Communication control method, communication device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication control method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. The communication control method comprises: receiving first information sent by an access network device or a core network device, wherein the first information is used for indicating satellite network information, and the access network device or the core network device is configured on a first satellite; and sending a first message on the basis of the first information, wherein the first message is used for initiating an attach request. In this way, a terminal can learn the satellite network information on the basis of the first information, so that the terminal takes appropriate measures to ensure effective implementation of an attach procedure, thereby improving the implementation effectiveness of the attach procedure of the terminal.

Description

Communication control methods, communication equipment, communication systems and storage media Technical Field

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

[0002] In satellite communication networks, continuous coverage may be unavailable due to insufficient satellite deployment or limited coverage area. In cases of discontinuous coverage, the service link between the satellite and the terminal, or the feeder link between the satellite and the ground receiving station, is interrupted; that is, the service link and feeder link cannot exist simultaneously. In such situations, to enable certain services (e.g., latency-tolerant services), the network functions on the satellite can be used to implement store-and-forward (S&F) functionality for data and / or signaling. Summary of the Invention

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

[0004] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a communication control method executed by a terminal; comprising: receiving first information sent by an access network device or a core network device, wherein the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the access network device or core network device is configured on a first satellite; and sending a first message according to the first information, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request.

[0005] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0006] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0007] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0008] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0009] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0010] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0012] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0013] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, receiving the first information sent by the core network device includes:

[0015] Receive a second message sent by the core network device, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse to attach or to accept attach, and the second message includes: first information.

[0016] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, receiving the first information sent by the access network device includes:

[0017] Receive a third message sent by the access network device, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information and includes: the first information.

[0018] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending a first message based on first information includes:

[0019] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message does not include a packet data network (PDN) connection establishment request; or

[0020] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0021] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first message further includes:

[0022] The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

[0023] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0024] Based on the first piece of information, select the second satellite from the satellite information list.

[0025] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending a first message based on first information includes:

[0026] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, and the first message is sent to the second satellite;

[0027] The first message is used to re-initiate the attach request based on the second satellite. The first message does not include the PDN connection establishment request. The re-initiated attach request is used to complete the attach process initiated by the first satellite.

[0028] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending a first message based on first information includes:

[0029] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and the first message is sent to the second satellite;

[0030] The first message is used to initiate a new attachment process based on the second satellite. The first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request. The new attachment process is different from the attachment process initiated through the first satellite.

[0031] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a communication control method executed by an access network device, comprising: receiving a first message sent by a terminal, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by the access network device or the core network device.

[0032] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0033] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0034] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0035] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0036] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0037] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0038] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0039] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0040] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0041] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0042] Send the first message to the terminal.

[0043] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending first information to the terminal includes:

[0044] A third message is sent to the terminal, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information, and the third message includes: the first message.

[0045] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0046] If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or

[0047] If the first message indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0048] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first message further includes:

[0049] The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

[0050] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a communication control method executed by a core network device, comprising: receiving a first message sent by a terminal, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by an access network device or a core network device.

[0051] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0052] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0053] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0054] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0055] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0056] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0057] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0058] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0059] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0060] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0061] Send the first message to the terminal.

[0062] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending first information to the terminal includes:

[0063] Send a second message to the terminal, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse attachment or accept attachment, and the second message includes: the first information.

[0064] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0065] If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or

[0066] If the first message indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0067] The fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a terminal, which includes: a transceiver module, configured to receive first information sent by an access network device or a core network device, wherein the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, the access network device or core network device is configured on a first satellite, and according to the first information, send a first message, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request.

[0068] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0069] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0070] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0071] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0072] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0073] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0074] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0075] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0076] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0077] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module is used for:

[0078] Receive a second message sent by the core network device, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse to attach or to accept attach, and the second message includes: first information.

[0079] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module is used for:

[0080] Receive a third message sent by the access network device, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information and includes: the first information.

[0081] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module is used for:

[0082] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message does not include a packet data network (PDN) connection establishment request; or

[0083] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0084] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first message further includes:

[0085] The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

[0086] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0087] The processing module is used to select a second satellite from the satellite information list based on the first information.

[0088] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module is used for:

[0089] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, and the first message is sent to the second satellite;

[0090] The first message is used to re-initiate the attach request based on the second satellite. The first message does not include the PDN connection establishment request. The re-initiated attach request is used to complete the attach process initiated by the first satellite.

[0091] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module is used for:

[0092] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and the first message is sent to the second satellite;

[0093] The first message is used to initiate a new attachment process based on the second satellite. The first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request. The new attachment process is different from the attachment process initiated through the first satellite.

[0094] This fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides an access network device, which includes: a transceiver module for receiving a first message sent by a terminal, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by the access network device or the core network device.

[0095] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0096] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0097] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0098] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0099] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0100] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0101] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0102] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0103] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0104] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0105] The transceiver module is used to send the first information to the terminal.

[0106] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module is used for:

[0107] A third message is sent to the terminal, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information, and the third message includes: the first message.

[0108] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0109] If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or

[0110] If the first message indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0111] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first message further includes:

[0112] The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

[0113] A sixth aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a core network device, which includes: a transceiver module for receiving a first message sent by a terminal, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by an access network device or a core network device.

[0114] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0115] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0116] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0117] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0118] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0119] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0120] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0121] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0122] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0123] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0124] The transceiver module is used to send the first information to the terminal.

[0125] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module is used for:

[0126] Send a second message to the terminal, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse attachment or accept attachment, and the second message includes: the first information.

[0127] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0128] If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or

[0129] If the first message indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0130] A seventh aspect of this disclosure provides a communication device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to perform the method as described in the first aspect, or the method as described in the second aspect, or the method as described in the third aspect.

[0131] An eighth aspect of this disclosure provides a communication system including a terminal, an access network device, and a core network device. The terminal is used to perform the method as described in the first aspect above, the access network device is used to perform the method as described in the second aspect above, and the core network device is used to perform the method as described in the third aspect above.

[0132] A ninth aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect, or the method as described in the second aspect, or the method as described in the third aspect.

[0133] A tenth aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in the first aspect above, or the method as described in the second aspect above, or the method as described in the third aspect above.

[0134] The solution proposed in this disclosure, in the above embodiments, involves receiving first information sent by an access network device or a core network device, wherein the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the access network device or core network device is configured on a first satellite; based on the first information, a first message is sent, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request. This allows the terminal to obtain satellite network information based on the first information, enabling the terminal to take appropriate measures to ensure the effective implementation of the attach process and improve the effectiveness of the terminal attach process. Attached Figure Description

[0135] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure will be described below.

[0136] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0137] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a network deployment architecture based on spaceborne functionality in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0138] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of another network deployment architecture based on spaceborne functionality in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0139] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of end-to-end switching in S&F mode in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0140] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0141] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication control method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0142] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication control method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0143] Figure 4 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication control method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0144] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication control method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0145] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an application process in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0146] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another application process in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0147] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another application process in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0148] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0149] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0150] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0151] This disclosure presents a communication control method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0152] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication control method executed by a terminal; the method includes: receiving first information sent by an access network device or a core network device, wherein the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the access network device or core network device is configured on a first satellite; and sending a first message according to the first information, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request.

[0153] In the above embodiments, by receiving first information sent by an access network device or a core network device, wherein the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the access network device or core network device is configured on a first satellite; and by sending a first message based on the first information, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the terminal can obtain satellite network information based on the first information, so that the terminal can take appropriate measures to ensure the effective implementation of the attach process and improve the effectiveness of the terminal attach process.

[0154] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0155] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0156] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0157] In the above embodiments, the terminal effectively obtains satellite network information, enabling it to take appropriate measures to ensure the effective attachment process. Furthermore, it is effectively applicable to various satellite network architecture configurations, ensuring communication performance.

[0158] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0159] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0160] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0161] In the above embodiments, the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of satellite network information indication can be effectively improved, and a list of indicating satellite information can be realized based on the first information, so that the terminal can select a suitable second satellite to assist in completing the attachment process.

