Access method and apparatus for non-terrestrial network, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

An access method and apparatus for a non-terrestrial network, a computer-readable storage medium and a computer program product, relating to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: in response to a service being triggered, sending a cell access request to a network device of a non-terrestrial network on the basis of the service, wherein different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

Description

Access methods and apparatus for non-terrestrial networks, computer-readable storage media, computer program products

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202411917783.X, filed on December 23, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an access method and apparatus for non-terrestrial networks, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0003] With the rapid development of technology, global communication demands are increasing, especially in remote and underserved areas where traditional terrestrial networks (TN) often struggle to provide coverage. To address this, satellite-to-ground communication technology based on the Fifth-Generation mobile communications (5G) standard has emerged, constructing Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). NTNs utilize non-terrestrial communication infrastructure such as satellites and high-altitude platforms (e.g., drones, stratospheric balloons) to achieve global communication coverage. They provide reliable, secure, and high-bandwidth connectivity to areas without terrestrial network coverage, significantly expanding the reach of communication networks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides an access method for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: in response to a service being triggered, sending a cell access request to a network device in the non-terrestrial network according to the service; wherein different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0005] In some embodiments, sending a cell access request to a network device in a non-terrestrial network according to the service includes: sending a cell access request to a network device in a non-terrestrial network associated with the service, wherein the type of the non-terrestrial network associated with the service is a network type associated with the service.

[0006] In some embodiments, sending a cell access request to a network device in a non-terrestrial network according to the service includes: determining a parameter configuration based on the service, wherein the probability of cell reselection based on the parameter configuration is higher than the probability of cell reselection to a non-terrestrial network associated with the service, and the parameter configuration is used for cell reselection; performing cell reselection using the parameter configuration and sending a cell access request to the network device to which the selected cell belongs.

[0007] In some embodiments, different services correspond to different parameter configurations.

[0008] In some embodiments, the parameter configuration includes: quality offset of neighboring cells and / or cell reselection priority during cell reselection.

[0009] In some embodiments, the mapping between service and non-terrestrial network types is pre-configured and / or network-indicated.

[0010] In some embodiments, the access method further includes: receiving indication information, the indication information being used to indicate the service, or the indication information being used to indicate a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

[0011] In some embodiments, the indication information is carried in any of the following messages: paging early indication message, downlink control signaling for paging, and paging message.

[0012] In some embodiments, the access method further includes: receiving a paging message, wherein the paging timing of the paging message is used to indicate the service or a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

[0013] In some embodiments, the paging timing is associated with different resources, corresponding to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0014] In some embodiments, a single paging cycle includes multiple paging opportunities, with different paging opportunities corresponding to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0015] In some embodiments, the dimension that distinguishes different types of non-terrestrial networks includes at least altitude.

[0016] In some embodiments, the service is characterized based on at least one of the following parameters: quality of service, quality of service flow identifier, bearer identifier, and logical channel identifier.

[0017] In some embodiments, the UE (User Equipment) resides in a geostationary satellite network before the service is triggered.

[0018] In some embodiments, the UE is in an idle state before the service is triggered.

[0019] In some embodiments, the services include MO services and MT services.

[0020] This disclosure also provides an access method for non-terrestrial networks, comprising: sending indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate a service, or the indication information is used to indicate a non-terrestrial network associated with the service; wherein different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0021] In some embodiments, the type of the non-terrestrial network associated with the service is the network type associated with the service.

[0022] In some embodiments, the indication information includes the service or a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sending indication information includes: sending a paging message, wherein the paging timing of the paging message is used to indicate the service or a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

[0024] In some embodiments, the paging timing is associated with different resources, corresponding to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0025] In some embodiments, a single paging cycle includes multiple paging opportunities, with different paging opportunities corresponding to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0026] In some embodiments, the access method further includes: sending configuration information, the configuration information being used to configure a mapping relationship between service and non-terrestrial network types.

[0027] In some embodiments, the dimension that distinguishes different types of non-terrestrial networks includes at least altitude.

[0028] In some embodiments, the service is characterized based on at least one of the following parameters: quality of service, quality of service flow identifier, bearer identifier, and logical channel identifier.

[0029] In some embodiments, the services include MO services and MT services.

[0030] This disclosure also provides an access method for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: receiving a cell access request, wherein the cell access request is used to request access to a cell in a non-terrestrial network; wherein different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0031] In some embodiments, the dimension that distinguishes different types of non-terrestrial networks includes at least altitude.

[0032] In some embodiments, the service is characterized based on at least one of the following parameters: quality of service, quality of service flow identifier, bearer identifier, and logical channel identifier.

