Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal apparatus receiving configuration information from a first network apparatus, wherein the coverage area of the first network apparatus comprises one or more cells, the one or more cells having a mapping relationship with a geographic location, and the terminal apparatus is located in the one or more cells; and the terminal apparatus accessing, on the basis of the configuration information, a communication service provided by a second network apparatus, wherein the one or more cells comprise a first cell, the cell identifier of the first cell being associated with one or more non-terrestrial network apparatuses, the one or more non-terrestrial network apparatuses comprising the second network apparatus, and the one or more non-terrestrial network apparatuses being used for providing the communication service to the first cell. By means of the method provided in the application, the mobility interruption time of a terminal apparatus can be reduced, and signaling overheads can be reduced.

Description

A communication method and a communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411977267.6, filed on December 27, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] Satellite communication and other non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have significant advantages such as global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, convenient deployment, and no geographical limitations. They have been widely used in many fields such as maritime communication, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and Earth observation.

[0004] In an NTN system, satellite movement and / or the movement of terminal devices may trigger mobility management processes such as cell handover, cell reselection, registration updates, and tracking area updates. For example, as network nodes such as satellites, drones, and high-altitude platforms move, satellites may use different cell sets to cover the geographical locations they need to serve at different times, thus triggering frequent cell changes and mobility management.

[0005] The current mobility management scheme in NTN communication systems mainly adopts the layer 3 (L3) handover mechanism. However, the L3 handover process will bring about frequent changes in the serving cell and reconfiguration of radio resource control (RRC), resulting in long mobility interruption time and large signaling overhead.

[0006] Therefore, a solution is urgently needed to reduce the duration of mobile outages and lower signaling overhead. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the time of mobility interruption and lower signaling overhead in the mobility management process of NTN networks.

[0008] Firstly, a method is provided that can be performed by an apparatus (e.g., a communication device). The apparatus can be a device (such as a first network device), or it can be a component of a device (e.g., a chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), a chip system, or a circuit), which is not limited in this application. The following description primarily uses a first network device as an example.

[0009] The method includes: sending first information to a second network device, the first information indicating: one or more cells, and / or, a mapping relationship between one or more cells and geographical locations, wherein the one or more cells include a first cell, and the cell identifier of the first cell is associated with one or more non-terrestrial network devices, the one or more non-terrestrial network devices include the second network device, and the one or more non-terrestrial network devices are used to provide communication services to the first cell.

[0010] Optionally, the method further includes: the first network device generating first information.

[0011] The first network device can be a satellite, a ground station, or an access network device.

[0012] Based on the above scheme, the second network device provides communication services to one or more cells based on the first information. The cell identifier of each cell in the one or more cells is associated with one or more non-terrestrial network devices. In other words, the cell identifier of each cell in the one or more cells is associated with the geographical location. During the handover process of the non-terrestrial network device providing communication services, the cell identifier and some common configuration information of the cells do not change. In this way, cell handover is reduced, thereby reducing the mobile interruption time of terminal devices located in the cells and reducing signaling overhead.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending first configuration information to the second network device, the first configuration information including configuration information corresponding to each of one or more cells.

[0014] In this embodiment of the application, the configuration information corresponding to the cell is also the configuration information of the cell.

[0015] Based on the above scheme, the second network device receives the first configuration information. When the second network device provides communication services to different cells, the second network device can obtain the configuration information of the corresponding cell based on the first configuration information, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending second configuration information to the terminal device; wherein the second configuration information includes configuration information corresponding to the cell where the terminal device is located; or, the second configuration information includes configuration information corresponding to each of one or more cells.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, the first network device sends second configuration information to the terminal device. Optionally, the second configuration information includes configuration information corresponding to the cell where the terminal device is located, so that the terminal device can access the corresponding cell based on the second configuration information; or, the second configuration information includes configuration information corresponding to one or more cells, so that when the terminal device moves to different cells, it can obtain the corresponding configuration information based on the second configuration information, thereby reducing communication overhead.

[0018] Furthermore, in practical applications, the first network device can send second configuration information based on the mobile behavior of the terminal device, thereby making the communication process more flexible and efficient.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, some implementations of the first aspect include: the second configuration information is also used to indicate one or more cells, and / or, the mapping relationship between one or more cells and geographical locations.

[0020] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can determine the association between the cell identifier and the geographical location of the cell it is in, thereby reducing the mobile interruption time of the terminal device and reducing signaling overhead.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending first capability information to a terminal device, the first capability information indicating that the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes the one or more cells.

[0022] Alternatively, the first capability information indicates one or more cells in the coverage area of ​​the first network device. Optionally, the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific indication method of the first capability information. For example, the first capability information indicates the cell identifier of one or more cells in the coverage area of ​​the first network device.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first capability information also indicates a first duration, during which each of the one or more cells is associated with one or more regions.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can determine the coverage area of ​​the first network device based on the first capability information. Furthermore, since the first network device can be a network device in a mobile state, the first capability information also indicates a first duration. During the first duration, the coverage area of ​​the first network device does not change. The terminal device can perform subsequent operations based on the first capability information, such as whether to perform cell handover or whether to update configuration information, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending second information to the terminal device, the second information indicating whether the terminal device updates layer 1 or layer 2 (L1 / L2) information.

[0026] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device determines whether to update L1 / L2 information based on the instruction of the first network device, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second capability information from the second network device, the second capability information indicating one or more of the following: whether the second network device supports communication with a third network device among one or more non-terrestrial network devices, whether the second network device supports simultaneous communication with multiple first network devices (i.e., whether the second network device supports hard CU-DU handover, or whether the second network device supports soft CU-DU handover), and whether the second network device supports inactive F1 connection.

[0028] Based on the above scheme, the first network device can determine the communication capabilities of the second network device according to the second capability information. The first network device communicates with the second network device based on the indication of the second capability information, which can improve communication efficiency. For example, if the second network device supports communication with a third network device among one or more non-terrestrial network devices, it indicates that one or more non-terrestrial network devices can share information. When a non-terrestrial network device providing communication services to the coverage area of ​​the first network device switches over, the signaling overhead between the first network device and the non-terrestrial network device can be reduced.

[0029] Secondly, a method is provided that can be performed by a device (e.g., a communication device). This device can be an apparatus (such as a second network device), or it can be a component of an apparatus (e.g., a chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core) or a chip system or circuit), and this application does not limit this. The following description primarily uses a second network device as an example.

[0030] The method includes: receiving first information from a first network device, the first information indicating: one or more cells, and / or, a mapping relationship between one or more cells and a geographical location; providing communication services to some or all of the cells in the one or more cells based on the first information; wherein, the cell identifier of the first cell in the one or more cells is associated with one or more non-terrestrial network devices, the one or more non-terrestrial network devices including a second network device, and the one or more non-terrestrial network devices are used to provide communication services to the first cell.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving first configuration information from a first network device, the first configuration information including configuration information corresponding to each of one or more cells.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending capability information to the first network device, the capability information indicating one or more of the following: whether the second network device supports communication with a third network device among one or more non-terrestrial network devices, whether the second network device supports simultaneous communication with multiple first network devices (i.e., whether the second network device supports hard CU-DU handover, or whether the second network device supports soft CU-DU handover), and whether the second network device supports inactive F1 connection.

[0033] The beneficial effects of the second aspect and its possible implementation methods can be found in the description of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0034] Thirdly, a method is provided that can be performed by a device (e.g., a communication device). This device can be an apparatus (such as a terminal device), or it can be a component of an apparatus (e.g., a chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core) or a chip system or circuit), and this application does not limit this. The following description primarily uses a terminal device as an example.

[0035] The method includes: receiving configuration information from a first network device, wherein the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes one or more cells, the one or more cells have a mapping relationship with a geographical location, and a terminal device is located in one or more cells; accessing a communication service based on the configuration information, the communication service being provided by a second network device; associating the cell identifier of the first cell in one or more cells with one or more non-terrestrial network devices, the one or more non-terrestrial network devices including the second network device, and the one or more non-terrestrial network devices being used to provide communication services to the first cell.

[0036] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the configuration information includes configuration information corresponding to the cell where the terminal device is located; or, the configuration information includes configuration information corresponding to each of one or more cells.

[0037] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving capability information from a first network device, the capability information indicating that the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes one or more cells.

[0038] In conjunction with the third aspect, some implementations of the third aspect include: the capability information also indicates a first duration, during which each of one or more cells is associated with one or more regions.

[0039] In conjunction with the third aspect, some implementations of the third aspect include: the configuration information includes reference configuration information and candidate configuration information, wherein the reference configuration information is associated with location information and the candidate configuration information is associated with time information.

[0040] Based on the above scheme, the frequency of terminal device updating configuration information is reduced by dividing the configuration information, thereby reducing communication overhead. For example, if the reference configuration information is associated with location information, the terminal device only needs to update the reference configuration information when its location changes.