[0162] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0163] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0164] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0165] In the above embodiments, the flexibility and comprehensiveness of the indication of accessible candidate satellites can be improved, enabling the terminal to effectively and timely determine the accessible candidate satellites and the accessibility time information corresponding to the candidate satellites, so as to facilitate the terminal to select a suitable second satellite to assist in completing the attachment process.

[0166] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, receiving first information sent by the core network device includes:

[0167] Receive a second message sent by the core network device, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse to attach or to accept attach, and the second message includes: first information.

[0168] In the above embodiments, the core network device can send a second message to the terminal through the access network device. The second message can be used to indicate whether to refuse to attach or to accept attach. The terminal can receive the second message sent by the core network device through the access network device. It can not only know whether to refuse to attach or to accept attach based on the second message, but also parse the first information carried in the second message to obtain satellite network information and satellite information list based on the first information. Thus, in various possible application scenarios, it can obtain satellite network information and satellite information list in a timely and effective manner, thereby supporting the terminal to take appropriate measures to ensure the effective implementation of the attach process and improving the implementation effect of the terminal attach process.

[0169] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, receiving first information sent by the access network device includes:

[0170] Receive a third message sent by the access network device, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information and includes: the first information.

[0171] In the above embodiments, the access network device can send a third message to the terminal. The third message can be used to broadcast system information. The terminal can receive the third message sent by the access network device. It can not only learn about the system information based on the third message, but also parse the first information carried in the third message to learn about the satellite network information and the satellite information list based on the first information. Thus, in various possible application scenarios, it can learn about the satellite network information and the satellite information list in a timely and effective manner, thereby supporting the terminal to take appropriate measures to ensure the effective implementation of the attachment process and improve the implementation effect of the terminal attachment process.

[0172] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending a first message based on first information includes:

[0173] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message does not include a packet data network (PDN) connection establishment request; or

[0174] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0175] In the above embodiments, the terminal can send a first message with reference to satellite network information to initiate an attach request based on the first message. The initiated attach request can be used to assist in completing the attach process initiated based on the first satellite, or to carry out a new attach process based on the second satellite, so that the initiated attach request can be applied to various possible satellite network information, thereby improving the effectiveness and flexibility of the attach process.

[0176] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message further includes:

[0177] The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

[0178] In the above embodiments, the first message may include the terminal's preferred satellite network information. This satellite network information can be either the first network information or the second network information described above. Therefore, it is possible to promptly indicate the terminal's preferred satellite network information to the network side, enabling the network side to decide whether to accept the terminal's attach request based on the terminal's preferred satellite network information.

[0179] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0180] Based on the first piece of information, select the second satellite from the satellite information list.

[0181] In the above embodiments, the terminal can select a candidate satellite as a second satellite based on the satellite information list in the first information, so as to assist in completing the current attachment process or to perform a new attachment process based on the second satellite. This significantly improves the effectiveness of the attachment process.

[0182] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending a first message based on first information includes:

[0183] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, and the first message is sent to the second satellite;

[0184] The first message is used to re-initiate the attach request based on the second satellite. The first message does not include the PDN connection establishment request. The re-initiated attach request is used to complete the attach process initiated by the first satellite.

[0185] In the above embodiments, during the process of sending a first message based on the first information, the terminal can send the first message to the second satellite if the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information. In this case, the first message can be used to re-initiate an attach request based on the second satellite. The first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, and the re-initiated attach request is used to complete the attach process initiated by the first satellite. Therefore, the attach request initiated based on the first message can be used to assist in completing the attach process initiated by the first satellite, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the attach process.

[0186] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending a first message based on first information includes:

[0187] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and the first message is sent to the second satellite;

[0188] The first message is used to initiate a new attachment process based on the second satellite. The first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request. The new attachment process is different from the attachment process initiated through the first satellite.

[0189] In the above embodiments, during the process of sending a first message based on the first information, the terminal can send the first message to the second satellite if the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information. In this case, the first message is used to initiate a new attach procedure based on the second satellite. The first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request, and the new attach procedure is different from the attach procedure initiated through the first satellite. Therefore, the attach request initiated based on the first message can be used to perform a new attach procedure based on the second satellite, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the attach procedure.

[0190] Secondly, this disclosure provides a communication control method executed by an access network device. The method includes receiving a first message sent by a terminal, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by the access network device or the core network device.

[0191] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0192] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0193] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0194] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0195] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0196] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0197] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0198] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0199] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0200] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0201] Send the first message to the terminal.

[0202] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending first information to the terminal includes:

[0203] A third message is sent to the terminal, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information, and the third message includes: the first message.

[0204] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, wherein,

[0205] If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or

[0206] If the first message indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0207] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message further includes:

[0208] The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

[0209] Thirdly, this disclosure provides a communication control method executed by a core network device; the method includes: receiving a first message sent by a terminal, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by an access network device or a core network device.

[0210] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0211] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0212] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0213] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0214] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0215] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0216] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0217] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0218] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0219] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0220] Send the first message to the terminal.

[0221] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, sending first information to the terminal includes:

[0222] Send a second message to the terminal, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse attachment or accept attachment, and the second message includes: the first information.

[0223] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, wherein,

[0224] If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or

[0225] If the first message indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0226] Fourthly, this disclosure provides a terminal, which includes a transceiver module for receiving first information sent by an access network device or a core network device, wherein the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, the access network device or core network device is configured on a first satellite, and sends a first message according to the first information, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request.

[0227] Fifthly, this disclosure provides an access network device, which includes a transceiver module for receiving a first message sent by a terminal, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by the access network device or the core network device.

[0228] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a core network device, which includes: a transceiver module for receiving a first message sent by a terminal, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by an access network device or a core network device.

[0229] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, the communication device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the communication device is configured to execute the first aspect and optional implementations thereof, or to execute the second aspect and optional implementations thereof, or to execute the third aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0230] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a terminal, an access network device, and a core network device; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementations, the access network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and its optional implementations, and the core network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and its optional implementations.

[0231] In a ninth 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 and its optional implementations, or the method described in the second aspect and its optional implementations, or the method described in the third aspect and its optional implementations.

[0232] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementations, or the method described in the second aspect and its optional implementations, or the method described in the third aspect and its optional implementations.

[0233] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect, or the method as described in the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect, or the method as described in the third aspect and optional implementations of the third aspect.

[0234] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described according to the first aspect and optional implementations thereof, or configured to perform the method described according to the second aspect and optional implementations thereof, or configured to perform the method described according to the third aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0235] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, access network equipment, core network equipment, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0236] This disclosure provides a communication control method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication control method" and "information processing method" or "communication method" can be used interchangeably; the terms "communication control method apparatus" and "information processing apparatus" or "communication apparatus" can be used interchangeably; and the terms "transmission system" and "information processing system" or "communication system" can be used interchangeably.

[0237] 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.

[0238] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0239] 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.

[0240] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the aforementioned," "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 or a plural expression.

[0241] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0242] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0243] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0244] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0245] 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.

[0246] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0247] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0248] 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”.

[0249] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0250] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0251] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "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," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0252] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device," "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," "client," etc.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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.

[0255] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0256] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0257] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 may include a terminal 101, a core network device 102, and an access network device 103.

[0258] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may include, 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.

[0259] In some embodiments, the core network device 102 may be a single device, which may include, for example, a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, and the fourth network element. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), the 5G Core Network (5GCN), and the Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0260] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) network element, but the name is not limited thereto. The MME network element is responsible for mobility management in the control plane, user context and mobility state management, and the allocation of temporary user identities, etc.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first network element is used to provide mobility management functions.

[0262] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, the Serving Gateway (S-GW) in the core network. The second network element can perform tasks such as routing and resource allocation during the user's network access process.

[0263] In some embodiments, the third network element may be, for example, a Home Subscriber Server (HSS). The MME can interact with the HSS to obtain subscription data and authentication vector (AV); perform terminal authentication and authorization processes; and perform UL data decryption and integrity verification, DL data encryption and integrity protection.