[0033] In some embodiments, the services include MO services and MT services.

[0034] This disclosure also provides an access device for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: a sending module, which, in response to a service being triggered, sends a cell access request to a network device in the non-terrestrial network according to the service; wherein different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0035] This disclosure also provides an access device for non-terrestrial networks, comprising: a sending module for sending indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate a service, or the indication information is used to indicate a non-terrestrial network associated with the service; wherein different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0036] This disclosure also provides an access device for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: a receiving module for receiving a cell access request, wherein the cell access request is for requesting access to a cell in a non-terrestrial network; wherein different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0037] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile or non-transient storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and which is executed by a computer to perform any of the methods described above.

[0038] This disclosure also provides an access device for a non-terrestrial network, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program that can run on the processor, and the processor executes any of the methods described above when running the computer program.

[0039] This disclosure also provides a computer program product, including a computer program / instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement any of the methods described above.

[0040] This disclosure also provides a communication system, including a network device and a UE for performing the above-described methods.

[0041] This disclosure also provides a chip (or access device for non-terrestrial networks) that stores a computer program, which, when executed by the chip, implements any of the methods described above.

[0042] This disclosure also provides a system chip, which includes at least one processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit and the at least one processor are interconnected via a line. The at least one processor is used to execute instructions to perform any of the methods described above. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the first NTN network architecture provided in this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the second NTN network architecture provided in this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a hybrid satellite network provided in this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 4 is a signaling interaction diagram of an access method for NTN according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0047] Figure 5 is a signaling interaction diagram of an access method for NTN according to a second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 6 is a signaling interaction diagram of an access method for NTN according to a third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 7 is a signaling interaction diagram of an access method for NTN according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access device for NTN according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access device for NTN according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access device for NTN according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an access device for NTN according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The method provided in this disclosure relates to a network device and a UE, which can transmit uplink and downlink signals.

[0055] The network devices in this embodiment include a base station and a base station controller of the access network, and may also include a UE (User Equipment). For example, the roles of network device and UE can be relative. For instance, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) terminal (also called a UAV device, or UAV UE) can be configured as a mobile network device. For UEs (e.g., mobile phones) accessing the wireless access network through a UAV UE, the UAV UE is a network device; however, for the base station, the UAV UE is a UE, meaning the base station and UAV UE communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, the base station and UAV UE can also communicate via an interface protocol between network devices. In this case, the UAV UE is also a network device relative to the base station. Therefore, both network devices and UEs can be collectively referred to as communication devices. A base station can be called a communication device with network device functions, and mobile phones, UAV UEs, etc., can be called communication devices with UE functions.

[0056] The base station (BS) in this disclosure embodiment, also known as a base station device, is a device deployed in a Radio Access Network (RAN) to provide wireless communication functions. For example, in a 2G network, devices providing base station functions include a Base Transceiver Station (BTS); in a 3G network, devices providing base station functions include a Node B; in a 4G network, devices providing base station functions include an evolved Node B (eNB); in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), devices providing base station functions are Access Points (APs); in 5G NR, devices providing base station functions include gNBs and further evolved Node Bs (ng-eNBs). The gNB and UE communicate using NR technology, while the ng-eNB and UE communicate using Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) technology. Both the gNB and ng-eNB can connect to the 5G core network. The base station in this embodiment of the present disclosure also includes equipment that provides base station functionality in future new communication systems.

[0057] The base station controller in this disclosure embodiment can also be called a base station controller device, which is a device for managing base stations, such as the base station controller (BSC) in 2G networks, the radio network controller (RNC) in 3G networks, and can also refer to the device for controlling and managing base stations in future new communication systems.

[0058] The UE in this disclosure can also be referred to as a terminal device, which can refer to various forms of access terminals, user units, user stations, mobile stations, mobile stations (MS), remote stations, remote terminals, mobile devices, user terminals, wireless communication devices, user agents, or user equipment. Terminal devices can also be cellular phones, 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, wearable devices, terminal devices in future 5G networks, or terminal devices in future evolved Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), etc., and this disclosure does not limit these categories.

[0059] The technical solutions disclosed herein can be applied to fourth-generation (4G) systems, also known as long-term evolution (LTE) systems; or to 5G systems, also known as NR systems; or to sixth-generation (6G) systems, or seventh-generation (7G) systems, or other future communication systems. The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited in this respect.

[0060] The technical solutions disclosed herein are also applicable to different network architectures, including but not limited to relay network architecture, dual-link architecture, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) architecture, device-to-device (D2D) architecture, and other architectures.