[0041] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: determining whether to update the reference configuration information based on one or more of the following, and / or, candidate configuration information: capability information, the cell where the terminal device is located, and the non-terrestrial network device that provides communication services to the terminal device.

[0042] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device determines whether to update the reference configuration information and / or the candidate configuration information based on one or more of the above information. In this way, the accuracy of updating the configuration information is improved while reducing communication overhead.

[0043] In conjunction with the third aspect, some implementations of the third aspect include: reference configuration information including one or more of the following: resource configuration information, frequency configuration information, common measurement configuration information; candidate configuration information including one or more of the following: ephemeris information, timing information, power control information, scheduling information.

[0044] Fourthly, a communication apparatus is provided for performing the method provided in any one of the first to third aspects. Specifically, the apparatus may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in any one of the implementations of the first to third aspects, such as processing units and / or communication units.

[0045] In one implementation, the device is a communication device (such as a terminal device, a first network device, or a second network device). When the device is a communication device, the communication unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0046] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in a communication device. When the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in a communication device, the communication unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0047] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a memory for storing a program; and at least one processor for executing the computer program or instructions stored in the memory to perform the method provided by any of the above-described implementations of any of the first to third aspects.

[0048] In one implementation, the device is a communication device (such as a terminal device, a first network device, or a second network device).

[0049] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in a communication device.

[0050] Sixthly, this application provides a processor for performing the methods provided in the above aspects.

[0051] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and input operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0052] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for program code executed by a device, the program code including a method for performing any of the above-described implementations of any of the first to third aspects.

[0053] Eighthly, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed by a processor on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided by any of the above-described implementations of any of the first to third aspects.

[0054] Ninth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor reading instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executing the method provided by any of the above implementations of any of the first to third aspects.

[0055] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip further includes a memory storing computer programs or instructions, and a processor for executing the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided by any of the above implementations of any of the first to third aspects.

[0056] A tenth aspect provides a communication system, including a first communication device, a second communication device, and a third communication device. The first communication device is used to execute the method provided in any implementation of the first aspect, the second communication device is used to execute the method provided in any implementation of the second aspect, and the third communication device is used to execute the method provided in any implementation of the third aspect.

[0057] The beneficial effects of aspects four through ten and possible implementation methods can be found in the foregoing descriptions and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an access network device CU-DU separation architecture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0060] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the partitioning method based on the CU-DU separation structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0061] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of group handover in a satellite scenario provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0062] Figure 5 shows a scenario where a satellite provides services to a terminal device before cell handover, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Figure 6 illustrates a scenario where a satellite provides services to a terminal device after a cell handover, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0064] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of communication using the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0065] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 9 illustrates a scenario where a terminal device updates some configuration information.

[0067] Figure 10 shows another schematic diagram of communication using the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0068] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of satellite switching on the same orbit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0069] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of satellite switching between different orbits provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of communication between multiple non-terrestrial network devices provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0071] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of a second network device communicating with multiple first network devices according to an embodiment of this application.

[0072] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0073] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 1600 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 17 is a schematic block diagram of the chip system 1700 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points are provided.

[0077] First, in this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication information as indicating A, it can include whether the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication information includes A.

[0078] The information indicated by the instruction information is called the instruction-to-be-instructed information. In the specific implementation, there are many ways to instruct the instruction-to-be-instructed information. The instruction-to-be-instructed information can be sent as a whole, or it can be divided into multiple sub-information messages and sent separately. Furthermore, the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0079] Second, in this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, "first," "second," and various numerical designations are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the processes below do not imply an order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0080] Third, in this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0081] Fourth, the term "storage" in the embodiments of this application can refer to storage in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others can be integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0082] Fifth, the “protocol” involved in the embodiments of this application may refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as LTE protocol, NR protocol and related protocols applied to future communication systems, and this application does not limit it.

[0083] Sixth, in the embodiments of this application, "under the circumstances", "when", and "if" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0084] Seventh, in the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations, such as radio resource control (RRC), are merely exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future protocols.

[0085] Eighth, the term "and / or" in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0086] Ninth, the various message names or device names involved in the embodiments of this application are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. For example, messages may have different names, as long as they can achieve the corresponding functions.

[0087] Tenth, in this application, unless otherwise specified, “A~C” means all items from A to C. For example, bw#1~bw#4 means bw#1, bw#2, bw#3, and bw#4. Alternatively, “A~C” may also be expressed as “AC”. For example, bw#1-bw#4 means bw#1, bw#2, bw#3, and bw#4.

[0088] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication, and non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including integrated communication and navigation (ICAN) systems, GNSS, and ultra-dense low-Earth orbit satellite communication systems. Satellite communication systems can be integrated with traditional mobile communication systems. For example, the mobile communication system can be a fourth-generation (4G) communication system (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) system), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a fifth-generation (5G) communication system (e.g., new radio (NR) system), and future mobile communication systems.

[0090] For example, a satellite communication system may include user equipment (UE) and network equipment.

[0091] The user equipment mentioned in the embodiments of this application includes various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication functions. Specifically, it can refer to user equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device. Terminal devices can also be satellite phones, cellular phones, smartphones, wireless data cards, wireless modems, machine-type communication devices, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices or wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, terminal devices in 5G networks or future communication networks, and terminal devices in Internet of Things (IoT) systems, etc.

[0092] The network devices in the embodiments of this application may include one or more satellite and ground station devices.

[0093] Ground station equipment can be equipment in the core network (CN) of existing mobile communication architectures (such as the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access architecture for 5th generation (5G) systems) or equipment in the core network of future mobile communication architectures.

[0094] Specifically, the core network, as the bearer network, provides the interface to the data network, offering user equipment (UE) communication connections, authentication, management, policy control, and data service delivery. The core network (CN) can further include: access and mobility management (AMF) network elements, session management (SMF) network elements, authentication server (AUSF) network elements, policy control (PCF) network elements, user plane (UPF) network elements, and so on. The AMF network element manages UE access and mobility, primarily responsible for UE authentication, UE mobility management, and UE paging functions.

[0095] Network equipment may also include, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home evolved Node B (HeNB, or home Node B (HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system. It may also be a gNB in ​​a 5G system, such as NR, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DMU). Units (DUs), etc., can also be used for devices that communicate with terminal devices in future communication equipment.

[0096] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distribution unit (DU). The gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some of the gNB's functions, and the DU implements others. For example, the CU handles non-real-time protocols and services, implementing radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer functions. The DU handles physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layer functions. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and active antenna-related functions. Since RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is derived from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can be considered to be sent by the DU, or by the DU+AAU. It is understood that access network equipment can be one or more of the following: CU nodes, DU nodes, and AAU nodes. In addition, the CU can be classified as a network device in the radio access network (RAN) or as a network device in the core network (CN), and this application does not limit this.

[0097] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, a radio access network may also be an open RAN (ORAN) architecture. In an ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application may be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0098] Satellites can be low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), or non-geostationary Earth orbit (NGEO) satellites. Connected to core network equipment, satellites can provide communication and positioning services to user equipment via multi-beam communication.

[0099] To facilitate understanding, the communication scenarios applicable to the embodiments of this application are briefly introduced with reference to Figure 1.

[0100] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The satellite communication system includes satellite 101, satellite 102 and satellite 103. Each satellite can provide communication services, navigation services and positioning services to terminal devices through multiple beams. In this scenario, the satellites can be LEO satellites or MEO satellites, etc. Satellite 103 is connected to ground station equipment (the core network equipment shown in Figure 1).

[0101] For example, the satellite shown in Figure 1 can use multiple beams to cover the service area (as shown in Figure 1). Different beams can communicate through one or more of time division, frequency division, or space division. Furthermore, different beams can also communicate through different polarization methods (such as linear polarization, circular polarization, elliptical polarization, etc.). The satellite communicates wirelessly with terminal equipment through broadcast communication signals and navigation signals, and can also communicate wirelessly with ground station equipment.

[0102] The satellite mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be a satellite base station, or may include an orbital receiver or repeater for relaying information, or network-side equipment mounted on a satellite.

[0103] For example, at least one of base station 201, satellite 101, satellite 102, or satellite 103 in Figure 1 can be an IAB node. The satellite is connected to base station 201 and / or base station 202 and receives control information and user data from the base station. In addition, the satellite can operate in staring mode (e.g., earth-fixed mode or quasi-earth fixed mode) or non-staring mode (e.g., earth-moving mode).

[0104] It should be understood that Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding only. The satellite communication system may also include other network devices or other terminal devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0105] In some possible implementations, the access network equipment can adopt an architecture that separates centralized units (CU) and distributed units (DU), where the CU and DU communicate with each other via an F1 interface.

