In step S2103, the base station sends the fourth information to the first network element.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first network element receives fourth information sent by the base station.

[0150] Optionally, the fourth information is used to indicate at least one second TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element.

[0151] Optionally, the fourth information includes a first identifier, which is used to indicate a base station.

[0152] Optionally, the fourth information may include a second TA list information, which indicates at least one second TA. Here, the second TA list information may be a second TAI list, which includes at least one second TAI, and one second TAI indicates one second TA.

[0153] Optionally, the name of the fourth information is not limited, and it may be, for example, TA list information, TAI list, or TA indication information.

[0154] Optionally, the second TA is at least one of the following: a TA supported by the base station within the service area of ​​the first network element; or a TA supported by the base station at a specified time.

[0155] Optionally, the second TA or fourth information is provided by the base station to the first network element.

[0156] In some embodiments, the base station sends fourth information to the first network element during NG setup or RAN configuration update.

[0157] Optionally, the base station sends an NG setup request message to the first network element, and the NG setup request message includes fourth information.

[0158] In some optional embodiments, if the base station determines that it is a base station in a satellite access network based on regeneration mode, it determines not to send the fourth information to the first network element. At this time, the second network element sends the first information to the first network element.

[0159] Optionally, the first network element does not expect to receive the fourth information from the base station; or, the first network element determines that it will not receive the fourth information from the base station. That is, the first network element does not expect or does not receive from the base station at least one second TA supported by the base station when it accesses the first network element.

[0160] In step S2104, the first network element determines whether to store the first information or the fourth information.

[0161] In some embodiments, after receiving the first information and the fourth information, the first network element determines to store the first information or the fourth information.

[0162] Optionally, the first network element determines to store first information based on the difference between the first TA and the second TA. For example, the first network element may store a second identifier and the first information, whereby the second identifier is used to indicate the second network element. Alternatively, the first network element may store a second identifier and a first TAI, whereby the first TAI is used to indicate the first TA.

[0163] Optionally, the first network element determines to store fourth information based on the difference between the first TA and the second TA. For example, the first network element may store a first identifier and the fourth information, whereby the first identifier is used to indicate the base station. For example, the first network element may store a first identifier and a second TAI, whereby the second TAI is used to indicate the second TA.

[0164] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2104. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101 and S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2102 and S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2102, S2103, and S2104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101 to S2104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0165] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2103 may be performed in a different order or simultaneously, and steps S2102 and S2103 may be performed in a different order or simultaneously.

[0166] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2103, and S2104 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0167] In some embodiments, steps S2103 and S2104 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0168] In some embodiments, step S2101 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0169] 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.

[0170] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0171] Step S2201: The first network element sends the second information to the second network element.

[0172] The optional implementation of step S2201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0173] In step S2202, the second network element sends the first information to the first network element.

[0174] The optional implementation of step S2202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0175] The information processing method disclosed herein may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2202. For example, step S2202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; a combination of steps S2201 and S2202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment.

[0176] In some embodiments, step S2201 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0177] 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.

[0178] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method for a communication system 100, the method including one of the following steps:

[0179] Step S3101: The second network element sends first information to the first network element. The first information is used to indicate at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element.

[0180] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first TA includes at least one of the following: a TA supported by the base station within the service area of ​​the first network element; or a TA supported by the base station at a specified time.

[0182] In some embodiments, before the second network element sends the first information to the first network element, the method further includes: receiving the second information sent by the first network element, wherein the second information is used to request the first information.

[0183] In some embodiments, the second information includes a first identifier, which is used to indicate a base station.

[0184] In some embodiments, the second network element sends first information to the first network element, including one of the following: sending first information to the first network element based on configuration information; or sending first information to the first network element based on interaction with the base station.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first network element sends second information to the second network element, including: sending the second information to the second network element based on third information, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the base station is a base station in a satellite access network based on regeneration mode.

[0186] In some embodiments, the third information is configured in the first network element, or the third information is obtained from the base station or the third network element, which is different from the first network element.

[0187] In some embodiments, the base station sends fourth information to the first network element, the fourth information being used to indicate: at least one second TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element; the first network element determines whether to store the first information or the fourth information based on the difference between the first TA and the second TA.

[0188] 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.

[0189] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method for a communication system 100, the method including one of the following steps:

[0190] Step S3201: The second network element sends first information to the first network element. The first information is used to indicate at least one first TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element.