[0061] Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) in this disclosure refer to networks that utilize non-terrestrial communication infrastructure such as satellites and high-altitude platforms (e.g., drones, stratospheric balloons) to achieve global communication coverage. NTNs are an important supplement to terrestrial networks (TNs). NTNs can connect directly to the UE via satellite, with a gateway station set up on the ground to ultimately connect to the 5G core network. Satellites can act as base stations, directly transmitting 5G signals to connect with the UE, or they can act as transparent relay nodes, passing signals sent by ground stations to the UE. Figures 1 and 2 show two common NTN network architectures. In Figure 1, the NTN base station (labeled as a base station in the figure) is located on a satellite, while core network elements (such as Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and User Plane Function (UPF)) are located on the ground. The link between the UE and the satellite is called the service link, and the link between the satellite and the ground gateway is called the feeder link. In Figure 2, the NTN base station (labeled as base station in the figure) and core network related elements (such as AMF and UPF) are all located on the ground. The link between the UE and the satellite is still referred to as the service link, and the link between the satellite and the ground gateway is still referred to as the feeder link. This disclosure does not impose any limitations on the NTN network structure, that is, this disclosure can be used for any existing NTN network architecture, and even future NTN network architectures.

[0062] The NTN disclosed in this embodiment may include a satellite network, and may also include a network composed of High Attitude Platform Stations (HAPS) and UAVs. For example, a HAPS network provides telecommunications services by placing wireless base stations on aircraft that remain at high altitudes for extended periods, such as airplanes, hot air balloons, and airships.

[0063] Furthermore, the future of satellite communications is moving towards hybrid satellite networks, which combine services from Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GEO) satellites. A network composed of LEO satellites is called an LEO network, a network composed of MEO satellites is called a MEO network, and a network composed of GEO satellites is called a GEO network. For example, referring to Figure 3, a UE can initially access a cell managed by LEO_1 to provide services. As the satellite moves, the UE can reselect a cell to be reselected by LEO_2 to continue providing services. As another example, continuing to refer to Figure 3, a UE can always access a cell managed by a GEO satellite. Since the GEO satellite and the ground remain relatively stationary, the UE does not need to perform cell reselection while accessing a GEO network.

[0064] In this disclosure, GEO, MEO, LEO, HAPS, and UAV networks are categorized into different types of non-terrestrial networks, each with its own unique characteristics: First, GEO satellites are approximately 36,000 kilometers from Earth, MEO satellites range from 5,000 to 20,000 kilometers, LEO satellites range from 500 to 1,500 kilometers, and HAPS satellites are positioned between LEO and UAV. These differences in satellite or aircraft altitude result in varying performance characteristics across the different non-terrestrial networks. Second, according to protocol version TS22.261, the end-to-end latency for LEO is 35 milliseconds, while the latencies for MEO and GEO are 95 milliseconds and 285 milliseconds, respectively. Based on this, it can be inferred that GEO networks can provide continuous coverage over large areas with fewer satellites, while LEO networks can support services with lower latency requirements. Third, the motion characteristics of satellites at different altitudes also differ; GEO satellites do not move relative to Earth, while LEO satellites at an altitude of 600 kilometers move at a speed of 7.5 kilometers per second.

[0065] Given the UE's limited power, it's necessary to conserve power to extend battery life. In some cases, the UE receives (or must send) very few data packets. In these situations, it would be wasteful for the UE to continuously maintain synchronization with non-Geostationary-Satellite Orbit (NGSO, including MEO and LEO) satellites.

[0066] When a UE is conducting communication services, if the signal quality of the terrestrial network is poor or the UE is outside the signal coverage area of ​​the TN, the UE can access the NTN to ensure the smooth completion of the service. However, as satellite communication develops towards hybrid satellite networks (also known as multi-track satellite networks), the network access logic currently used by UEs has defects, which may cause the UE to access an unsuitable NTN, thus affecting communication quality and hindering service implementation.

[0067] This disclosure provides an access method for non-terrestrial networks, allowing a UE in an idle state to camp in a GEO network. When data needs to be transmitted, the UE can select a suitable non-terrestrial network for access based on service requirements. The UE can perform a cell reselection procedure to access cells in other non-terrestrial networks from the GEO network.

[0068] Multiple cells can exist on a single frequency point. In some embodiments, cells of different types of non-terrestrial networks are deployed on different frequency points. For example, cells on frequency point 1 are all cells of the GEO network, and cells on frequency point 2 are all cells of the MEO network. In some embodiments, cells of different types of non-terrestrial networks can be deployed on the same frequency. For example, there are both HAPS network cells and LEO network cells on the same frequency point.