[0106] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an access network device CU-DU separation architecture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0107] RAN equipment includes baseband and radio frequency (RF) units. The baseband unit can be implemented by a single node or multiple nodes. The RF unit can be implemented independently from the baseband unit, integrated into the baseband unit, or have some functions integrated independently and others integrated into the baseband unit. For example, in an LTE communication system, RAN equipment includes baseband and RF units. The RF unit can be deployed remotely relative to the baseband unit; for example, an RRU is a remote radio unit deployed relative to a BBU.

[0108] Communication between RAN devices and terminal devices follows a certain protocol layer structure. For example, the control plane protocol layer structure may include the functions of protocol layers such as radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, and physical layer. The user plane protocol layer structure may include the functions of protocol layers such as PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and physical layer. In one possible implementation, a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer may also be included above the PDCP layer.

[0109] RAN equipment can implement the functions of protocol layers such as RRC, PDCP, RLC, and MAC by a single node, or by multiple nodes. For example, in one evolution architecture, RAN equipment may include CU and DU, with multiple DUs centrally controlled by a single CU. As shown in Figure 2, in a scenario where access network equipment includes a separate deployment of CU and DU, the CU supports the functions of protocol layers such as Radio Resource Control (RRC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP); the DU mainly supports the functions of protocol layers such as Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and physical layer protocols.

[0110] This layered protocol division is merely an example; it can also be applied to other protocol layers. For instance, at the RLC layer, functions of the RLC layer and above could be placed in the CU, while functions of lower-level protocol layers could be placed in the DU. Alternatively, it could be done within a specific protocol layer, for example, placing some functions of the RLC layer and functions of higher-level protocol layers in the CU, while placing the remaining functions of the RLC layer and functions of lower-level protocol layers in the DU. Furthermore, it can be divided in other ways, such as by latency, placing functions whose processing time needs to meet latency requirements in the DU, and functions that do not need to meet that latency requirement in the CU.

[0111] In this embodiment of the application, a method is proposed based on the CU-DU separation architecture, wherein the functionality of CU and DU is not limited, and the division method can be referred to in Figure 3.

[0112] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the partitioning method based on the CU-DU separation structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0113] As shown in Figure 3, the left side of the dashed line represents the CU portion, and the right side represents the DU portion. Taking mode 1 as an example, CU represents RRC, and DU represents PDCP, High-RLC, Low-RLC, High-MAC, Low-MAC, High-PHY, and Low-PHY. It should be understood that Figure 3 is only for illustrative purposes. High-RLC and Low-RLC represent the functional division of the existing RLC, High-MAC and Low-MAC represent the functional division of the existing MAC, and High-PHY and Low-PHY represent the functional division of the existing PHY.

[0114] Furthermore, the radio frequency device can be integrated independently, not in the DU, or integrated into the DU, or partially remote and partially integrated into the DU; there are no restrictions on this.

[0115] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, a brief introduction to the concepts or related technologies involved in the solution will be given first.

[0116] 1. Non-terrestrial networks (NTN): These include nodes such as satellite networks, high-altitude platforms, and drones. They offer significant advantages such as global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, convenient deployment, and no geographical limitations. They have been widely used in various fields including maritime communication, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and Earth observation. The integration of terrestrial 5G networks and NTNs, leveraging their respective strengths, forms a seamless global communication network encompassing sea, land, air, space, and ground, meeting the diverse and ubiquitous service needs of users.

[0117] For ease of description, satellite equipment is used as a non-terrestrial network device in the embodiments of this application, but it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto.

[0118] As an important component of NTN, the next-generation satellite network generally exhibits a trend towards ultra-dense and heterogeneous architecture: First, the scale of the satellite network has grown from 66 satellites in the Iridium constellation to 720 satellites in a single-network constellation, and eventually extended to the Starlink ultra-dense LEO satellite constellation of over 12,000 satellites; Second, the satellite network exhibits heterogeneous characteristics, evolving from a traditional single-layer communication network to a multi-layer communication network, and the functions of the communication satellite network are becoming more complex and diversified, gradually becoming compatible with and supporting functions such as navigation enhancement, Earth observation, and multi-dimensional information on-orbit processing.

[0119] 2. Satellite operating modes: including transparent transmission mode and non-transparent transmission mode. In transparent transmission mode, the signal only undergoes frequency conversion and signal amplification on the satellite, and the satellite is transparent to the signal. In non-transparent transmission mode, the satellite functions as a base station during signal transmission, and the UE can send signals to the 5G core network (CN) through the satellite.

[0120] Alternatively, transparent transmission, also known as bend-tube relay transmission, means that the signal only undergoes frequency conversion and signal amplification on the satellite, and the satellite is transparent to the signal, as if it does not exist. Non-transparent transmission, also known as regeneration (on-board access or processing) transmission, means that the satellite has some or all base station functions (such as a satellite corresponding to a complete base station or DU).

[0121] As an example and not a limitation, satellite communication systems include transparent satellite architectures and non-transparent satellite architectures. In a transparent satellite architecture, the satellite operates in transparent mode, while in a non-transparent satellite architecture, the satellite operates in non-transparent mode.

[0122] 3. Satellite communication system beam working mode: Taking satellite communication as an example, based on the working mode of the payload (such as beam), it can usually be divided into staring (earth-fixed or quasi-earth fixed) and non-staring (earth-moving) satellite communication systems.

[0123] 4. Region: Unless otherwise specified, "region" in the following embodiments of this application refers to a geographical region. A region is fixed relative to the Earth, or can be understood as a geographical region that is fixed relative to the Earth. For example, a region may have at least one of the following attributes: shape, outline, size, reference location (or reference point or location reference point, etc.), radius, area, geographical location, etc. In addition, a "region" may also have an altitude attribute, that is, a region can be understood as a geographical region at a given altitude or altitude range. For example, a region may refer to a geographical region on the ground with an altitude of 0km or within an altitude range of 0km ± 2km, or a geographical region with a certain average altitude, or a geographical region at a specific altitude, such as a geographical region with an altitude of 10km or within an altitude range of 10km ± 3km.

[0124] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned region fixed relative to the Earth may also be referred to as a "wave position," "range," "geographic region," "geographic location," "geographic grid," etc. Of course, other names are also possible, and this application does not specifically limit the name of the region fixed relative to the Earth.

[0125] Different regions may have the same or different shapes, outlines, sizes, radii, and areas. Different regions may be geographically different. Different regions may or may not overlap.

[0126] In one possible implementation, "region fixed relative to the Earth" can be understood as follows: the region's outline, size, or geographical location remains unchanged; for example, the region's outline, size, or geographical location does not change over time. Alternatively, "region fixed relative to the Earth" can be understood as follows: the region's outline and the points within it can be described using a fixed Earth coordinate system, or the coordinates of each point on the region's outline in the fixed Earth coordinate system remain constant.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the shape of the region can be a regular hexagon, or other shapes such as a regular pentagon, a circle, an ellipse, etc. Alternatively, the shape of the region can also be irregular, without limitation.

[0128] For example, the shape of a region can be defined by a protocol or by a network device. Regions defined by different network devices can have the same or different shapes. The same network device can also define multiple region shapes. Similarly, the size, radius, and area of ​​a region can also be defined by a protocol or by a network device. Regions defined by different network devices can have the same or different sizes, radii, or areas. The same network device can also define multiple region sizes, multiple region radii, or multiple region areas.

[0129] In one possible implementation, the Earth's surface can be divided into multiple regions, and these regions can be indexed (e.g., numbered). Terminal devices and network devices can agree on the numbering method for these regions (e.g., starting from 1 or 0) and the correspondence between regions and indexes. Alternatively, the protocol can define the numbering method for these regions and the correspondence between regions and indexes. Based on the region indexes, information such as the region's geographical location can be determined.

[0130] Optionally, the multiple regions can completely cover the Earth's surface, such that any location on the Earth's surface belongs to a certain region; or, the multiple regions can also cover part of the geographical location on Earth, for example, the multiple regions may not cover the Earth's South Pole and / or North Pole, that is, the South Pole and / or North Pole may not exist in the region.

[0131] 5. Mobility Management: In the LEO satellite communication system, the movement of satellite nodes can cause group handover (e.g. for connected UEs) or group reselection (e.g. for idle UEs) for users in a certain area of ​​the spectrum.

[0132] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of group handover in a satellite scenario provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0133] As shown in Figure 4, within a single beam position in Zone #2 (e.g., UE group 1 (UE-G1), where UE-G1 contains multiple UEs), at time T1, UE-G1 is served by one or more beams of satellite SAT#2; at time T2, the movement of satellite SAT#2 causes this beam position to become unserved by satellite SAT#2, and one or more beams of satellite SAT#1 take over the service for UE-G1. Therefore, UE-G1 undergoes a group handover.