[0264] In some embodiments, the third network element is used to provide home subscription services.

[0265] In some embodiments, the fourth network element is, for example, a Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW) in the core network. The fourth network element can be used to implement user-based packet filtering, lawful eavesdropping, and Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation for terminals, etc.

[0266] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 and the core network device 102 can be connected through the access network device 103. Optionally, the access network device 103 may be, for example, a node or device that connects the terminal to the wireless network. The access network device 103 may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next generation eNB (ng-eNB), next generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0267] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0268] 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. 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.

[0269] 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), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 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).

[0270] Optionally, core network equipment and access network equipment (e.g., eNB) can be deployed on satellites to enable satellite communication. As shown in Figures 1B and 1C, Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a network deployment architecture based on satellite-borne functions in an embodiment of this disclosure. In Figure 1B, some MME functions are deployed on satellites. As shown in Figure 1C, Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of another network deployment architecture based on satellite-borne functions in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1C depicts core network functions deployed on satellites. In satellite communication networks, continuous coverage services may not be provided due to insufficient satellite deployment numbers or limited coverage areas. In the case of discontinuous coverage, the service link between the satellite and the terminal (UE) or the feeder link between the satellite and the ground receiving station may be interrupted; that is, the service link and the feeder link cannot exist simultaneously. In this case, to enable some services (e.g., latency-tolerant services), the network functions on the satellite can be used to implement the store and forward (S&F) function for data and / or signaling. For example, in Figure 1B, the data storage and forwarding functions can be implemented by the MME (MME Onboard) deployed on the satellite. In Figure 1C, the data storage and forwarding functions can be implemented by the Core Network function or server deployed on the satellite.

[0271] Optionally, the satellite network architecture proposed in Figure 1B above can be described using first network information, that is, the first network information indicates that some mobility management entity (MME) functions are configured on the satellite. The satellite network architecture proposed in Figure 1C above can be described using second network information, that is, the second network information indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0272] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1D, which is a schematic diagram of end-to-end data exchange in the S&F mode of this disclosure embodiment, the end-to-end exchange of signals and / or data streams in the "S&F Satellite Service Operation" mode is decomposed into two time-non-overlapping steps (steps A and B in Figure 1D). In step A, signal and / or data exchange occurs between the terminal and the satellite, at which time the satellite is not simultaneously connected to the ground network (i.e., the satellite can operate the service link without a feeder link). In step B, the satellite establishes a connection with the ground network to enable communication between the satellite and the ground network. Therefore, the satellite connects to the terminal in step A and to the ground network in step B. S&F satellite service operation is more suitable for providing latency-tolerant satellite services using medium- and high-orbit satellites, as well as non-real-time IoT satellite services.

[0273] Optionally, both architectures proposed in Figures 1B and 1C support S&F satellite service operations. However, some differences exist when a terminal accesses the proposed architecture, for example:

[0274] (1) The satellite network architecture proposed in Figure 1B only supports terminal attachment without PDN connection, while the satellite network architecture proposed in Figure 1C supports terminal attachment with or without PDN connection.

[0275] (2) For both architectures, when the terminal sends an initial attach request, due to S&F satellite service operation, the network will send an attach rejection message to the terminal. This attach rejection message may include a list of satellite identifiers (IDs) and / or a monitoring list. The satellite ID list and / or monitoring list refer to the list of satellites that the terminal can access from the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). However, there are differences in the use of the satellite ID list and / or monitoring list:

[0276] (a) For the satellite network architecture in Figure 1B, if "attachment" is successfully completed on the currently serving satellite, and if the terminal registration needs to be valid on other serving satellites serving the same registration area, a "satellite ID list and / or monitoring list" is required to indicate on which satellites the registration is valid. Therefore, in this case, the terminal will be restricted to interacting with the satellites.

[0277] (a) For the satellite network architecture in Figure 1C, if "attachment" is successfully completed on the current serving satellite, and if the terminal registration needs to be invalid for other serving satellites in the same registration area (the UE needs to register when the current serving satellite leaves the service area, and the UE needs to initiate a new registration when the next satellite enters the service area), the "satellite ID list and / or monitoring list" are used to guide the UE to initiate a new registration process for other satellites.

[0278] In embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite network architecture may also be referred to as satellite network information.

[0279] In related technologies, the terminal cannot effectively obtain satellite network information, resulting in poor performance of the terminal attachment process.

[0280] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication control method, which can be used in a communication system 100, and is not limited thereto. The above method includes:

[0281] Step S2101: The terminal sends an attach request to the core network equipment.

[0282] Optionally, in some embodiments, the core network equipment may be, for example, an MME network element, without limitation. The core network equipment may be configured on the first satellite; for example, an MME network element may be configured on the first satellite (MME Onboard).

[0283] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first satellite may be a satellite of the serving terminal, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0284] Optionally, in some embodiments, an attach request is used by the terminal to initiate an attach process.

[0285] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal can send an attach request to the core network device through the access network device, which may also be configured on the first satellite.

[0286] Optionally, in some embodiments, the UE can send an attach request to the MME-SAT1 via the eNB-1, where the eNB-1 is an optional example of an access network device configured on the first satellite (SAT1), and the MME-SAT1 is an optional example of a core network device configured on the first satellite (SAT1), without limitation.

[0287] In step S2102, the core network device sends a second message to the terminal.

[0288] Optionally, in some embodiments, after the terminal sends an attach request to the core network device through the access network device, the core network device may receive the attach request and decide whether to reject or accept the attach based on the attach request.

[0289] For example, when MME-SAT1 receives an attach request from the UE via eNB-1, if MME-SAT1 detects that the feeder link with MME-GND (i.e., MME onground, the part of the MME configured on the ground) is unavailable, MME-SAT1 can store the attach request and its related information as the UE context. MME-SAT1 can also send an attach rejection message to the UE, indicating that the attach process failed due to S&F satellite service operation.

[0290] For example, when MME-SAT1 receives an attach request from the UE via eNB-1, and MME-SAT1 detects that the feeder link between it and MME-GND (i.e., MME onground, the part of the MME configured on the ground) is available, MME-SAT1 can send an attach accept message to the UE, indicating that it will accept the attach process, and initiate subsequent procedures to complete the attach process.

[0291] Optionally, in some embodiments, the core network device can send a second message to the terminal through the access network device. This second message may contain the aforementioned attach rejection message, indicating an attachment rejection. Alternatively, the core network device can send a second message to the terminal through the access network device. This second message may contain the aforementioned attach accept message, indicating an attachment acceptance.

[0292] Optionally, in some embodiments, the core network device may include the first information in a second message and send the second message to the terminal through the access network device to indicate the first information to the terminal. The first information is used to indicate satellite network information. The satellite network information can be used to describe the satellite network architecture.

[0293] Optionally, in some embodiments, the satellite network information includes either: first network information or second network information; wherein the first network information indicates that some mobility management entity (MME) functions are configured on the satellite; and the second network information indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite. This allows the terminal to effectively obtain satellite network information, supporting the terminal in taking appropriate measures to ensure the effective attachment process. Furthermore, it is effectively applicable to various satellite network architecture deployments, ensuring communication performance.

[0294] For example, the satellite network architecture described by the first network information can be as shown in Figure 1B above. The satellite network architecture described by the second network information can be as shown in Figure 1C above.

[0295] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: a satellite information list and indication information; wherein the satellite information list includes satellite information of at least one candidate satellite; the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the satellite network information includes: first network information or second network information. This effectively improves the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of satellite network information indication, and also allows for the implementation of an indication satellite information list based on the first information, facilitating the terminal's selection of a suitable second satellite to assist in completing the attachment process.

[0296] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the satellite information list may also be referred to as a satellite ID list and / or a monitoring list, without limitation.

[0297] Optionally, in some embodiments, the aforementioned candidate satellites refer to satellites accessible to the terminal. The satellite information list may contain one or more satellite information entries, which are used to describe the candidate satellites. The indication information may be an indication field used to indicate whether the satellite network information is first network information or second network information, and there is no limitation on this.