[0069] In this embodiment, cell reselection priority is divided based on frequency point. Cells on the same frequency point have the same cell reselection priority, while cells on different frequencies may have the same or different reselection priorities. Therefore, cell reselection priority can be understood as frequency point priority. Cell reselection priorities for different NR frequencies or different systems may originate from system messages (e.g., System Information Block (SIB)) or dedicated signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) release messages) of the current serving cell, or from different systems during reselection. For example, system messages or dedicated signaling may carry a cell reselection priority parameter, which ranges from 0 to 7, with a higher value indicating a higher priority. The UE can determine the cell reselection priority for the corresponding frequency point based on the specific value configured for this parameter. If no reselection priority is configured in the SIB, no cell reselection measurement is performed. If a dedicated signaling parameter configures a cell reselection priority, the UE ignores all priorities from the SIB. For example, the dedicated signaling RRC Release message may carry cell reselection priorities. Before the dedicated priority validity timer T320 expires, UEs in the RRC idle (RRC_IDLE) state should use the cell reselection priorities configured in the dedicated signaling.

[0070] The cell reselection process in this embodiment can refer to the 5G cell reselection mechanism, and may include three stages: initiating neighbor cell measurement, reselection evaluation, and performing cell reselection.

[0071] 1. Start the neighbor cell measurement phase

[0072] For neighboring cells on the same frequency as the serving cell, if the signal quality of the serving cell satisfies Srxlev ≤ Srxlev threshold (SIntraSearchP) or Squal ≤ Squal threshold (SIntraSearchQ), the UE needs to measure the neighboring cells on the same frequency. Conversely, if Srxlev > SIntraSearchP and Squal > SIntraSearchQ, the UE does not perform cell-to-cell measurement. Srxlev is the cell selection RX level value in dB; SIntraSearchP is the reference signal received power (RSRP) threshold for initiating cell-to-cell measurement; Squal is the cell selection quality value in dB; and SIntraSearchQ is the reference signal received quality (RSRQ) threshold for initiating cell-to-cell measurement.

[0073] For neighboring cells on different frequencies (neighboring cells not on the same frequency as the serving cell) or on different system frequencies, and if cell reselection priority is configured, the following rules apply:

[0074] 1) For high-priority frequency points, the UE always initiates measurement of them;

[0075] 2) For inter-frequency signals of the same or lower priority, and inter-system frequencies of lower priority: If the signal quality of the serving cell satisfies Srxlev ≤ Srxlev threshold (SnonIntraSearchP) for inter-frequency and radio access technology (RAT) measurements, or Squal ≤ Squal threshold (SnonIntraSearchQ) for inter-frequency and RAT measurements, then the UE initiates measurement for that frequency; otherwise, if Srxlev > SnonIntraSearchP and Squal > SnonIntraSearchQ, then measurement for that frequency is not initiated. SnonIntraSearchP is the RSRP signal level threshold used to initiate inter-frequency measurement; SnonIntraSearchQ is the RSRQ signal quality threshold used to initiate inter-frequency measurement.

[0076] SIntraSearchP, SIntraSearchQ, SnonIntraSearchP, and SnonIntraSearchQ can be configured by the network device.

[0077] 2. Re-evaluation phase

[0078] After the UE initiates neighbor cell measurement, it can begin evaluating whether to reselect to a neighbor cell. The criteria for the UE to perform the reselection evaluation are also related to the cell's reselection priority. The criteria for reselection evaluation include:

[0079] For inter-frequency cell reselection, when the reselection priority of a neighboring cell is higher than that of the current serving cell, if the SIB message contains the serving cell's Squal threshold (denoted as "ThreshServing, LowQ" or "threshServingLowQ"), then if the UE camps in the current serving cell for more than 1 second (s) and the neighboring cell's signal quality Squal > the high-priority frequency Squal threshold (ThreshX, HighQ) is satisfied within the time interval T, the UE will reselect to the high-priority inter-frequency or inter-system frequency. Otherwise, if the SIB message does not contain "threshServingLowQ", then if the UE camps in the current serving cell for more than 1 second and the neighboring cell's signal quality Srxlev > the high-priority frequency Srxlev threshold (ThreshX, HighP), the UE will reselect to the highest-priority inter-frequency or inter-system frequency. The duration T can be the pre-configured measurement time TreselectionRAT.