[0191] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0192] In step S3202, the base station sends fourth information to the first network element. The fourth information is used to indicate at least one second TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element.

[0193] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0194] In step S3203, the first network element determines whether to store first information or fourth information based on the difference between the first TA and the second TA.

[0195] The optional implementation of step S3203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0196] 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.

[0197] This disclosure provides an information processing method, the method comprising:

[0198] In some embodiments, the AMF obtains the list of TAs supported by the gNB from the OAM, wherein the list of TAs is the list of TAs supported when the gNB accesses the AMF.

[0199] In some embodiments, the list of TAs supported by the gNB is one of the following: TAs supported by the gNB within the AMF service area; TAs supported by the gNB at a specified time. For example, TAs supported by the gNB at a first time, TAs supported at a second time, or TAs supported at any time.

[0200] In some embodiments, based on third information, the AMF determines to obtain the list of TAs supported by the gNB from the OAM. The third information is used to indicate that the gNB is a gNB in ​​a satellite access network based on regeneration mode. The third information can be configured in the AMF or provided by the gNB.

[0201] In some embodiments, the AMF obtains TA list information from the OAM by either requesting the OAM to send information or receiving information proactively provided by the OAM.

[0202] In some embodiments, the AMF also obtains a list of supported TAs from the gNB.

[0203] In some embodiments, if the AMF receives a list of TAs supported by the gNB from the gNB and the OAM, the AMF decides to save the list of TAs received from the OAM or the list of TAs received from the gNB.

[0204] In some embodiments, if the gNB is a gNB in ​​a regenerative mode-based satellite access network, the gNB does not provide supported TA list information during the NG setup procedure and RAN configuration update procedure.

[0205] In some embodiments, the TA list information obtained from OAM can be the first information in the previous embodiments; the TA list information obtained from eNB can be the fourth information in the previous embodiments; the NG establishment process can be the NG establishment process in the previous embodiments; and the RAN configuration update process can be the RAN configuration update process in the previous embodiments.

[0206] Example 1

[0207] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0208] Step S4100: gNB initiates the NG establishment process with AMF.

[0209] Optionally, for satellite access based on regeneration mode, if a gNB on a satellite enters the AMF's service area while the satellite is moving, it will initiate an NG establishment process with the AMF.

[0210] In step S4101, the gNB sends an NG Setup Request message to the AMF.

[0211] Optionally, the online gNB (i.e., the gNB on the satellite) initiates the process by sending an NG establishment request message to the AMF. Since the online gNB serves satellite access based on regenerative mode, the TAs supported by the gNB are not included in this NG establishment request message.

[0212] In step S4102, the AMF sends an NG Setup Response message to the gNB.

[0213] Optionally, if the NG configuration is successful, the AMF sends an NG establishment response message to the online gNB.

[0214] In step S4103A, the AMF decides to request a TAI for the gNB.

[0215] Optionally, upon successful NG establishment, the AMF may determine the TA to request from the OAM for gNB support. This determination may be based on information using regenerative mode-based satellite access. For example, this information may indicate that the base station is a base station in a regenerative mode-based satellite access network; this information may be locally configured or may be information provided by the gNB during the NG establishment process.

[0216] In step S4104A, the AMF sends a TAI request to the OAM.

[0217] Optionally, the AMF sends a TAI request message to the OAM, which requests gNB support for TA; the gNB ID or the global RAN node ID is included in the TAI request message.

[0218] In step S4105A, OAM sends a list of TAs supported by gNB to AMF. Here, the TA list can be replaced with a TAI list or TA list information.

[0219] Optionally, the OAM provides the AMF with a list of TAs supported by the gNB. The list of supported TAs can be at least one of the following: a schedule indicating which TAs the gNB will support at what time; or an indication of the corresponding TAs supported by the gNB in ​​the AMF's service area.

[0220] Alternatively, in addition to the solutions described in steps S4103A to S4105A, OAM may also provide support TA through the following steps.

[0221] Step S4103B: OAM interacts with gNB.

[0222] Optionally, OAM interacts with gNB to obtain TA supported by gNB.

[0223] In step S4104B, OAM sends a list of supported TAs to AMF.

[0224] Optionally, OAM provides AMF with a list of supported TAs for the gNB. The format of the list of supported TAs can be found in step S4105A.