[0298] Optionally, in some embodiments, the satellite information described above may include at least one of the following: identifiers of accessible candidate satellites; and accessibility time information corresponding to the candidate satellites. This improves the flexibility and comprehensiveness of the indication of accessible candidate satellites, enabling the terminal to effectively and promptly determine accessible candidate satellites and their corresponding accessibility time information, facilitating the terminal's selection of a suitable second satellite to assist in completing the attachment process.

[0299] For example, if the satellite information list in the first information contains identifiers of accessible candidate satellites, the terminal can determine the accessible candidate satellites based on these identifiers. If the satellite information list in the first information contains accessibility time information corresponding to a candidate satellite, the terminal can determine the accessibility time supported by that candidate satellite based on the accessibility time information corresponding to that candidate satellite.

[0300] In step S2103, the terminal determines the first information based on the second message.

[0301] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal can receive a second message sent by the core network device through the access network device, obtain first information from the second message, and obtain satellite network information and a list of satellite information based on the first information. The second message can be the above-mentioned attach rejection message or attach accept message.

[0302] Optionally, in some embodiments, the UE can receive a second message sent by MME-SAT1 through eNB-1. The second message can be the attach rejection message or the attach acceptance message mentioned above. The UE can determine the first information based on the attach rejection message or the attach acceptance message, and determine the satellite network information and satellite information list indicated by MME-SAT1 based on the first information.

[0303] Therefore, the core network device can send a second message to the terminal through the access network device. The second message can be used to indicate whether to refuse to attach or to accept attach. The terminal can receive the second message sent by the core network device through the access network device. It can not only know whether to refuse to attach or to accept attach based on the second message, but also parse the first information carried in the second message to obtain satellite network information and satellite information list based on the first information. Thus, in various possible application scenarios, it can obtain satellite network information and satellite information list in a timely and effective manner, thereby supporting the terminal to take appropriate measures to ensure the effective implementation of the attach process and improving the implementation effect of the terminal attach process.

[0304] In step S2104, the terminal selects a second satellite from the satellite information list based on the first information.

[0305] The first satellite and the second satellite can be different satellites. The first satellite can be designated as SAT1, and the second satellite can be designated as SAT2. The second satellite is used to assist in completing the current attachment process or to initiate a new attachment process.

[0306] Optionally, in some embodiments, after the terminal obtains the satellite network information and the satellite information list based on the first information, it can select a second satellite from the satellite information list. For example, if the satellite information list includes the identifiers of at least one accessible candidate satellite, the second satellite can be selected from at least one accessible candidate satellite based on some selection methods. For instance, after determining the accessibility time information corresponding to the candidate satellite, it can be determined whether a candidate satellite is currently accessible based on the current time and the accessibility time information. If accessible, the candidate satellite is selected as the second satellite. Of course, the second satellite can also be selected from at least one candidate satellite based on any other possible selection method, and there is no limitation on this.

[0307] Therefore, the terminal can select a candidate satellite as the second satellite based on the satellite information list in the first information, so as to complete the current attachment process or perform a new attachment process with the assistance of the second satellite. This can greatly improve the effectiveness of the attachment process.

[0308] In step S2105, the terminal sends the first message to the second satellite.

[0309] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first message is used to initiate an attach request. For example, an attach request initiated based on the first message can be used to assist in completing an attach process initiated based on a first satellite, or to perform a new attach process based on a second satellite, without limitation.

[0310] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal may send a first message to the second satellite to assist in completing the attachment process initiated by the first satellite, or to perform a new attachment process based on the second satellite.

[0311] Optionally, in some embodiments, an access network device (e.g., eNB-2) and a core network device (e.g., MME-SAT2) may be configured in the second satellite, and the UE may send a first message to the core network device (e.g., MME-SAT2) through the access network device (e.g., eNB-2) in the second satellite.

[0312] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the first information indicates that the satellite network information is a first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request; or if the first information indicates that the satellite network information is a second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request. Thus, the terminal can refer to the satellite network information to send the first message, thereby initiating an attach request based on the first message. The initiated attach request can be used to assist in completing the attach process initiated based on the first satellite, or to perform a new attach process based on the second satellite, thereby making the initiated attach request applicable to various possible satellite network information and improving the effectiveness and flexibility of the attach process.

[0313] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first message may further include second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information. That is, the first message may include the terminal's preferred satellite network information. This satellite network information may be either the first network information or the second network information described above. This enables timely indication of the terminal's preferred satellite network information to the network side, allowing the network side to decide whether to accept the terminal's attach request based on the terminal's preferred satellite network information.

[0314] Optionally, in some embodiments, during the process of sending the first message based on the first information, the terminal may send the first message to the second satellite if the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information. In this case, the first message may be used to re-initiate the attach request based on the second satellite. The first message does not include the PDN connection establishment request, and the re-initiated attach request is used to complete the attach process initiated by the first satellite. Thus, the attach request initiated based on the first message can be used to assist in completing the attach process initiated by the first satellite, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the attach process.

[0315] In other words, if the satellite network architecture indicated by the satellite network information is the architecture shown in Figure 1B above, then the first message used to initiate the attach request may not include a PDN connection establishment request, thereby initiating an attach process without a PDN connection, and then the attach process initiated by the first satellite can be completed based on this attach process.

[0316] For example, if the satellite network architecture indicated by the satellite network information is the architecture shown in Figure 1B above, the UE can send a first message to the core network equipment (e.g., MME-SAT2) through the access network equipment (e.g., eNB-2) in the second satellite. The first message may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0317] Optionally, in some embodiments, during the process of sending a first message based on the first information, the terminal may send the first message to the second satellite if the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information. In this case, the first message is used to initiate a new attach procedure based on the second satellite. The first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request, and the new attach procedure is different from the attach procedure initiated through the first satellite. Thus, the attach request initiated based on the first message can be used to perform a new attach procedure based on the second satellite, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the attach procedure.

[0318] In other words, if the satellite network architecture indicated by the satellite network information is the architecture shown in Figure 1C above, the first message used to initiate the attach request may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request, thereby initiating an attach process without a PDN connection, or it may also initiate an attach process including a PDN connection.

[0319] For example, if the satellite network architecture indicated by the satellite network information is the architecture shown in Figure 1C above, the UE can send a first message to the core network equipment (e.g., MME-SAT2) through the access network equipment (e.g., eNB-2) in the second satellite. The first message may include a PDN connection establishment request, or it may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0320] The communication control method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2105. For example, steps S2101, S2102, S2103, S2104, and S2105 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2101+S2102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2102+S2103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2101+S2102+S2103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2102+S2103+S2104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and so on, but not limited thereto.

[0321] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0322] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each step and its optional implementation can also be carried out independently.

[0323] In this embodiment, the terminal sends an attach request to the core network device, and the core network device sends a second message to the terminal. This second message can indicate whether to reject or accept attach. Based on the second message, the terminal determines first information and selects a second satellite from the satellite information list. The terminal then sends the first message to the second satellite. This allows the terminal to not only know whether to reject or accept attach based on the second message, but also to parse the first information carried in the second message to obtain satellite network information and the satellite information list. Therefore, in various possible application scenarios, the terminal can obtain satellite network information and the satellite information list in a timely and effective manner, thereby supporting the terminal in taking appropriate measures to ensure the effective implementation of the attach process and improving the effectiveness of the attach process.

[0324] It should be noted that the descriptions of the same or corresponding terms and method steps in the following embodiments as in the above embodiments can be found in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0325] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication control method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication control method, which can be used in a communication system 100, and are not limited thereto. The above method includes:

[0326] Step S2201: The access network device sends a third message to the terminal.

[0327] The third message is used to broadcast system information, and the third message includes: the first message.

[0328] Optionally, in some embodiments, the access network device can indicate the first information to the terminal by broadcasting a system message. For example, the access network device can carry the first information in a third message and broadcast the third message to notify the terminal of the first information. The third message can also be called a System Information Broadcasting (SIB) message, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0329] The first piece of information is used to indicate satellite network information. This satellite network information can be used to describe the satellite network architecture. Examples of the first piece of information can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0330] For example, the eNB-1 can broadcast SIB messages, and the UE can listen to the SIB messages broadcast by the eNB-1 and obtain first information from the SIB messages.