[0080] For intra-frequency and intra-priority cell reselection, when the reselection priority of a neighboring cell is equal to that of the serving cell, intra-frequency / intra-priority cell reselection needs to be performed according to the cell reselection criterion (R criterion). The ranking criterion Rs of the serving cell and the ranking criterion Rn of the neighboring cell are defined by the following formulas: Rs = Qmeas,s + Qhyst – Qoffsettemp Rn = Qmeas,s – Qoffset – Qoffsettemp

[0081] Qmeas,s is the RSRP measured during cell reselection; Qhyst is the hysteresis of the serving cell during cell reselection; Qoffset is the quality offset of neighboring cells (i.e., neighboring cells) during cell reselection: for cells in the same frequency, it is Qoffsets,n if Qoffsets,n is configured, and 0 if not configured; for cells in different frequencies, it is Qoffsets,n+Qoffsetfrequency if Qoffset,n is configured, and Qoffsetfrequency otherwise, where n is the cell ID; Qoffsettemp is the temporary additional offset.

[0082] The UE calculates the R value (which can also be referred to as the cell signal quality level) for each cell based on the RSRP measurement values of the serving cell and candidate neighbor cells (meeting the cell selection criterion, i.e., the S criterion), and determines the highest ranked cell or the best cell according to rules such as R value sorting. When the UE has resided in the serving cell for more than 1 s and the highest ranked cell or the best cell is better than the serving cell within the time interval T (i.e., meets the cell reselection criterion), the UE will reselect to the new cell.

[0083] If the best cell range (rangeToBestCell) parameter is not configured, the UE should reselect to the highest ranked cell; if the rangeToBestCell parameter is configured, the UE should select the cell with the most beams above the threshold among the top rangeToBestCell cells sorted according to the R criterion. If there are multiple such cells (with the same number of beams above the threshold), reselect to the highest ranked cell. The threshold is absThreshSS - BlockConsolidation. If the rangeToBestCell parameter is configured but the absThreshSS - BlockConsolidation parameter is not configured, the UE considers that each cell of this frequency band has one beam above the threshold.

[0084] For reselection to a low - priority inter - frequency cell (which means the UE does not find a cell meeting the above conditions among high - priority cells and neighbor cells of the same priority), at this time the reselection priority of the neighbor cell is lower than that of the serving cell. If the SIB message contains ThreshServingLowQ and the UE has resided in the serving cell for more than 1 s, then when the low - priority neighbor cell (inter - frequency or inter - system cell) meets Squal > the low - priority frequency Squal threshold (ThreshX, LowQ) within the time interval T, and the serving cell meets Squal < ThreshServingLowQ, the UE reselects to the low - priority inter - frequency or inter - system cell; if the SIB message does not contain ThreshServingLowQ and the UE has resided in the serving cell for more than 1 s, then when the low - priority neighbor cell meets Srxlev > the low - priority frequency Srxlev threshold (ThreshX, LowP) within the time interval T, and the serving cell meets Srxlev < the serving cell Srxlev threshold (ThreshServing, LowP), the UE reselects to the low - priority inter - frequency or inter - system cell.

[0085] The high-priority frequency Squal threshold (ThreshX, HighQ), high-priority frequency Srxlev threshold (ThreshX, HighP), low-priority frequency Squal threshold (ThreshX, LowQ), ThreshServingLowQ, serving cell Srxlev threshold (ThreshServing, LowP), and low-priority frequency Srxlev threshold (ThreshX, LowP) can be configured by the network device.

[0086] 3. Implementation of the community reselection phase

[0087] After performing cell measurements and identifying a target neighboring cell that meets the requirements, the UE performs cell reselection to attempt to camp on the target neighboring cell. Before deciding to camp on the target neighboring cell, the UE needs to read the target neighboring cell's system messages and determine whether the target cell can be camped normally (e.g., whether it is barred / reserved). If the target cell meets the camping conditions, the UE camps on that target cell, completing the cell reselection process.

[0088] When configuring cell reselection priorities, the needs of the services were not considered. All services were treated with the same priority rules for cell reselection. When the UE chooses to camp or reselect based on measurement results, the probability of selecting a certain type of NTN is the same for different services. However, as the aforementioned analysis shows, different types of NTNs have different characteristics in terms of latency, mobility, etc. This uncertainty in access selection can easily lead to the UE actually accessing an NTN type that is not suitable for the service to be transmitted, affecting service efficiency and communication quality.

[0089] This disclosure provides an access method for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: in response to a service being triggered, a UE sending a cell access request to a network device in the non-terrestrial network according to the service, wherein different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks; and the network device in the non-terrestrial network communicating with the UE that has completed the cell access procedure to transmit the service.