[0225] Optionally, the provision of the list of supported TAs can be triggered based on configuration or other information. For example, in step S4103B, during the NG establishment process initiated by the gNB, the gNB can also interact with the OAM. This interaction can trigger the OAM to send the list of TAs supported by the gNB to the AMF.

[0226] In step S4105B, the AMF sends a response message to the OAM. This response message confirms that the TA list has been received.

[0227] In this embodiment of the disclosure, if the gNB initiates a RAN configuration update procedure to the AMF, the gNB will not send a list of supported TAs in the RAN configuration update message. After receiving the RAN configuration update message, the AMF can request an update to the list of supported TAs using steps S4104A to S4105A, or the AMF can receive an update to the list of supported TAs via steps S4103B to S4105B.

[0228] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4100 to S4105. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; step S4102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; step S4103 (step S4103A or step S4103B) may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; step S4104 (step S4104A or step S4104B) may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; step S4105 (step S4105A or step S4105B) may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; a combination of steps S4104A and S4104B may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; and a combination of steps S4103A and S4104A and S4104B may also be implemented as a standalone embodiment. The combination of steps S4104B and S4105B can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4103B, S4104B and S4105B can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4100, S4101, S4102, S4103A, S4104A and S4105A can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4100, S4101, S4102, S4103B, S4104B and S4105B can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0229] In some embodiments, steps S4103A to S4105A may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0230] In some embodiments, steps S4103B to S4105B may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0231] 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.

[0232] Example 2

[0233] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0234] Step S4200: gNB initiates the NG establishment process with AMF.

[0235] Optionally, for satellite access based on regeneration mode, if a gNB on a satellite enters the AMF's service area while the satellite is moving, it will initiate an NG establishment process with the AMF.

[0236] In step S4201, the gNB sends an NG SETUP Request message to the AMF.

[0237] Optionally, an online gNB (i.e., a gNB on a satellite) initiates the process by sending an NG establishment request message to the AMF, which includes a list of TAs supported by the gNB.

[0238] In step S4202, the AMF sends an NG Setup Response message to the gNB.

[0239] Optionally, if the NG configuration is successful, the AMF sends an NG establishment response message to the online gNB.

[0240] Step S4203: AMF obtains a list of supported TAs from OAM.

[0241] Optionally, the AMF uses steps S4104A to S4105A or steps S4104B to S4105B from Embodiment 1 to interact with the OAM to obtain the gNB's list of supported TAs.

[0242] Optionally, step S4203 is independent of steps S4101 to S4102, that is, step S4203 can be performed before step S4101, or simultaneously with step S4101, or after step S4101.

[0243] In step S4204, the AMF determines the TA supported by the gNB.

[0244] Optionally, if the AMF receives a list of supported TAs from both the gNB and the OAM, and if the list of supported TAs received from the gNB differs from the list of TAs provided by the OAM, the AMF determines which information to store as the basis. For example, the AMF determines to replace the list of TAs received from the gNB with the list of supported TAs provided by the OAM. Here, the TA list can be replaced with a list of TAIs or TA list information.

[0245] In this embodiment of the disclosure, if the gNB initiates a RAN configuration update procedure at the AMF, the gNB will send a list of supported TAs in the RAN configuration update message. After the RAN configuration update procedure is executed, the AMF determines which information to store (received from the gNB or from the OAM).

[0246] The information processing method disclosed in this embodiment may include at least one of steps S4200 to S4204. For example, step S4201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; step S4202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; step S4203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; step S4204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; a combination of steps S4201 and S4202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; a combination of steps S4203 and S4204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; a combination of steps S4201 to S4204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; and a combination of steps S4200 to S4205 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment.

[0247] In some embodiments, steps S4201 and S4203 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0248] In some embodiments, steps S4201 and S4202 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0249] 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.

[0250] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed, which includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed, including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by network devices (e.g., access network devices, core network functional nodes, core network devices (e.g., first network element, third network element), third network element, terminal, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0251] 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), and 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), such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which 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.

[0252] 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 (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a 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 using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), 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), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0253] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network element 5100 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the first network element 5100 includes a first transceiver module 5101. In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to receive first information sent by a second network element. Optionally, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, and / or S2103, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the first network element 5100 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the first network element 5100 may include a first processing module.