[0134] 6. IAB: The purpose of IAB is to support wireless backhaul and relay links, enabling flexible and very dense deployment of NR cells without proportionally encrypting the wired transmission network. Typical deployment scenarios include supporting outdoor small cell deployment, indoor small cell deployment, and even mobile relay (e.g., on buses or trains). The functional architecture of IAB is as follows:

[0135] IAB node (IAB-node): Supports NR access and backhaul, including the mobile terminal (MT) part and the DU part. When the IAB-node faces its parent node, it acts as a terminal device, i.e., the MT role; when the IAB-node faces its child node (which may be another IAB-node or a regular UE), it is regarded as a network device, i.e., the DU role. The MT part can be referred to as IAB-node-MT, and the DU part can be referred to as IAB-node-DU.

[0136] IAB host node (IAB-donor): A gNB that supports IAB functionality, including IAB-donor-DU and IAB-donor-CU. IAB-donor-CU provides connectivity for IAB-donor-DU and IAB-node-DU; IAB-donor-DU provides access for UE or IAB-MT.

[0137] 7. Ephemeris Information: As one possible implementation, the ephemeris information involved in this application includes, but is not limited to, orbital parameters, or parameters such as the satellite's azimuth and velocity calculated based on the orbital parameters. It is understood that ephemeris information can be used to calculate, predict, depict, or track the satellite's flight time, position, velocity, and other states.

[0138] As an example and not a limitation, ephemeris information can be in the form of position and velocity state vectors, or in the form of orbital parameters. For example, it can be 6-dimensional parameters represented in earth-centered, earth-fixed (ECEF) coordinates, representing the satellite's position state vector (x, y, z) axes and velocity state vector (x, y, z) axes, or 6-dimensional parameters represented in earth-centered inertial coordinates. It should be noted that this application does not limit the specific form and content of the ephemeris information; reference can be made to the definitions of ephemeris information in existing protocols.

[0139] 8. Physical Cell Identifier (PCI): This is a physical layer identifier used to uniquely identify a cell in a communication system. The PCI is crucial for cell identification, allowing the UE to identify and distinguish different cells in the network. Specifically, the PCI is associated with the cell's synchronization signals (e.g., the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and the secondary synchronization signal (SSS)).

[0140] The mobility management scheme in NR or NTN communication systems mainly adopts the L3 handover mechanism (i.e., RRC handover). In L3 handover, the terminal device first establishes downlink synchronization with the target cell, and then obtains TA through four-step RACH to establish uplink synchronization.

[0141] It should be understood that L3 handover involves changes in the serving cell and reconfiguration of RRC, resulting in prolonged mobility interruption time and significant signaling overhead. Therefore, this application proposes a communication method to reduce mobility interruption time and lower communication overhead.

[0142] It should be understood that the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the cell handover scenarios shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0143] Figure 5 shows a scenario where a satellite provides services to a terminal device before cell handover, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0144] Figure 6 illustrates a scenario where a satellite provides services to a terminal device after a cell handover, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0145] As shown in Figure 5, before the cell handover, UE#1 was served by PCI#yi of SAT#1, and UE#2 was served by PCI#xj of SAT#2; as shown in Figure 6, after the cell handover, UE#1 was served by PCI#yi of SAT#N, and UE#2 was served by PCI#xj of SAT#3.

[0146] In the cell handover scenarios shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the satellite providing services to the UE changes, the cell providing services to the UE (such as PCI) does not change. For example, the satellite providing services to UE#1 changes from SAT#1 to SAT#N, but the PCI of the cell providing services to UE#1 remains PCI#yi before and after the handover. Before the handover, PCI#yi corresponds to SAT#1, and after the handover, PCI#yi corresponds to SAT#N. Similarly, the satellite providing services to UE#2 changes from SAT#2 to SAT#3, but the PCI of the cell providing services to UE#2 remains PCI#xj before and after the handover. Before the handover, PCI#xj corresponds to SAT#2, and after the handover, PCI#xj corresponds to SAT#3.

[0147] The cell handover scenarios shown in Figures 5 and 6 above can be referred to as scenarios with unchanged PCI, meaning that the PCI of the cell where the UE is located remains unchanged before and after satellite handover / cell handover. The cell identifier can also be replaced with other identifiers, such as supercell identifiers (e.g., hypercell identifiers), transmit / receive point identifiers (e.g., TRP identifiers), beam identifiers, virtual cell identifiers, etc.

[0148] The application scenarios described above are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0149] It should also be understood that the embodiments shown below do not particularly limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application, as long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be a device, or a functional module in the device that can call and execute a program.

[0150] The method proposed in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to Figure 7.

[0151] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of communication using the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0152] In the scenario shown in Figure 7, we will take two first network devices (e.g., gNB-CU-1 and gNB-CU-2) and three non-terrestrial network devices (e.g., SAT-1, SAT-2, and SAT-3) as an example for illustration.

[0153] Referring to Figure 7, the first area set #1 is the coverage area of ​​gNB-CU-1. The first area set #1 includes 12 areas (i.e., bw#1 to bw#12). Among them, SAT-1 provides communication services to the first area set #1. The first area set #1 includes 2 cells (e.g., PCI-A1 and PCI-A2). PCI-A1 corresponds to bw#1 to bw#6, and PCI-A2 corresponds to bw#7 to bw#12.

[0154] Referring again to Figure 7, the first area set #2 is the coverage area of ​​gNB-CU-2. The first area set #2 includes 12 areas (i.e., bw#13 to bw#24). SAT-2 and SAT-3 provide communication services to the first area set #2. SAT-2 provides satellite communication services in some areas of the first area set #2 (i.e., bw#13 to bw#21), and SAT-3 provides satellite communication services in some areas of the first area set #1 (i.e., bw#17 to bw#24). The first area set #2 includes two cells (e.g., PCI-B1 and PCI-B2). PCI-B1 corresponds to bw#12 to bw#21, and PCI-B2 corresponds to bw#17 to bw#24.

[0155] In Figure 7, the cells are bound to geographical locations (or, in other words, the cells are mapped to geographical locations). Specifically, PCI-A1 corresponds to bw#1 to bw#6, PCI-A2 corresponds to bw#7 to bw#12, PCI-B1 corresponds to bw#12 to bw#21, and PCI-B2 corresponds to bw#17 to bw#24. Here, bw#1 to bw#24 are the results of dividing the geographical locations.

[0156] Each cell identifier is associated with one or more non-terrestrial network devices. In other words, one or more non-terrestrial network devices provide communication services to the associated cell. For example, PCI-A1 may be associated with SAT-1, SAT-2, and SAT-3 at different times (or SAT-1, SAT-2, and SAT-3 may all provide communication services to PCI-A1 at different times). Thus, when the terminal device's own mobility range is limited (e.g., the distance between the terminal device's location and a reference location is less than a threshold, where the reference location can be any preset location within the cell's service range, and the threshold is a distance threshold), the terminal device does not need to perform cell handover and update cell configuration information (such as RRC reconfiguration) due to the switching of non-terrestrial network devices. This reduces the terminal device's mobility interruption time and lowers the communication overhead caused by cell handover.

[0157] Taking UE-1 in Figure 7 as an example, UE-1 is located in bw#5 in PCI-A1, and SAT-1 provides communication services to the first area set #1. The following describes the communication process of gNB-CU-1, UE-1, and SAT-1 in this scenario with reference to Figure 8.

[0158] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0159] It should be understood that the steps in Figure 8 can be used separately or in combination depending on the actual situation, and the numbering of the steps in Figure 8 does not limit the specific execution order of the method.

[0160] It is understood that this application uses the first network device and the second network device as examples to illustrate the corresponding methods in the interactive illustration, but this application does not limit the executing entity of the interactive illustration. For example, the method implemented by the first network device can also be implemented by a module (such as a chip, chip system, or processor) of the first network device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network device. Similarly, the method implemented by the second network device can also be implemented by a module (such as a chip, chip system, or processor) of the second network device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network device.

[0161] The first network device may carry RRC / SDAP / PDCP functions, and the second network device may carry RLC / MAC / PHY functions.

[0162] S801, the first network device sends the first information, and correspondingly, the second network device receives the first information.

[0163] Specifically, the first information indicates: one or more cells, and / or, the mapping relationship between one or more cells and geographical locations (or, one or more cells bound to geographical locations). For example, each cell in one or more cells corresponds to one or more regions (or wave positions), where a region is the result of dividing geographical locations. This application embodiment does not exclude other ways of dividing geographical locations.

[0164] In this context, each of the one or more cells is associated with one or more non-terrestrial network devices, which are used to provide communication services to the associated cells, and the second network device is one of the one or more non-terrestrial network devices.

[0165] One or more of these cells fall within the coverage area of ​​the first network device.

[0166] As one possible implementation, the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes one or more regions (or wavelengths), and further, each cell in one or more cells is associated with one or more regions.