[0331] In step S2202, the terminal determines the first information based on the third message.

[0332] In some embodiments, the terminal may receive a third message sent by the access network device, obtain first information from the third message, and obtain satellite network information and a list of satellite information based on the first information. The third message may be the aforementioned SIB message.

[0333] Optionally, in some embodiments, the UE may receive a third message sent by the eNB-1. The third message may be the aforementioned SIB message. The UE may determine the first information based on the SIB message and determine the satellite network information and satellite information list indicated by the eNB-1 based on the first information.

[0334] Therefore, the access network device can send a third message to the terminal. The third message can be used to broadcast system information. The terminal can receive the third message sent by the access network device. It can not only learn about the system information based on the third message, but also parse the first information carried in the third message to learn about the satellite network information and the satellite information list based on the first information. Thus, in various possible application scenarios, it can learn about the satellite network information and the satellite information list in a timely and effective manner, thereby supporting the terminal to take appropriate measures to ensure the effective implementation of the attachment process and improve the implementation effect of the terminal attachment process.

[0335] Optionally, in some embodiments, after obtaining satellite network information, the terminal can initiate an attach request to the core network device through the access network device on the first satellite. If the satellite network information is the first network information mentioned above, the attach request may not include a PDN connection establishment request. If the satellite network information is the second network information mentioned above, the attach request may include a PDN connection establishment request or may not include a PDN connection establishment request. There is no limitation on this.

[0336] For example, if the UE learns from the SIB message sent by the eNB-1 that the satellite network information is "partial MME functions configured on the satellite", then when the UE initiates an attach request to the MME-SAT1 via the eNB-1, this attach request may not include a PDN connection establishment request; that is, it initiates an attach procedure without a PDN connection. Alternatively, if the UE learns from the SIB message sent by the eNB-1 that the satellite network information is "all core network functions configured on the satellite", then when the UE initiates an attach request to the MME-SAT1 via the eNB-1, this attach request may not include a PDN connection establishment request; that is, it initiates an attach procedure without a PDN connection.

[0337] In step S2203, the terminal selects a second satellite from the satellite information list based on the first information.

[0338] Step S2204: The terminal sends the first message to the second satellite.

[0339] For a description of S2203-S2204, please refer to the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0340] The communication control method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2204. For example, steps S2201, S2202, S2203, and S2204 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2201+S2202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2202+S2203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2201+S2202+S2203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2202+S2203+S2204 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and so on, but are not limited thereto.

[0341] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0342] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each step and its optional implementation can also be carried out independently.

[0343] In this embodiment, the access network device sends a third message to the terminal. Based on the third message, the terminal determines first information, selects a second satellite from the satellite information list, and sends the first message to the second satellite. The access network device can send a third message to the terminal, which can be used to broadcast system information. The terminal can receive the third message sent by the access network device, and can not only obtain system information based on the third message, but also parse the first information carried in the third message to obtain satellite network information and the satellite information list. Therefore, in various possible application scenarios, the terminal can obtain satellite network information and the satellite information list in a timely and effective manner, thereby supporting the terminal to take appropriate measures to ensure the effective implementation of the attachment process and improve the effectiveness of the terminal attachment process.

[0344] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication control method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication control method, which can be used in a terminal. The method includes:

[0345] Step S3101: Receive first information sent by the access network device or the core network device, wherein the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the access network device or the core network device is configured on the first satellite.

[0346] Step S3102: Based on the first information, send the first message, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request.

[0347] The communication control method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3102. For example, steps S3101 and S3102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3101+S3102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0348] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0349] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each step and its optional implementation can also be carried out independently.

[0350] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0351] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0352] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0353] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0354] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0355] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0356] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0357] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0358] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0359] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, receiving the first information sent by the core network device includes:

[0360] Receive a second message sent by the core network device, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse to attach or to accept attach, and the second message includes: first information.

[0361] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, receiving the first information sent by the access network device includes:

[0362] Receive a third message sent by the access network device, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information and includes: the first information.

[0363] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending a first message based on first information includes:

[0364] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message does not include a packet data network (PDN) connection establishment request; or

[0365] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0366] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first message further includes:

[0367] The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

[0368] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0369] Based on the first piece of information, select the second satellite from the satellite information list.

[0370] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending a first message based on first information includes:

[0371] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, and the first message is sent to the second satellite;

[0372] The first message is used to re-initiate the attach request based on the second satellite. The first message does not include the PDN connection establishment request. The re-initiated attach request is used to complete the attach process initiated by the first satellite.

[0373] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending a first message based on first information includes:

[0374] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and the first message is sent to the second satellite;

[0375] The first message is used to initiate a new attachment process based on the second satellite. The first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request. The new attachment process is different from the attachment process initiated through the first satellite.

[0376] Figure 4 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication control method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication control method that can be used in access network devices. The method includes:

[0377] Step S4101: Receive a first message sent by the terminal, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by the access network device or the core network device.

[0378] The communication control method disclosed in this embodiment may include step S4101. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0379] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0380] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each step and its optional implementation can also be carried out independently.

[0381] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0382] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0383] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0384] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0385] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0386] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0387] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0388] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0389] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0390] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0391] Send the first message to the terminal.

[0392] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending first information to the terminal includes:

[0393] A third message is sent to the terminal, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information, and the third message includes: the first message.

[0394] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0395] If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or

[0396] If the first message indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0397] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first message further includes:

[0398] The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

[0399] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication control method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication control method that can be used in core network equipment. The method includes:

[0400] Step S5101: Receive a first message sent by the terminal, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by the access network device or the core network device.

[0401] The communication control method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include step S5101. For example, step S5101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0402] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0403] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each step and its optional implementation can also be carried out independently.

[0404] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0405] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0406] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0407] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0408] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0409] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0410] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0411] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0412] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0413] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0414] Send the first message to the terminal.

[0415] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending first information to the terminal includes:

[0416] Send a second message to the terminal, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse attachment or accept attachment, and the second message includes: the first information.

[0417] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0418] If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or

[0419] If the first message indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0420] Examples of the above embodiments are illustrated below:

[0421] Optionally, in some embodiments, the access network device (e.g., eNB) or the core network device (e.g., MME) may send first information to the terminal (e.g., UE). The first information is used to indicate the on-board network structure (an optional example of satellite network information). The on-board network structure may include: some MME functions being on-board (an optional example of the first network information), or all core network functions being on-board (an optional example of the second network information).

[0422] Optionally, in some embodiments, the network may also send a satellite information list to a terminal (e.g., UE), the satellite information list containing satellite identifiers.

[0423] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal (e.g., UE) determines the method of initiating network attachment based on the first information. The method of initiating network attachment may include: the attachment process includes PDN connection establishment, or the attachment process does not include PDN connection establishment.

[0424] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the first information indicates "partial MME functions are uploaded to satellite", an attach procedure that does not include PDN connection establishment is initiated; when the first information indicates "all core network functions are uploaded to satellite", an attach procedure that includes PDN connection establishment or an attach procedure that does not include PDN connection establishment is initiated.

[0425] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal (e.g., UE) determines how to use the satellite information list based on the first information. The usage of the satellite information list may include:

[0426] When the first message indicates "Some MME functions are being uploaded to satellite", select a satellite from the satellite information list to complete the registration.

[0427] When the first message indicates "All core network functions are onboard", select a satellite from the satellite information list to complete the next registration.

[0428] Optionally, in some embodiments, the access network device can be an eNB, which sends first information to the terminal (e.g., UE) via an SIB message. The core network device can be an MME, which sends first information to the terminal (e.g., UE) via an attach deny message.

[0429] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal (e.g., UE) may send second information to the access network device or the core network device. The second information is used to indicate the preferred on-board network structure, including: partial MME function onboarding, or all core network functions onboarding.