[0090] By adopting the scheme disclosed herein, based on the relationship between the type of non-terrestrial network and services, when a specific service is triggered, the UE can select the most suitable non-terrestrial network access to transmit mobile-initiated (MO) and mobile-terminated (MT) services. This is beneficial to improving the compatibility between services and non-terrestrial networks, enabling smooth service operation, improving service implementation reliability, and improving communication quality.

[0091] The services in this disclosure embodiment may include MO services and MT services. MO services refer to messages initiated by the UE or uplink data to be sent by the UE, while MT services refer to messages received by the UE or downlink data to be received by the UE. Furthermore, for any type of service, either MO or MT, it can be further divided into multiple services based on parameters, with different services associated with different types of NTNs. Services can be characterized based on at least one of the following parameters: Quality of Service (QoS), QoS flow ID (QFI), bearer ID, and logical channel ID. For example, services can be characterized based on any of the following: QoS; QFI; bearer ID; logical channel ID; QoS and QFI; QoS and bearer ID; QoS and logical channel ID; QFI and bearer ID; QFI and logical channel ID; bearer ID and logical channel ID; QoS, QFI, and bearer ID; QoS, QFI, and logical channel ID; QoS, bearer ID, and logical channel ID; or QoS, QFI, bearer ID, and logical channel ID. Furthermore, QoS may include a series of parameters such as service latency, data rate, reliability, and mobility requirements.

[0092] In some embodiments, services (MO services or MT services) can be further divided into multiple services according to different QoS levels, such as high QoS services, medium QoS services, and low QoS services. Furthermore, high QoS services, medium QoS services, and low QoS services are associated with different types of NTNs, respectively.

[0093] Furthermore, QoS can also include types such as Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), Delay Critical Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), Non-Guaranteed Bit Rate (non-GBR), and Emergency, priority levels, Packet Delay Budget (PDB), and Packet Error Rate (PER). Accordingly, QoS of the Delay Critical Guaranteed Bit Rate type and other QoS of the Non-Delay Critical Guaranteed Bit Rate type can be associated with different types of NTNs. Similarly, QoS of different priority levels can be associated with different types of NTNs.

[0094] In some embodiments, services (MO services or MT services) can be further divided into multiple services according to different QFIs, and services of different QFIs are associated with different types of NTNs.

[0095] In some embodiments, services (MO services or MT services) can be further divided into multiple services according to different bearer identifiers, and services with different bearer identifiers are associated with different types of NTNs.

[0096] In some embodiments, services (MO services or MT services) can be further divided into multiple services according to different logical channel identifiers, and services with different logical channel identifiers are associated with different types of NTNs.

[0097] The dimensions that distinguish different types of non-terrestrial networks include at least altitude.

[0098] The association (or mapping) between services and NTN types can include: the lower the latency requirement and the higher the data rate requirement of a service, the lower the corresponding NTN height. In this embodiment, low latency requirement refers to a short allowable latency, and high latency requirement refers to a long allowable latency. For example, if a service has a low latency requirement (e.g., an allowable latency of 10 milliseconds), the service can be associated with an LEO network; conversely, if a service has a high latency requirement (e.g., an allowable latency of 50 milliseconds), the service can be associated with an MEO network.

[0099] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the type of NTN associated with a service refers to the network type associated with the service.

[0100] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "responding to a specific condition or event" can refer to either "when a specific condition or event occurs" or "if a specific condition or event occurs." For example, "responding to a service being triggered, the UE executing corresponding steps" can mean that if the UE actively initiates an MO service or receives scheduling from a network device to initiate an MT service, then the UE executes the corresponding steps.

[0101] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0102] Figure 4 is a signaling interaction diagram of an access method for NTN according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0103] This disclosure can be applied to a hybrid satellite network selection scenario initiated by the UE. In some embodiments, the hybrid satellite network may include multiple different types of NTNs, and the UE selects one NTN to access in order to initiate MO services, such as sending data or messages to the network equipment of the cell to which the accessed NTN belongs.

[0104] In some implementations, in the access methods provided in S100 to S102 below, the actions performed by the UE can be performed by a chip with access functionality in the UE or by a baseband chip in the UE. The actions performed by the network device can be performed by a chip with access functionality in the network device or by a baseband chip in the network device.

[0105] Figure 4 illustrates two NTN types (denoted as NTN1 and NTN2) as examples. The UE camps on the cell of NTN1 during idle state, while NTN2 is the target type NTN. In practical applications, only NTN1 may be included, or NTN1, NTN2, NTN3, and NTN4, or even more types of NTNs, may be included. Some embodiments of this disclosure do not impose any limitation on the number of NTN types.