[0167] Optionally, the cell identifier may be, for example, a PCI-ID, a cell ID, a supercell identifier (such as a hypercell identifier), a transmit / receive point identifier (such as a TRP identifier), a beam identifier, or a virtual cell identifier, without limitation.

[0168] The embodiments of this application do not limit the mapping relationship between one or more cells and one or more regions, and the following is an exemplary description.

[0169] Example 1: There are at least two communities in one or more communities that correspond to different areas.

[0170] For example, the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes three areas (e.g., bw#1, bw#2, and bw#3), and the coverage area of ​​the first network device corresponds to two cells (e.g., PCI-1 and PCI-2). Furthermore, PCI-1 includes bw#1 and bw#2, and PCI-2 includes bw#3.

[0171] Example 2: There are at least two cells in one or more communities that have the same area.

[0172] For example, the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes three areas (e.g., bw#1, bw#2, and bw#3), and the coverage area of ​​the first network device corresponds to two cells (e.g., PCI-1 and PCI-2). Furthermore, PCI-1 includes bw#1 and bw-2, and PCI-2 includes bw-2 and bw#3.

[0173] Example 3: Among one or more communities, there are at least two communities whose corresponding areas are exactly the same or approximately the same.

[0174] For example, the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes three areas (e.g., bw#1, bw#2, and bw#3), and the coverage area of ​​the first network device corresponds to two cells (e.g., PCI-1 and PCI-2). Further, PCI-1 includes bw#1, bw#2, and bw#3, and PCI-2 includes bw#1, bw#2, and bw#3.

[0175] It should be understood that the above-described method of dividing the coverage area of ​​the first network device is only an example, and this application does not exclude other methods of dividing the coverage area of ​​the first network device.

[0176] S802, the first network device sends the first configuration information, and correspondingly, the second network device receives the first configuration information.

[0177] Specifically, the first configuration information is associated with one or more cells included in the first network device. In other words, the first configuration information includes the configuration information corresponding to each of the one or more cells.

[0178] For example, if the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes two cells (e.g., PCI-1 and PCI-2), then the first configuration information includes first configuration information #1 and first configuration information #2, where first configuration information #1 is the configuration information corresponding to PCI-1 and first configuration information #2 is the configuration information corresponding to PCI-2.

[0179] The first configuration information includes configuration information #A (an example of reference configuration information) and / or configuration information #B (an example of candidate configuration information).

[0180] Optionally, the update cycle of configuration information #A is longer than the update cycle of configuration information #B.

[0181] As one possible implementation, configuration information #A is associated with location information; in other words, configuration information #A is location-based configuration information.

[0182] Location information refers to geographic location information (such as latitude and longitude coordinates, reference location and distance information). In this application embodiment, the correspondence between configuration information #A and the coverage area of ​​the first network device is not limited. The following is an exemplary description.

[0183] For example, different regions correspond to different configuration information #A. For instance, the second network device provides communication services to two regions (e.g., bw#1 and bw#2), and bw#1 and bw#2 correspond to different configuration information #A. In other words, when the region where the second network device provides communication services changes from bw#1 to bw#2, the second network device updates the configuration information #A.

[0184] For another example, different cells correspond to different configuration information #A. For instance, the second network device provides communication services to two cells (e.g., PCI-1 and PCI-2). PCI-1 and PCI-2 correspond to different configuration information #A. In other words, when the cell for which the second network device provides communication services switches from PCI-1 to PCI-2, the second network device updates the configuration information #A.

[0185] Optionally, configuration information #A can be one or more of resource configuration information, frequency configuration information, and common measurement configuration information.

[0186] As one possible implementation, configuration information #B is associated with time information; in other words, configuration information #B is time-based configuration information.

[0187] For example, when non-terrestrial network devices are in motion, their configuration information needs to be updated over time.

[0188] Optionally, configuration information #B can be one or more of ephemeris information, timing information, power control information, and scheduling information.

[0189] In one possible implementation, different types of configuration information are associated with different value tags, such as search space, radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), permanent equipment identifier (PEI), and discontinuous reception (DRX).

[0190] S803, the second network device provides communication services to some or all of the cells in one or more cells.

[0191] Specifically, the second network device determines, based on the first information, that the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes one or more cells, and provides communication services to some or all of the cells in the one or more cells based on the first configuration information.

[0192] It should be understood that when the second network device is a satellite node, the second network device is in a mobile state, and when the second network device moves to different locations, it provides communication services for one or more cells.

[0193] For example, the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes two cells (e.g., PCI-1 and PCI-2). During the first time period, if the location of the second network device can provide satellite communication services to PCI-1, then the second network device uses the configuration information corresponding to PCI-1 (e.g., first configuration information #1) to provide satellite communication services to PCI-1. During the second time period, if the location of the second network device can provide satellite communication services to PCI-2, then the second network device uses the configuration information corresponding to PCI-2 (e.g., first configuration information #2) to provide satellite communication services to PCI-2.

[0194] S804, the first network device sends the second configuration information, and the terminal device receives the second configuration information accordingly.

[0195] The terminal device is located in a cell (e.g., the target cell) within the coverage area of ​​the first network device.

[0196] Optionally, the second configuration information includes configuration information #A and / or configuration information #B. A description of configuration information #A and / or configuration information #B can be found in S802, and will not be repeated here.

[0197] Optionally, the second configuration information includes the configuration information corresponding to the cell where the terminal device is located (i.e., the target cell); or, the second configuration information includes the configuration information corresponding to each cell in the coverage area of ​​the first network device.

[0198] It should be understood that when the second configuration information includes configuration information corresponding to each cell in the coverage area of ​​the first network device, the terminal device can store the second configuration information. This allows the terminal device to directly retrieve the configuration information from the stored data when it moves, causing a change in the cell it is in, thereby reducing communication overhead. For example, when the terminal device moves from cell #1 in the coverage area of ​​the first network device to cell #2, the terminal device can retrieve the configuration information corresponding to cell #2 from the stored data.

[0199] As one possible implementation, the second configuration information is also used to indicate one or more cells, and / or, the mapping relationship between one or more cells and geographical locations. In this way, the terminal device can determine the association between the cell identifier of its current cell and its geographical location, thereby reducing the terminal device's mobility downtime and lowering signaling overhead.

[0200] It should be understood that the above is only an illustrative example. The embodiments of this application do not exclude other ways in which the first network device indicates one or more cells to the terminal device, and / or the mapping relationship between one or more cells and geographical locations. For example, the first network device may send separate indication information to indicate, which is not limited.

[0201] S805, the terminal device accesses the communication service based on the configuration information corresponding to the target cell (i.e., the cell where the terminal device is located).

[0202] Specifically, the terminal device determines the target cell and determines the configuration information corresponding to the target cell based on the second configuration information. Then, the terminal device accesses the communication service based on the configuration information corresponding to the target cell, wherein the communication service is provided by the second network device.

[0203] Furthermore, due to various reasons (such as cell handover caused by the movement of the terminal device, or handover of non-terrestrial network equipment providing communication services to the terminal device), the terminal device needs to determine whether to update its configuration information.

[0204] S805 further includes: based on the location and time information of the terminal device, the terminal device determines whether to update the configuration information; more specifically, based on the location and time information of the terminal device, the terminal device determines whether to update configuration information #A, and / or configuration information #B.

[0205] It should be understood that in some cases (e.g., the first network device is a satellite node in a mobile state), the coverage area of ​​the first network device will change. In other words, the coverage area of ​​the first network device has an effective duration (e.g., denoted as the first duration), during which the coverage area of ​​the first network device does not change.

[0206] As one possible implementation, when the terminal device moves to a cell outside the coverage area of ​​the first network device, the terminal device needs to update configuration information #A, that is, configuration information #A is associated with location information; if the first duration expires, the terminal device needs to update configuration information #B, that is, configuration information #B is associated with time information.

[0207] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific implementation method of the terminal device determining the target cell.

[0208] As one possible implementation, the terminal device determines the target cell based on the indication information #1 sent by the first network device. In this embodiment, the specific content of the indication information #1 is not limited. For example, the indication information #1 indicates the location information of each cell included in the coverage area of ​​the first network device. Then the terminal device can determine the target cell by combining its own location information.

[0209] The embodiments of this application do not limit the implementation method of the terminal device determining its own location information. For example, the terminal device determines its own location information based on the global positioning system (GPS).

[0210] As one possible implementation, method 800 also includes:

[0211] S806, the first network device sends capability information #1, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives capability information #1.

[0212] Capability information #1 indicates whether the first network device supports communication using the scheme proposed in the embodiments of this application (i.e., communication in an unchanged PCI scenario).

[0213] In one possible implementation, capability information #1 indicates one or more cells, wherein one or more cells belong to the coverage area of ​​the first network device.

[0214] Optionally, capability information #1 indicates a second network device that provides communication services to one or more cells.

[0215] In another possible implementation, capability information #1 also indicates a first duration during which the coverage area of ​​the first network device does not change.