[0430] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an application process in an embodiment of this disclosure. Taking the terminal as UE, the first satellite as SAT1, the access network device configured on the first satellite (SAT1) as eNB-1, the core network device configured on the first satellite (SAT1) as MME-SAT1, the second satellite as SAT2, the access network device configured on the second satellite (SAT2) as eNB-2, and the core network device configured on the second satellite (SAT2) as MME-SAT2 as an example, Figure 6 may also include HSS and MME-GND. The process includes the following steps:

[0431] S601, the UE sends a NAS attach request (including an ESM message container and S&F indication) to the MME-SAT1 via the eNB-1.

[0432] NAS stands for Non-Access Stratum. ESM stands for Evolved Packet System Session Management.

[0433] Among them, a NAS attach request can be, for example, a NAS Attach Request.

[0434] Optionally, in some embodiments, at time point T0, eNB-1 on the first satellite (SAT1) provides coverage for the UE, the UE sends an attach request to eNB-1, and eNB-1 further sends the attach request to MME-SAT1.

[0435] Optionally, in some embodiments, this step may include an ESM message container in the attach request, instructing the UE to initiate the attach request in a manner that includes PDN connection establishment.

[0436] S602, MME-SAT1 storage IMSI.

[0437] IMSI stands for International Mobile Subscriber Identity.

[0438] Optionally, in some embodiments, when an attach request is received, MME-SAT1 detects that the feeder link to MME-GND is unavailable, and MME-SAT1 stores the attach request and its related information as a UE context.

[0439] S603 and MME-SAT1 send a NAS attach rejection message to the UE (including the reason, timer, satellite information list, and first network information).

[0440] The NAS attach rejection message can be, for example, NAS Attach Reject.

[0441] Optionally, in some embodiments, the MME-SAT1 can send an attach rejection message to the UE via the eNB-1, indicating that the attach failed due to S&F satellite service operations. The MME-SAT1 can also provide a monitoring list (an optional example of the satellite information list described above), which is a list of satellite IDs indicating candidate satellites the UE can access in the future to retry the attach process. The monitoring list can be determined based on network implementation.

[0442] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the UE initiates an attach request, it may request satellite network information (i.e., partial MME function uplink or full core network function uplink), and the satellite network information can be indicated to the UE. In this embodiment, the satellite network information requested by the UE for attaching may be "partial MME function uplink," and the MME-SAT1 can send the "partial MME function uplink" indication to the UE through the eNB-1. The UE stores the aforementioned monitoring list and the "partial MME function uplink" information.

[0443] S604a and MME-SAT1 send a contract data request message to MME-GND.

[0444] The contract data request message can be, for example, an Auth data request.

[0445] S604b and MME-GND send a contract data request message to HSS.

[0446] Optionally, in some embodiments, when MME-SAT1 detects that the feeder link is available, UE context synchronization will be performed between MME-SAT1 and MME-GND (including the monitoring list). MME-SAT1 requests the UE's authentication information and subscription data from HSS via MME-GND.

[0447] S605 and HSS send a subscription data response message (including authentication vector) to MME-GND.

[0448] The contract data response message can be, for example, an Auth data response (containing Auth Vectors, AVs).

[0449] Optionally, in some embodiments, the HSS generates an authentication vector for the UE and sends the authentication vector to the MME-GND.

[0450] S606 and MME-GND send a location update request message to HSS.

[0451] The location update request message can be, for example, an Update location request.

[0452] Optionally, in some embodiments, the MME-GND can send a location update request message to the HSS to obtain the UE's subscription data. S607, the HSS sends a location update confirmation message to the MME-GND.

[0453] The location update confirmation message can be, for example, "Update location ack".

[0454] Optionally, in some embodiments, the HSS sends the UE's subscription data to the MME-GND.

[0455] S608 and MME-GND send a contract data response message and a location update confirmation message to MME-SAT2.

[0456] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the MME-GND detects that the feeder link is available, the MME-GND can send the authentication vector and the UE's subscription data to the MME-SAT2. The SAT2 can be selected based on the monitoring list described in the steps above.

[0457] S609a, the UE selects SAT2 based on the satellite information list to complete the attachment process.

[0458] S609b: The UE sends a NAS attach request to the MME-SAT2 via the eNB-2.

[0459] Optionally, in some embodiments, the UE is prevented from establishing a new attach procedure with a satellite having the same PLMN for the duration of the timer. If the timer expires, for example, at time T1, the UE can resend the attach request to MME-SAT2. Optionally, in some embodiments, based on the received "partial MME function onboarding" indication, the UE learns that the PLMN it requests access to is based on a satellite network architecture with "partial MME function onboarding" and does not support attaching to a PDN connection. In this case, the UE can resend the attach request to MME-SAT2, but the attach request does not include an ESM message container; that is, the UE requests to initiate an attach procedure that does not include PDN connection establishment.

[0460] Optionally, in some embodiments, if a “partial MME function onboarding” instruction is received, the UE can refer to the monitoring list and select the next satellite (SAT2) to complete the registration (i.e., complete the attachment process based on SAT1).

[0461] Optionally, in some other embodiments, if an instruction to "upload all core network functions" is received, the UE can refer to the monitoring list and select the next satellite for new registration (i.e., initiate a new attach process).

[0462] S610 and MME-SAT2 send NAS authentication request messages (containing random number, authentication token, and key set identifier) ​​to UE via eNB-2.

[0463] The NAS authentication request message can be represented as NAS Auth Request(RAND,AUTN,KSI).

[0464] Random numbers can be represented as RAND (Random Challenge).

[0465] The authentication token can be represented as AUTN (Authentication Token).

[0466] The key set identifier can be represented as KSI (Key Set Identity).

[0467] S611. The UE sends a NAS authentication response message (including the execution response value) to the MME-SAT2 via the eNB-2.

[0468] The NAS authentication response message can be represented as NAS Auth Response (including RES).

[0469] The execution response value can be represented as RES(Response).

[0470] Optionally, in some embodiments, when a retransmitted attach request is received, the MME-SAT2 performs the UE authentication process based on the authentication vector received from the MME-GND.

[0471] S612 and MME-SAT2 send NAS attach accept messages to the UE via eNB-2.

[0472] The NAS attach accept message can be represented as NAS Attach Accept.

[0473] S613, the UE sends a NAS attach complete message to the MME-SAT2 via the eNB-2.

[0474] Optionally, in some embodiments, if authentication is successful, MME-SAT2 returns an attach accept message to the UE. The UE then sends an attach complete message to MME-SAT2.

[0475] S614 and MME-SAT2 send a location update request message to HSS via MME-GND.

[0476] The location update request message can be, for example, an Update location request.

[0477] S615 and HSS send a location update confirmation message to MME-SAT2 via MME-GND.

[0478] The location update confirmation message can be, for example, "Update location ack".

[0479] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the feeder link is available, the MME-SAT2 can synchronize the UE context to the MME-GND and then send a final location update request message to the HSS to complete the attach process.

[0480] Figure 7 illustrates another application flow diagram in an embodiment of this disclosure. Using the terminal as UE, the first satellite as SAT1, the access network device configured on the first satellite (SAT1) as eNB-1, the core network device configured on the first satellite (SAT1) as MME-SAT1, the second satellite as SAT2, the access network device configured on the second satellite (SAT2) as eNB-2, and the core network device configured on the second satellite (SAT2) as MME-SAT2 as an example, Figure 7 may also include HSS and MME-GND. The steps include:

[0481] S700 and eNB-1 send SIB messages (including first network information or second network information) to the UE.

[0482] Optionally, in some embodiments, the eNB-1 on the first satellite (SAT1) can broadcast SIB messages. The SIB messages include information related to the satellite network architecture supported by the eNB-1 deployed on the first satellite (SAT1) (e.g., first network information, or second network information).

[0483] S701. If the SIB message contains first network information, the UE decides to initiate an attach procedure that does not include a PDN connection.

[0484] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the UE is within the coverage area of ​​eNB-1, the UE can receive SIB messages. If the SIB message contains first network information indicating "partial MME function uplink," the UE decides to initiate an attach request that does not include a PDN connection.