[0106] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4, the access method for NTN in some implementations of this disclosure may include the following S102:

[0107] S102, in response to the service being triggered, the UE sends a cell access request to the network device (i.e., NTN2) in the non-terrestrial network according to the service.

[0108] In some embodiments, when a UE generates an uplink transmission request for data or messages, it can be determined that an MO service has been triggered.

[0109] Furthermore, when the UE determines to initiate an MO service, it can proactively execute S102 to send a cell access request to the NTN network device, requesting access to the NTN cell. Moreover, the type of the NTN to which the cell access request points is the network type associated with the MO service triggered this time, i.e., NTN2 in Figure 4.

[0110] In some embodiments, before executing S102, the UE can be in an idle state and reside on NTN1, which can be, for example, a GEO network. This avoids the UE repeatedly performing meaningless synchronization in the idle state, reducing UE power consumption.

[0111] In some embodiments, S102 may include S1021:

[0112] S1021, the UE determines the target type of NTN (i.e., NTN2) based on the service.

[0113] For example, a UE can select the appropriate NTN type based on the QoS of the service. If the service has a high QoS, it corresponds to the LEO network; if the service has a medium QoS, it corresponds to the MEO network; and if the service has a low QoS, it corresponds to the GEO network.

[0114] Furthermore, S102 may also include S1023:

[0115] In step S1023, the UE sends a cell access request to the network device of NTN2, and the network device of NTN2 receives the cell access request accordingly. The cell access request can be used to request access to the cell of NTN2 to initiate MO services.

[0116] For example, in S1023, the UE can execute a random access procedure to attempt to access the NTN2 cell. In response to the UE successfully accessing the NTN2 cell, the network equipment to which the cell belongs communicates with the UE to receive data or messages for MO services initiated by the UE, such as the UE sending data to the network equipment to which the NTN2 cell belongs.

[0117] Therefore, when a UE initiates an MO service, it can proactively select a more suitable non-terrestrial network for access based on the MO service to be transmitted, so as to ensure that the accessed non-terrestrial network meets the service requirements in terms of characteristics such as latency.

[0118] Figure 5 is a signaling interaction diagram of an access method for NTN according to a second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0119] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to scenarios where the UE actively initiates the selection of a hybrid satellite network. In some embodiments, the hybrid satellite network may include multiple different types of NTNs, and the UE selects one NTN to access in order to initiate MO services.

[0120] In some implementations, in the access methods provided in S100 to S1024 below, the actions performed by the UE can be performed by a chip with access functionality in the UE or by a baseband chip in the UE. Similarly, the actions performed by the network device can be performed by a chip with access functionality in the network device or by a baseband chip in the network device.

[0121] This description focuses primarily on the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment shown in Figure 4. In some examples, three NTNs (denoted as NTN1, NTN2, and NTN3) are used as illustrative examples. During idle state, the UE camps on the cell of NTN1; NTN2 is the NTN with a higher probability of camping when the UE performs cell reselection based on service-related parameter configurations; and NTN3 is the NTN to which the UE actually selects to access during the cell reselection process based on service-related parameter configurations. In practical applications, only NTN1 may be included, or NTN1, NTN2, NTN3, and NTN4, or even more types of NTNs, may be included. Some embodiments of this disclosure do not impose any limitation on the number of NTN types.

[0122] In some embodiments, referring to FIG5, the main differences between some embodiments of this disclosure and the first embodiment shown in FIG4 above include: S102 in FIG4 can be replaced by the following S1022 to S1024:

[0123] S1022, the UE determines the parameter configuration based on the service and uses the parameter configuration to perform cell reselection. The parameter configuration is used for cell reselection, and the probability of reselecting a cell based on the parameter configuration to camp on a non-terrestrial network associated with the service (e.g., NTN2) is higher than the probability of camping on other types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0124] In step S1024, the UE sends a cell access request to the network device (i.e., the network device of NTN3) to which the cell selected during the cell reselection procedure belongs. Correspondingly, the network device of NTN3 receives the cell access request. The cell access request is used to request access to a cell managed by the network device to transmit MO services.

[0125] In some embodiments, the parameter configuration of a frequency point may include at least one of Qoffset and cell reselection priority. For the same frequency point, different services correspond to different parameter configurations; that is, different types of NTNs can be associated with different parameter configurations. For any parameter configuration, when a UE performs cell reselection, the probability of reselecting to a cell of the NTN associated with that parameter configuration is higher than the probability of reselecting to a cell of another type of NTN. Therefore, by configuring different parameter configurations specifically for various types of NTNs, it is ensured that after the UE determines the corresponding parameter configuration based on the service, it has a higher probability of reselecting to a cell of the NTN associated with the service when performing cell reselection based on the determined parameter configuration.