[0216] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific indication method of the first duration. For example, capability information #1 indicates the start and end times of the first duration; or, capability information #1 indicates the start time and time offset of the first duration. Furthermore, the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific indication method of the time. Optionally, coordinated universal time (UTC) can be used to represent the start and end times.

[0217] Specifically, within the first time period, each cell in the coverage area of ​​the first network device is associated with one or more areas. In other words, within the first time period, the one or more areas corresponding to each cell in the coverage area of ​​the first network device do not update (or change).

[0218] Specifically, due to various reasons (such as the first network device being a mobile satellite node), the coverage area of ​​the first network device may change. Therefore, the areas corresponding to cells within the coverage area of ​​the first network device may differ at different times. For example, in the first time period, the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes bw#1 to bw#12, while in the second time period, the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes bw#4 to bw#15.

[0219] In one possible implementation, method 800 further includes: the terminal device performing a first operation based on the received capability information #1, wherein the first operation includes, for example, one or more of the following:

[0220] (1) The terminal device determines whether the first network device needs to be updated based on the capability information #1.

[0221] Specifically, based on capability information #1, the terminal device can determine whether the cell where the terminal device is located is within the coverage area of ​​the first network device. If the cell where the terminal device is located is not within the coverage area of ​​the first network device (e.g., due to cell handover caused by the movement of the terminal device), the terminal device updates the first network device; otherwise, the terminal device does not update the first network device.

[0222] (2) If the cell where the terminal device is located is within the coverage area of ​​the first network device, the terminal device determines whether it needs to update the second network device based on the capability information #1.

[0223] Specifically, based on capability information #1, the terminal device can determine the second network device configured by the first network device (e.g., referred to as the second network device #1). If the non-terrestrial network device actually accessed by the terminal device (e.g., referred to as the second network device #2) is different from the second network device #1, the terminal device determines that the second network device needs to be updated; otherwise, the terminal device does not update the second network device.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the terminal device sends instruction information #2 to the first network device, and instruction information #2 instructs the first network device to update the second network device that provides satellite communication services to the terminal device.

[0225] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific content or method of instruction information #2.

[0226] (3) The terminal device determines whether to update the second configuration information based on one or more of the following: capability information #1, the cell where the terminal device is located, and the non-terrestrial network equipment that provides communication services to the terminal device.

[0227] Specifically, the terminal device can determine, based on capability information #1, that within a first time period, each cell in the coverage area of ​​the first network device is associated with one or more areas.

[0228] For example, during the first time period, when the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the first network device, the main possible scenarios include the following:

[0229] In the first possible scenario, the terminal device does not update the second configuration information.

[0230] For example, if there are no changes in the cell where the terminal device is located, or in the non-terrestrial network equipment (such as a second network device) that provides communication services to the terminal device, the terminal device will not update the second configuration information.

[0231] The second possible scenario is that the terminal device updates the second configuration information.

[0232] For example, if the cell where the terminal device is located and the non-terrestrial network equipment (e.g., a second network device) that provides communication services to the terminal device both change, the terminal device updates the second configuration information.

[0233] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific implementation method of the terminal device updating the second configuration information. For example, the terminal device may send indication information #3 to the first network device, and the indication information #3 requests the first network device to send the updated second configuration information to the terminal device; or, the terminal device may obtain the updated second configuration information from the stored data, which is not limited.

[0234] The third possible scenario is that the terminal device updates some configuration information.

[0235] For example, if the cell where the terminal device is located remains unchanged, but the non-terrestrial network equipment providing communication services to the terminal device changes, the terminal device updates the configuration information #B in the second configuration information.

[0236] The following description is based on Figure 9.

[0237] Figure 9 illustrates a scenario where a terminal device updates some configuration information.

[0238] In the scenario shown in Figure 9, the first network device is denoted as gNB-CU-1, for example. PCI-A1 belongs to the coverage area of ​​gNB-CU-1. The terminal device (i.e., UE-1) is located in PCI-A1, which includes one or more areas, for example, the area where UE-1 is located is denoted as bw#1.

[0239] As shown in Figure 9, if the area where UE-1 is located does not change, UE-1 determines not to update the location-related configuration information (e.g., configuration information #A); if the non-terrestrial network device providing communication services to the terminal device changes, for example, if the non-terrestrial network device switches from SAT-2 to SAT-1, then UE-1 determines to update the time-related configuration information (e.g., configuration information #B).

[0240] It should be understood that when non-terrestrial network devices are in a mobile state, they may be in different locations at different times. Therefore, the handover of non-terrestrial network devices indicates that the terminal device needs to update the configuration information related to time information.

[0241] (4) When the terminal device is in multiple cells, the terminal device determines whether to switch (or reselect) the cell based on the capability information #1.

[0242] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific implementation method of the terminal device determining whether to switch cells.

[0243] For example, a terminal device determines whether to switch cells based on its own location information and the cell it is currently connected to.

[0244] If the area where the terminal device is located remains unchanged, and the cell that the terminal device is currently accessing belongs to the cell indicated by capability information #1, then the terminal device will determine not to switch cells; or, if the cell that the terminal device is currently accessing does not belong to the cell indicated by capability information #1, then the terminal device will determine to perform cell handover.

[0245] The above is only an illustrative example, and this application is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal device may also determine whether to perform cell handover based on the signal quality of the cell indicated by capability information #1.

[0246] The following is an illustrative example with reference to Figure 10.

[0247] Figure 10 shows another schematic diagram of communication using the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0248] In the scenario shown in Figure 10, there is one first network device (e.g., denoted as gNB-CU-1) and two non-terrestrial network devices (e.g., denoted as SAT-1 and SAT-2). The coverage area of ​​gNB-CU-1 includes two cells (e.g., denoted as PCI-A1 and PCI-A2). SAT-1 provides communication services to PCI-A1, and SAT-2 provides communication services to PCI-A2. UE-1 is located in the overlapping area of ​​PCI-A1 and PCI-A2.

[0249] UE-1 can determine whether to switch cells based on the cell it is currently accessing. For example, if the cell UE-1 is currently accessing is PCI-A1, then UE-1 may not perform cell handover. Alternatively, if the terminal device determines that the signal quality of PCI-A2 is better than that of PCI-A1, then UE-1 may switch to PCI-A2. For another example, if the cell UE-1 is currently accessing is not one of the cells indicated by capability information #1 (i.e., PCI-A1 and PCI-A2), then UE-1 will determine to perform cell handover. UE-1 may switch to either PCI-A1 or PCI-A2 without restriction.

[0250] Furthermore, when a terminal device is located in multiple cells, it can store configuration information corresponding to multiple cells, and then the terminal device can use the corresponding configuration information to access the corresponding cell according to the actual situation.

[0251] For example, in Figure 10, when UE-1 switches from PCI-A1 to PCI-A2, the terminal device can obtain the configuration information corresponding to PCI-A2 based on the stored data, thereby reducing communication overhead.

[0252] Optionally, when the terminal device is located in the coverage area of ​​multiple first network devices, method 800 further includes: when the terminal device accesses the cell corresponding to different first network devices, the same security key configuration information can be used, that is, the security key information is bound to the geographical location. For example, the security key information may include at least one of the following keys: root key K, access layer key K_gNB, non-access stratum (NAS) integrity protection key and encryption key K_NASint and K_NASenc, RRC signaling integrity protection key K_RRCint, RRC signaling encryption key K_RRCenc, user plane encryption key K_UPenc, NH (Next Hop) value, NCC (next hop chaining count) NH link counter, etc.

[0253] For example, in the scenario shown in Figure 7, UE-2 is located in the overlapping area of ​​gNB-CU-1 and gNB-CU-2, and UE-2 is also located in the overlapping area of ​​PCI-A2 and PCI-B1. Therefore, when UE-2 accesses PCI-A2 and PCI-B1, it can use the same security key configuration information.

[0254] Optionally, if the cell where the terminal device is located corresponds to multiple non-terrestrial network devices, the method 800 further includes: the terminal device distinguishes different non-terrestrial network devices based on the first field, for example, by adding an identifier of the non-terrestrial network device to the first field.

[0255] The specific form of the first field is not limited in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, the first field can be a newly defined field, or it can be an existing field. For example, the first field is an additional physical cell identifier (additional PCI).

[0256] In one possible implementation, method 800 further includes: a first network device, and / or a second network device sending auxiliary information #A (an example of second information), and correspondingly, a terminal device receiving auxiliary information #A.

[0257] Among them, auxiliary information #A is associated with the capabilities of non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite orbital altitude, payload capacity, number of antennas, etc.). Auxiliary information #A is used to indicate whether the terminal equipment should update the configuration information associated with the capabilities of non-terrestrial network equipment (e.g., denoted as configuration information #C).

[0258] Optionally, the configuration information #C is, for example, L1 / L2 information (e.g., PHY, MAC, RLC).