[0485] S702, the UE sends a NAS attach request (including S&F indication) to the MME-SAT1 via the eNB-1.

[0486] Optionally, in some embodiments, the UE can initiate an attach request to the MME-SAT1 via the eNB-1 to initiate an attach request that does not include a PDN connection, and the attach request may not include an ESM message container.

[0487] S703, MME-SAT1 storage IMSI.

[0488] Optionally, in some embodiments, when an attach request is received, MME-SAT1 detects that the feeder link to MME-GND is unavailable, and MME-SAT1 stores the attach request and its related information as a UE context.

[0489] S704 and MME-SAT1 send a NAS attach rejection message to the UE (including the reason, timer, and satellite information list).

[0490] Optionally, in some embodiments, the MME-SAT1 can send an attach rejection message to the UE via the eNB-1, indicating that the attach failed due to S&F satellite service operations. The MME-SAT1 can also provide a monitoring list (an optional example of the satellite information list described above), which is a list of satellite IDs indicating candidate satellites the UE can access in the future to retry the attach process. The monitoring list can be determined based on network implementation.

[0491] S705a and MME-SAT1 send a contract data request message to MME-GND.

[0492] S705b and MME-GND send a contract data request message to HSS.

[0493] S706 and HSS send a subscription data response message (including the authentication vector) to MME-GND.

[0494] S707 and MME-GND send a location update request message to HSS.

[0495] S708 and HSS send a location update confirmation message to MME-GND.

[0496] S709 and MME-GND send a contract data response message and a location update confirmation message to MME-SAT2.

[0497] S710 and UE select SAT2 based on the satellite information list to complete the attachment process.

[0498] S711, the UE sends a NAS attach request to the MME-SAT2 via the eNB-2.

[0499] S712 and MME-SAT2 send NAS authentication request messages (containing random numbers, authentication tokens, and key set identifiers) to the UE via eNB-2.

[0500] The NAS authentication request message can be represented as NAS Auth Request(RAND,AUTN,KSI).

[0501] Random numbers can be represented as RAND (Random Challenge).

[0502] The authentication token can be represented as AUTN (Authentication Token).

[0503] The key set identifier can be represented as KSI (Key Set Identity).

[0504] S713, the UE sends a NAS authentication response message (including the execution response value) to the MME-SAT2 via the eNB-2.

[0505] The NAS authentication response message can be represented as NAS Auth Response (including RES).

[0506] The execution response value can be represented as RES(Response).

[0507] S714 and MME-SAT2 send NAS attach accept messages to the UE via eNB-2.

[0508] S715, the UE sends a NAS attach complete message to the MME-SAT2 via eNB-2.

[0509] S716 and MME-SAT2 send location update request messages to HSS via MME-GND.

[0510] S717 and HSS send a location update confirmation message to MME-SAT2 via MME-GND.

[0511] For a description of S705a-S717, please refer to the corresponding method steps in Figure 6 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0512] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another application process in an embodiment of this disclosure. Taking the terminal as UE, the first satellite as SAT1, the access network device configured on the first satellite (SAT1) as eNB-1, the core network device configured on the first satellite (SAT1) as MME-SAT1, the second satellite as SAT2, the access network device configured on the second satellite (SAT2) as eNB-2, and the core network device configured on the second satellite (SAT2) as MME-SAT2 as an example, Figure 8 may also include HSS and MME-GND. The steps include the following:

[0513] S801, the UE sends a NAS attach request (containing an ESM message container, S&F indication, and preferred satellite network information) to the MME-SAT1 via the eNB-1.

[0514] Optionally, in some embodiments, the preferred satellite network information may be, for example, second network information (e.g., "all core network functions onboard").

[0515] Optionally, in some embodiments, at time point T0, eNB-1 on the first satellite (SAT1) provides coverage for the UE, the UE sends an attach request to eNB-1, and eNB-1 further sends the attach request to MME-SAT1. The attach request may include an ESM message container, instructing the UE to initiate the attach request in a manner that includes PDN connection establishment. The attach request may also indicate that the preferred satellite network information is "all core network functions onboard".

[0516] S802, MME-SAT1 stores IMSI.

[0517] Optionally, in some embodiments, when an attach request is received, MME-SAT1 detects that the feeder link to MME-GND is unavailable, and MME-SAT1 stores the attach request and its related information as a UE context.

[0518] S803 and MME-SAT1 send a NAS attach rejection message to the UE (including the reason, timer, satellite information list, and first network information).

[0519] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network information may be, for example, "partial MME function uplink".

[0520] Optionally, in some embodiments, the MME-SAT1 can send an attach rejection message to the UE via the eNB-1, indicating that the attach failed due to S&F satellite service operations. The MME-SAT1 can also provide a monitoring list (an optional example of the satellite information list described above), which is a list of satellite IDs indicating candidate satellites the UE can access in the future to retry the attach process. The monitoring list can be determined based on network implementation.

[0521] Optionally, in some embodiments, MME-SAT1 can indicate network behavior based on "network-supported behavior information" (network behavior is an optional example of the satellite network information mentioned above). If the network supports "partial MME function uploading", it can indicate "partial MME function uploading" to the UE based on "network-supported behavior information".

[0522] S804a and MME-SAT1 send a contract data request message to MME-GND.

[0523] The contract data request message can be, for example, an Auth data request.

[0524] S804b and MME-GND send a contract data request message to HSS.

[0525] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the UE receives "network-supported behavior information," learns that the "network-supported behavior information" indicates "partial MME function uplink," and the UE accepts the network architecture for accessing "partial MME function uplink," then subsequent steps can be triggered. Otherwise, if the UE does not accept the network architecture for accessing "partial MME function uplink," the UE may decide not to re-initiate the attach procedure.

[0526] S805 and HSS send a subscription data response message (including authentication vector) to MME-GND.

[0527] The contract data response message can be, for example, an Auth data response (containing Auth Vectors, AVs).

[0528] Optionally, in some embodiments, the HSS generates an authentication vector for the UE and sends the authentication vector to the MME-GND.

[0529] S806 and MME-GND send a location update request message to HSS.

[0530] The location update request message can be, for example, an Update location request.

[0531] S807 and HSS send a location update confirmation message to MME-GND.

[0532] The location update confirmation message can be, for example, "Update location ack".

[0533] Optionally, in some embodiments, the HSS sends the UE's subscription data to the MME-GND.

[0534] S808 and MME-GND send a contract data response message and a location update confirmation message to MME-SAT2.

[0535] S809a, the UE selects SAT2 based on the satellite information list to complete the attachment process.

[0536] S809b: The UE sends a NAS attach request to the MME-SAT2 via the eNB-2.

[0537] S810 and MME-SAT2 send NAS authentication request messages (containing random number, authentication token, and key set identifier) ​​to UE via eNB-2.

[0538] The NAS authentication request message can be represented as NAS Auth Request(RAND,AUTN,KSI).

[0539] Random numbers can be represented as RAND (Random Challenge).

[0540] The authentication token can be represented as AUTN (Authentication Token).

[0541] The key set identifier can be represented as KSI (Key Set Identity).

[0542] S811, the UE sends a NAS authentication response message (including the execution response value) to the MME-SAT2 via the eNB-2.

[0543] The NAS authentication response message can be represented as NAS Auth Response (including RES).

[0544] The execution response value can be represented as RES(Response).

[0545] S812 and MME-SAT2 send NAS attach accept messages to the UE via eNB-2.

[0546] S813, the UE sends a NAS attach complete message to the MME-SAT2 via eNB-2.

[0547] S814 and MME-SAT2 send a location update request message to HSS via MME-GND.

[0548] S815 and HSS send a location update confirmation message to MME-SAT2 via MME-GND.

[0549] This disclosure also provides embodiments of an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., a RAN) in any of the above methods.

[0550] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0551] 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).

[0552] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 9100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 9101, a processing module 9102, etc.

[0553] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 is a terminal, wherein...