[0254] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network element 5200 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the second network element 5200 includes a second transceiver module 5201. In some embodiments, the second transceiver module 5201 is used to send first information to the first network element. Optionally, the second transceiver module 5201 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., steps S2101 and / or S2102, but not limited thereto) performed by the second network element 5200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the second network element 5200 may include a second processing module.

[0255] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station 5300 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5C, the base station 5300 includes a third transceiver module 5301 and a third processing module 5302. In some embodiments, the third transceiver module 5301 is used to send fourth information to a first network element. Optionally, the third transceiver module 5301 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., step S2103, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the base station 5300 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the third processing module 5302 is used to determine whether to store the first information or the fourth information. Optionally, the third processing module 5302 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S2104, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the base station 5300 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0256] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver. For example, the first transceiver module described above includes a first transmitting module and / or a first receiving module. For example, the second transceiver module described above includes a second transmitting module and / or a second receiving module.

[0257] 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.

[0258] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver.

[0259] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device (e.g., a base station), a core network device (e.g., a first network element, a third network element, etc.), a second network element (e.g., OAM), or a terminal (e.g., a user equipment, etc.). It can also be 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 6100 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.

[0260] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may 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 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0261] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101 and / or steps S2102 and / or steps S2103, etc., but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2104, etc., but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. 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.

[0262] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 6103 to cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6103 may also be located outside the communication device 6100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6102 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 6102 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 6102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 6102 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 6101.

[0263] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. 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 having one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (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.

[0264] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0265] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0266] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside of chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 6203 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 6201.

[0267] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101 and / or S2102 and / or S2103, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2104, but not limited thereto).

[0268] 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.

[0269] 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 above methods. 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.

[0270] This disclosure also proposes 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.

[0271] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. An information processing method, characterized in that, Executed by the first network element, including: The system receives first information sent by a second network element, the first information indicating at least one first tracking area (TA) supported when the base station accesses the first network element; the second network element is a network element other than the base station. Wherein, the first TA includes at least one of the following: The base station supports the following TAs within the service area of ​​the first network element; The base station supports the TA at a specified time.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before receiving the first information sent by the second network element, the method further includes: Send a second message to the second network element, wherein the second message is used to request the first message.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second information includes a first identifier, which is used to indicate the base station.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Sending the second information to the second network element includes: Based on the third information, the second information is sent to the second network element, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the base station is a base station in a satellite access network based on regeneration mode.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third information is configured in the first network element, or the third information is obtained from the base station or the third network element, which is different from the first network element.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The base station receives fourth information, which indicates at least one second TA supported when the base station accesses the first network element. Based on the difference between the first TA and the second TA, it is determined whether to store the first information or the fourth information.

7. An information processing method, characterized in that, Executed by the second network element, including: Send first information to the first network element, the first information being used to indicate: at least one first tracking area (TA) supported when the base station accesses the first network element; the second network element is a network element other than the base station; Wherein, the first TA includes at least one of the following: The base station supports the following TAs within the service area of ​​the first network element; The base station supports the TA at a specified time.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before sending the first information to the first network element, the method further includes: The system receives second information sent by the first network element, wherein the second information is used to request the first information.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second information includes a first identifier, which is used to indicate the base station.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the first network element includes one of the following: Based on the configuration information, the first information is sent to the first network element; Based on the interaction with the base station, the first information is sent to the first network element.

11. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by the base station, including: Send fourth information to the first network element, the fourth information being used to indicate: at least one second tracking area (TA) supported by the base station when accessing the first network element; Wherein, the fourth information is used by the first network element to determine that the second TA is different from the first TA, and to determine whether to store the fourth information or the first information; the first information is obtained by the first network element from the second network element, and the first information is used to indicate: at least one of the first TAs supported when the base station accesses the first network element; the second network element is a network element other than the base station.

12. An information processing method, characterized in that, For a communication system, the communication system including a first network element and a second network element; the method includes: The second network element sends first information to the first network element, the first information being used to indicate: at least one first tracking area (TA) supported when the base station accesses the first network element; the second network element is a network element other than the base station; Wherein, the first TA includes at least one of the following: The base station supports the following TAs within the service area of ​​the first network element; The base station supports the TA at a specified time.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or claims 7 to 10, or claim 11.

14. A communication system, characterized in that, include: The network comprises a first network element, a second network element, and a base station; wherein the first network element is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the second network element is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, and the base station is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

15. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the information processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, 7 to 10, or 11.

16. A computer program product, comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or claims 7 to 10, or claim 11.

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