[0259] The specific indication method of auxiliary information #A is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0260] For example, auxiliary information #A can indicate whether the terminal device needs to update L1 / L2 information in a direct manner. For instance, if auxiliary information #A is "Y", it indicates that the terminal device needs to update L1 / L2 information, or if auxiliary information #A is "N", it indicates that the terminal device does not need to update L1 / L2 information.

[0261] For another example, when a terminal device needs to update L1 / L2 information, the first network device and / or the second network device send auxiliary information #A, which can reduce communication overhead.

[0262] Furthermore, the terminal device performs a second operation based on the auxiliary information #A, the second operation including one or more of the following:

[0263] (1) The terminal device determines not to update the configuration information #C based on the auxiliary information #A.

[0264] One possible scenario is that, in the case of a non-terrestrial network device handover, the terminal device determines not to update the configuration information #C, which is described below with reference to Figure 11.

[0265] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of satellite switching on the same orbit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0266] In the scenario shown in Figure 11, there is one first network device (e.g., denoted as gNB-CU-1) and two non-terrestrial network devices (e.g., denoted as SAT-1 and SAT-2). UE-1 is located in the coverage area of ​​gNB-CU-1. Both SAT-1 and SAT-2 can provide communication services to the coverage area of ​​gNB-CU-1, and SAT-1 and SAT-2 are located in the same satellite orbit, i.e., SAT-1 and SAT-2 are co-orbiting satellites. When the non-terrestrial network device providing communication services to UE-1 switches from SAT-2 to SAT-1, the terminal device does not update the configuration information #C (e.g., L1 / L2 information).

[0267] (2) The terminal device determines the update configuration information #C based on the auxiliary information #A.

[0268] In one possible scenario, during a non-terrestrial network device handover, the terminal device determines to update configuration information #C, which is described below with reference to Figure 12.

[0269] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of satellite switching between different orbits provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0270] In the scenario shown in Figure 12, there is one first network device (e.g., denoted as gNB-CU-1) and two non-terrestrial network devices (e.g., denoted as SAT-1 and SAT-2). UE-1 is located in the coverage area of ​​gNB-CU-1. Both SAT-1 and SAT-2 can provide communication services to the coverage area of ​​gNB-CU-1. SAT-1 and SAT-2 are located in different satellite orbits (e.g., SAT-1 is located in satellite orbit-1, and SAT-2 is located in satellite orbit-2). That is, SAT-1 and SAT-2 are satellites in different orbits. When the non-terrestrial network device providing communication services to UE-1 switches from SAT-2 to SAT-1, the terminal device updates the configuration information #C (e.g., L1 / L2 information).

[0271] Another possible scenario is that, in the case of a first network device switchover, the terminal device determines to update the configuration information #C. For example, if the first network device corresponding to the area where UE-1 is located is switched from gNB-CU-1 to gNB-CU-2, and gNB-CU-1 and gNB-CU-2 are satellite devices, then the terminal device updates the configuration information #C (e.g., RRC, PDCP).

[0272] In one possible implementation, method 800 further includes:

[0273] S807, the second network device sends capability information #2, and correspondingly, the first network device receives capability information #2.

[0274] Capability information #2 indicates one or more of the following: whether the second network device supports communication with other network devices (e.g., referred to as the third network device) among one or more non-terrestrial network devices; whether the second network device supports simultaneous communication with multiple first network devices (i.e., whether the second network device supports hard CU-DU handover or soft CU-DU handover); and whether the second network device supports inactive F1 connection.

[0275] (1) Whether the second network device supports communication with the third network device, in other words, whether one or more non-terrestrial network devices can communicate directly with each other, or whether one or more non-terrestrial network devices support inter-state link (ISL).

[0276] Specifically, there can be multiple non-terrestrial network devices that provide communication services to the coverage area of ​​the first network device. When the non-terrestrial network devices can communicate directly with each other, they can negotiate communication, thereby reducing communication latency.

[0277] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of communication between multiple non-terrestrial network devices provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0278] In the scenario shown in Figure 13, there is one first network device (e.g., gNB-CU-1), two low earth orbit (LEO) satellites (e.g., SAT-1 and SAT-2), and one geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite. UE-1 is located in PCI-A1. Both SAT-1 and SAT-2 can provide communication services to the coverage area of ​​gNB-CU-1, and SAT-1 and SAT-2 support ISL, that is, SAT-1 and SAT-2 can communicate with each other.

[0279] In this situation, SAT-1 and SAT-2 can negotiate communication to reduce communication latency. For example, when the satellite providing communication services for PCI-A1 is switched from SAT-2 to SAT-1, SAT-1 can obtain the PCI-A1 configuration information (e.g., the first configuration information) from SAT-2. SAT-1 does not need to request the first configuration information of PCI-A1 from gNB-CU-1, thus reducing communication latency.

[0280] (2) Whether the second network device supports simultaneous communication with multiple first network devices (i.e., whether the second network device supports hard CU-DU handover or soft CU-DU handover).

[0281] It should be understood that when the second network device is in a mobile state, it can provide communication services to the coverage areas of multiple first network devices at different times.

[0282] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of a second network device communicating with multiple first network devices according to an embodiment of this application.

[0283] In the scenario shown in Figure 14, there are two first network devices (e.g., gNB-CU-1 and gNB-CU-2). The coverage area corresponding to gNB-CU-1 includes PCI-A1, and the coverage area corresponding to gNB-CU-2 includes PCI-B1. Figure 14 also includes a second network device (e.g., SAT-1). It should be understood that SAT-1 provides communication services to PCI-A1 and PCI-A2 at different time periods. When SAT-1 provides communication services to PCI-A1, SAT-1 corresponds to gNB-CU-1 (or SAT-1 communicates with gNB-CU-1). When SAT-1 provides communication services to PCI-A2, SAT-1 corresponds to gNB-CU-2 (or SAT-1 communicates with gNB-CU-2).

[0284] If the second network device does not support simultaneous communication with multiple first network devices, when the first network device corresponding to SAT-1 is switched from gNB-CU-1 to gNB-CU-2, SAT-1 can only establish a connection with gNB-CU-2 after disconnecting from gNB-CU-1.

[0285] When the second network device supports simultaneous communication with multiple first network devices, when the first network device corresponding to SAT-1 is switched from gNB-CU-1 to gNB-CU-2, SAT-1 can establish a connection with gNB-CU-2 simultaneously within a configured time period (e.g., a first duration).

[0286] (3) Whether the second network device supports inactive F1 connection (or whether the second network device supports storing F1 interface context information), wherein the F1 interface context information is used for communication between the second network device and the first network device.

[0287] When the second network device supports an inactive F1 connection, the communication latency caused by switching the second network device can be reduced.

[0288] Referring to Figure 14, when SAT-1 supports an inactive F1 connection, and SAT-1 provides communication services to PCI-B1, SAT-1 can use the stored F1 interface context information to establish a connection with gNB-CU-2, thereby reducing communication latency.

[0289] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a transceiver unit 1510. The transceiver unit 1510 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1510 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. Optionally, the device 1500 further includes a processing unit 1520. The processing unit 1520 can be used to implement processing operations.

[0290] Optionally, the device 1500 may further include a storage unit for storing instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1520 may read the instructions and / or data from the storage unit to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0291] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1510 includes a sending unit and / or a receiving unit, wherein the sending unit is used to perform the sending operation in the above embodiments, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation in the above embodiments.

[0292] It should be noted that the communication device 1500 may include a transmitting unit but not a receiving unit; or, the communication device 1500 may include a receiving unit but not a transmitting unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1500 includes both transmitting and receiving actions. For example, the communication device 1500 is used to execute the actions performed by the first network device, the second network device, or the terminal device in the embodiment shown in FIG8 above. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiment shown in FIG8 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0293] For example, communication device 1500 is used to execute the following scheme.

[0294] In one possible design, the device 1500 can be a first network device, or a component of a first network device (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit). The transceiver unit and processing unit can be used to implement the relevant operations of the first network device.

[0295] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1510 is used to send first information to a second network device, the first information indicating: one or more cells, and / or, a mapping relationship between one or more cells and geographical locations, wherein the one or more cells include a first cell, the cell identifier of the first cell is associated with one or more non-terrestrial network devices, the one or more non-terrestrial network devices include the second network device, and the one or more non-terrestrial network devices are used to provide communication services to the first cell.

[0296] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to send first configuration information to the second network device, the first configuration information including configuration information corresponding to each of one or more cells.

[0297] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to send second configuration information to the terminal device; wherein the second configuration information includes configuration information corresponding to the cell where the terminal device is located; or, the second configuration information includes configuration information corresponding to each of one or more cells.

[0298] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to send first capability information to the terminal device, the first capability information indicating that the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes the one or more cells.

[0299] Optionally, the first capability information also indicates a first duration, during which each of the one or more cells is associated with one or more areas.