[0554] The transceiver module 9101 is used to receive first information sent by an access network device or a core network device, wherein the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, the access network device or core network device is configured on the first satellite, and according to the first information, sends a first message, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request.

[0555] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0556] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0557] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0558] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0559] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0560] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0561] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0562] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0563] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0564] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 9101 is used for:

[0565] Receive a second message sent by the core network device, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse to attach or to accept attach, and the second message includes: first information.

[0566] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 9101 is used for:

[0567] Receive a third message sent by the access network device, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information and includes: the first information.

[0568] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 9101 is used for:

[0569] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message does not include a packet data network (PDN) connection establishment request; or

[0570] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0571] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first message further includes:

[0572] The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

[0573] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0574] The processing module 9102 is used to select a second satellite from the satellite information list based on the first information.

[0575] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 9101 is used for:

[0576] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, and the first message is sent to the second satellite;

[0577] The first message is used to re-initiate the attach request based on the second satellite. The first message does not include the PDN connection establishment request. The re-initiated attach request is used to complete the attach process initiated by the first satellite.

[0578] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 9101 is used for:

[0579] The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and the first message is sent to the second satellite;

[0580] The first message is used to initiate a new attachment process based on the second satellite. The first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request. The new attachment process is different from the attachment process initiated through the first satellite.

[0581] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 is an access network device, wherein...

[0582] The transceiver module 9101 is used to receive a first message sent by the terminal. The first message is used to initiate an attach request. The first message is sent by the terminal based on first information. The first information is used to indicate satellite network information. The first information is sent by the access network device or the core network device.

[0583] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0584] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0585] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0586] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0587] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0588] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0589] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0590] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0591] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0592] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0593] The transceiver module 9101 is used to send the first information to the terminal.

[0594] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 9101 is used for:

[0595] A third message is sent to the terminal, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information, and the third message includes: the first message.

[0596] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0597] If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or

[0598] If the first message indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0599] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first message further includes:

[0600] The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

[0601] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 is a core network device, wherein...

[0602] The transceiver module 9101 is used to receive a first message sent by the terminal. The first message is used to initiate an attach request. The first message is sent by the terminal based on first information. The first information is used to indicate satellite network information. The first information is sent by the access network device or the core network device.

[0603] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite network information includes any of the following:

[0604] First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions;

[0605] Second network information, which indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

[0606] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0607] The satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite;

[0608] Indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, the satellite network information including: first network information or second network information.

[0609] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0610] Identifiers of available candidate satellites;

[0611] Accessible time information corresponding to candidate satellites.

[0612] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0613] The transceiver module 9101 is used to send the first information to the terminal.

[0614] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 9101 is used for:

[0615] Send a second message to the terminal, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse attachment or accept attachment, and the second message includes: the first information.

[0616] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, wherein,

[0617] If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or

[0618] If the first message indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

[0619] Optionally, the transceiver module described above is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0620] Optionally, the above processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0621] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 10100 can be the terminal described above, or it can be the network device described above. The communication device 10100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 10100 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.

[0622] As shown in Figure 10A, the communication device 10100 includes one or more processors 10101. The processor 10101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 10100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0623] In some embodiments, the communication device 10100 further includes one or more memories 10102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 10102 may also be located outside the communication device 10100.

[0624] In some embodiments, the communication device 10100 further includes one or more transceivers 10103. When the communication device 10100 includes one or more transceivers 10103, the transceivers 10103 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 10101 performs other steps.

[0625] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0626] In some embodiments, the communication device 10100 may include one or more interface circuits 10104. Optionally, the interface circuit 10104 is connected to the memory 10102, and the interface circuit 10104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 10102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 10102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 10104 can read instructions stored in the memory 10102 and send the instructions to the processor 10101.

[0627] The communication device 10100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 10100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 10100 may not be limited by FIG10A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0628] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 10100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 10200 shown in Figure 10B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0629] Chip 10200 includes one or more processors 10201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0630] In some embodiments, chip 10200 further includes one or more interface circuits 10202. Optionally, interface circuit 10202 is connected to memory 10203, and interface circuit 10202 can be used to receive signals from memory 10203 or other devices, and interface circuit 10202 can be used to send signals to memory 10203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 10202 can read instructions stored in memory 10203 and send the instructions to processor 10201.

[0631] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 10202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 10201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0632] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0633] In some embodiments, chip 10200 further includes one or more memories 10203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 10203 may be located outside of chip 10200.

[0634] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 10100, cause the communication device 10100 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.

[0635] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 10100, causes the communication device 10100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0636] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0637] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0638] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0639] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0640] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication control method, characterized in that, Executed by a terminal; the method includes: Receive first information sent by an access network device or a core network device, wherein the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the access network device or core network device is configured on a first satellite; Based on the first information, a first message is sent, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The satellite network information includes any of the following: First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions; The second network information indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: A satellite information list, wherein the satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite; The indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, which includes either the first network information or the second network information.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The satellite information includes at least one of the following: Identifiers of available candidate satellites; Accessible time information corresponding to the candidate satellite.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first information received from the core network equipment includes: The system receives a second message sent by the core network device, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse to attach or to accept attach, and the second message includes: the first information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first information received from the access network device includes: The system receives a third message sent by the access network device, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information and includes the first information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Sending the first message based on the first information includes: The first information indicates that the satellite network information is first network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message does not include a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection establishment request; or The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and a first message is sent, wherein the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first message also includes: The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 3-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first information, select a second satellite from the satellite information list.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Sending the first message based on the first information includes: The first information indicates that the satellite network information is first network information, and sends a first message to the second satellite; The first message is used to re-initiate the attach request based on the second satellite. The first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request. The re-initiated attach request is used to complete the attach process initiated by the first satellite.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Sending the first message based on the first information includes: The first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, and a first message is sent to the second satellite; The first message is used to initiate a new attachment process based on the second satellite. The first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request. The new attachment process is different from the attachment process initiated through the first satellite.

12. A communication control method, characterized in that, Performed by the access network device; the method includes: The receiving terminal sends a first message, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by the access network device or the core network device.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The satellite network information includes any of the following: First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions; The second network information indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

14. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: A satellite information list, wherein the satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite; The indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, which includes either the first network information or the second network information.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The satellite information includes at least one of the following: Identifiers of available candidate satellites; Accessible time information corresponding to the candidate satellite.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the first information to the terminal.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the terminal includes: A third message is sent to the terminal, wherein the third message is used to broadcast system information, and the third message includes: the first information.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12-17, characterized in that, in, If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The first message also includes: The second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate preferred satellite network information.

20. A communication control method, characterized in that, Performed by core network equipment; the method includes: The receiving terminal sends a first message, wherein the first message is used to initiate an attach request, the first message is sent by the terminal based on first information, the first information is used to indicate satellite network information, and the first information is sent by the access network device or the core network device.

21. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The satellite network information includes any of the following: First network information, wherein the first network information indicates that the satellite is configured with some mobility management entity (MME) functions; The second network information indicates that all core network functions are configured on the satellite.

22. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: A satellite information list, wherein the satellite information list includes: satellite information of at least one candidate satellite; The indication information is used to indicate satellite network information, which includes either the first network information or the second network information.

23. The method as described in claim 22, characterized in that, The satellite information includes at least one of the following: Identifiers of available candidate satellites; Accessible time information corresponding to the candidate satellite.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20-23, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first information is sent to the terminal.

25. The method as described in claim 24, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the terminal includes: Send a second message to the terminal, wherein the second message is used to indicate whether to refuse attachment or accept attachment, and the second message includes: the first information.

26. The method according to any one of claims 20-25, characterized in that, in, If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is first network information, then the first message does not include a PDN connection establishment request, or If the first information indicates that the satellite network information is the second network information, then the first message may or may not include a PDN connection establishment request.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, 12-19, or 20-26.

28. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a terminal, an access network device, and a core network device, wherein the terminal is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, the access network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12-19, and the core network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 20-26.

29. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, 12-19, or 20-26.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method of any one of claims 1-11, 12-19, or 20-26.

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