[0300] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1510 is also configured to send second information to the terminal device, the second information indicating whether the terminal device should update the L1 / L2 information.

[0301] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to receive second capability information from the second network device, wherein the second capability information indicates one or more of the following: whether the second network device supports communication with a third network device among one or more non-terrestrial network devices, whether the second network device supports simultaneous communication with multiple first network devices (i.e., whether the second network device supports hard CU-DU handover, or whether the second network device supports soft CU-DU handover), and whether the second network device supports F1 connection.

[0302] In a second possible design, the device 1500 can be a second network device, or a component of a second network device (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit). The transceiver unit and processing unit can be used to implement the relevant operations of the second network device.

[0303] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1510 is configured to receive first information from a first network device, the first information indicating: one or more cells, and / or, a mapping relationship between one or more cells and geographical locations; wherein, the cell identifier of the first cell in one or more cells is associated with one or more non-terrestrial network devices, the one or more non-terrestrial network devices include a second network device, and the one or more non-terrestrial network devices are used to provide communication services to the first cell.

[0304] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to receive first configuration information from the first network device, the first configuration information including configuration information corresponding to each of one or more cells.

[0305] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to send capability information to the first network device, the capability information indicating one or more of the following: whether the second network device supports communication with a third network device among one or more non-terrestrial network devices, whether the second network device supports simultaneous communication with multiple first network devices (i.e., whether the second network device supports hard CU-DU handover, or whether the second network device supports soft CU-DU handover), and whether the second network device supports F1 connection.

[0306] In a third possible design, the device 1500 can be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit). The transceiver unit and processing unit can be used to implement the relevant operations of the terminal device.

[0307] The transceiver unit 1510 is used to receive configuration information from a first network device, wherein the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes one or more cells, wherein one or more cells have a mapping relationship with geographical locations, and the terminal device is located in one or more cells; the processing unit 1520 is used to access a communication service according to the configuration information, wherein the communication service is provided by a second network device; wherein one or more cells include a first cell, the cell identifier of the first cell is associated with one or more non-terrestrial network devices, one or more non-terrestrial network devices include the second network device, and one or more non-terrestrial network devices are used to provide communication services to the first cell.

[0308] Optionally, the configuration information includes the configuration information corresponding to the cell where the terminal device is located; or, the configuration information includes the configuration information corresponding to each of one or more cells.

[0309] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to receive capability information from the first network device, the capability information indicating that the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes one or more cells.

[0310] Optionally, the capability information also indicates a first duration during which each of one or more cells is associated with one or more areas.

[0311] Optionally, the configuration information includes reference configuration information and candidate configuration information, wherein the reference configuration information is associated with location information and the candidate configuration information is associated with time information.

[0312] Optionally, the processing unit 1520 is further configured to determine whether to update the reference configuration information and / or the candidate configuration information based on one or more of the following: capability information, the cell where the terminal device is located, and the non-terrestrial network device that provides communication services to the terminal device.

[0313] Optionally, the reference configuration information includes one or more of the following: resource configuration information, frequency configuration information, and common measurement configuration information; the candidate configuration information includes one or more of the following: ephemeris information, timing information, power control information, and scheduling information.

[0314] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed 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 application.

[0315] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0316] In one example, the storage unit may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0317] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 1600 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 1600 includes a processor 1610, which is coupled to a memory 1620. The memory 1620 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1610 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1620, or to read the data stored in the memory 1620, in order to execute the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0318] Optionally, there may be one or more processors 1610.

[0319] Optionally, the memory 1620 may be one or more.

[0320] Optionally, the memory 1620 is integrated with the processor 1610, or the memory 1620 is built into the processor 1610, or the memory 1620 is set separately from the processor 1610.

[0321] Optionally, as shown in FIG16, the device 1600 further includes a transceiver 1630 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, a processor 1610 is used to control the transceiver 1630 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0322] For example, processor 1610 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory 1620 to implement the relevant operations of the terminal device or network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0323] Optionally, the transceiver 1630 includes a transmitter (or a transmitter module, a transmitting circuit, etc.) and / or a receiver (or a receiver module, a receiving circuit, etc.), wherein the transmitter is used to perform the transmitting operation in the above embodiments, and the receiver is used to perform the receiving operation in the above embodiments.

[0324] It should be noted that the communication device 1600 may include a transmitter but not a receiver; or, the communication device 1600 may include a receiver but not a transmitter. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme performed by the communication device 1600 includes both sending and receiving actions. For example, the communication device 1600 is used to perform the actions performed by the first network device, the second network device, or the terminal device in the embodiment shown in FIG8 above. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiment shown in FIG8 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0325] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0326] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0327] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0328] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0329] Figure 17 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 1700 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 1700 (or may also be referred to as a processing system) includes logic circuitry 1710 and an input / output interface 1720.

[0330] The logic circuit 1710 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 1700. The logic circuit 1710 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 1700 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 1720 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 1700, outputting processed information from the chip system 1700, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 1700 for processing.

[0331] As one approach, the chip system 1700 is used to implement operations performed by communication devices (such as terminal devices or network devices) in the various method embodiments described above.

[0332] For example, logic circuit 1710 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 1720 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) in the above method embodiments.

[0333] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) in the above-described method embodiments.

[0334] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods described in the embodiments of the above methods, which are executed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device).

[0335] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods described above as being performed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device).

[0336] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the terminal devices and / or network devices described in the above embodiments.

[0337] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0338] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0339] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center 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 that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0340] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application 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 application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first network device, including: Send first information to a second network device, the first information indicating: one or more cells, and / or, the mapping relationship between the one or more cells and geographical locations; The one or more cells include a first cell, the cell identifier of the first cell is associated with one or more non-terrestrial network devices, the one or more non-terrestrial network devices include a second network device, and the one or more non-terrestrial network devices are used to provide communication services to the first cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first configuration information to the second network device, the first configuration information including configuration information corresponding to each of the one or more cells.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the second configuration information to the terminal device; The second configuration information includes configuration information corresponding to the cell where the terminal device is located; or, the second configuration information includes configuration information corresponding to each of the one or more cells.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first capability information to the terminal device, wherein the first capability information indicates that the coverage area of ​​the first network device includes the one or more cells.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, include: The first capability information also indicates a first duration, during which each of the one or more cells is associated with one or more regions.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message to the terminal device, the second message indicating whether the terminal device should update the layer 1 or layer 2 information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second capability information from the second network device, the second capability information indicating one or more of the following: whether the second network device supports communication with a third network device among the one or more non-terrestrial network devices, whether the second network device supports simultaneous communication with multiple first network devices, and whether the second network device supports inactive F1 connection.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second network device, including: Receive first information from a first network device, the first information indicating: one or more cells, and / or, the mapping relationship between the one or more cells and geographical locations; The one or more cells include a first cell, the cell identifier of the first cell is associated with one or more non-terrestrial network devices, the one or more non-terrestrial network devices include a second network device, and the one or more non-terrestrial network devices are used to provide communication services to the first cell.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives first configuration information from the first network device, the first configuration information including configuration information corresponding to each of the one or more cells.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send capability information to the first network device, the capability information indicating one or more of the following: whether the second network device supports communication with a third network device among the one or more non-terrestrial network devices, whether the second network device supports simultaneous communication with multiple first network devices, and whether the second network device supports inactive F1 connection.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal device and includes: The terminal device receives configuration information from a first network device, the coverage area of ​​which includes one or more cells, the one or more cells having a mapping relationship with a geographical location, and the terminal device being located in the one or more cells. Access to communication services is based on the configuration information, and the communication services are provided by the second network device. The one or more cells include a first cell, the cell identifier of the first cell is associated with one or more non-terrestrial network devices, the one or more non-terrestrial network devices include a second network device, and the one or more non-terrestrial network devices are used to provide communication services to the first cell.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, include: The configuration information includes the configuration information corresponding to the cell where the terminal device is located; or, the configuration information includes the configuration information corresponding to each of the one or more cells.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives capability information from the first network device, the capability information indicating a first duration, during which each of the one or more cells is associated with one or more regions.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, include: The configuration information includes reference configuration information and candidate configuration information. The reference configuration information is associated with location information, and the candidate configuration information is associated with time information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Whether to update the reference configuration information, and / or the candidate configuration information, is determined based on one or more of the following: The capability information, the cell where the terminal device is located, and the non-terrestrial network device that provides communication services to the terminal device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, include: The reference configuration information includes one or more of the following: resource configuration information, frequency configuration information, and common measurement configuration information; The candidate configuration information includes one or more of the following: ephemeris information, timing information, power control information, and scheduling information.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor for executing computer programs or instructions stored in memory to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes programs or instructions for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. A chip system, characterized in that, include: A processor for retrieving and executing computer programs or instructions from memory, causing a communication device on which the chip system is installed to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 16.

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