[0126] For example, for services with high latency requirements, cell reselection priority in GEO networks is higher than that in MEO and LEO networks; for services with low latency requirements, cell reselection priority in LEO networks is higher than that in MEO and GEO networks.

[0127] Taking inter-frequency cell reselection as an example, assume that the current serving cell is a cell in the GEO network, and the neighboring cell is a cell in the LEO network. The service triggered this time has low latency requirements, which means that the cell reselection priority of the LEO network cell is the highest, the cell reselection priority of the MEO network cell is the second, and the cell reselection priority of the GEO network cell is the lowest. Since the cell reselection priorities of the neighboring cells (i.e., the cells in the LEO network and the MEO network) are higher than those of the current serving cell (i.e., the cell in the GEO network), if the SIB message contains the Squal threshold of the serving cell, the UE will camp on the current serving cell for more than 1 s, and when the signal quality Squal of the neighboring cell satisfies Squal > the Squal threshold of the high-priority frequency (ThreshX, HighQ) within the time interval T, it will reselect to a high-priority inter-frequency or inter-system cell (in some examples, it is a cell in the MEO network); otherwise, that is, if the SIB message does not contain threshServingLowQ, the UE will camp on the current serving cell for more than 1 second and when the signal quality of the neighboring cell satisfies Srxlev > the Srxlev threshold of the high-priority frequency (ThreshX, HighP), it will reselect to the highest-priority inter-frequency or inter-system frequency point (in some examples of this disclosure, it is a cell in the LEO network).

[0128] For another example, for services with high latency requirements, the Qoffset of the GEO network is less than that of the MEO network and the LEO network; for services with low latency requirements, the Qoffset of the LEO network is greater than that of the MEO network and the GEO network. For another example, for a service with a logical channel identifier of 1, the Qoffset of the GEO network < the Qoffset of the MEO network < the Qoffset of the UAV network < the Qoffset of the LEO network; for a service with a logical channel identifier of 2, the Qoffset of the GEO network > the Qoffset of the MEO network > the Qoffset of the UAV network > the Qoffset of the LEO network.

[0129] Assuming that cells in the GEO, MEO, UAV, and LEO networks have equal reselection priorities, cell reselection is performed according to the cell reselection criterion (R criterion) for cells on the same frequency or with the same priority but different frequencies. The UE calculates the R value for each cell based on the RSRP measurements of the serving cell (i.e., the GEO network cell) and candidate neighboring cells (i.e., the MEO network cell, the UAV network cell, and the LEO network cell). Assuming the logical channel identifier of the triggered service is 2, the UE calculates the R value for each cell based on the configuration of Qoffset in the GEO network > Qoffset in the MEO network > Qoffset in the UAV network > Qoffset in the LEO network. The calculated R values ​​are sorted from high to low as MEO network cell > GEO network cell > UAV network cell > LEO network cell. Therefore, the cell with the highest ranking or the best cell is determined to be the MEO network cell. When a UE stays in the serving cell for more than 1 second and the highest-ranked or best cell satisfies the requirement of being superior to the serving cell within the time interval T (i.e., meeting the cell reselection criteria), the UE will reselect to a new cell, i.e., a cell in the MEO network.

[0130] Some embodiments of this disclosure differ from the first embodiment shown in Figure 4 in that, in the first embodiment, the UE may not perform a cell reselection procedure but directly access the selected target type NTN to initiate services or send data; while in some embodiments of this disclosure, the cell that the UE ultimately accesses is determined comprehensively based on factors such as the current signal environment and the characteristics of various NTNs. In some embodiments, the UE still needs to perform a cell reselection procedure. Even if the parameter configuration used in this cell reselection procedure increases the probability of the UE accessing an NTN associated with the service (similar to the target type NTN in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4), the UE may still reselect a cell to an NTN with a lower association with the service (similar to a non-target type NTN in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4).

[0131] For example, referring to Figure 5, the UE determines the parameter configuration based on the service. Theoretically, based on the parameter configuration, the probability of cell reselection and camping on NTN2 is higher than the probability of camping on other types of NTNs (e.g., NTN1 and NTN3). However, in the actual communication environment, the signal quality of NTN2 cells at the UE's current location is poor. Even if the UE uses the service-determined parameter configuration when performing cell reselection, NTN2 cells still do not meet the cell reselection rules. In this case, the UE reselects or camps on an NTN3 cell that meets the cell reselection rules based on the cell reselection procedure to ensure better signal quality after accessing the network.

[0132] Therefore, some embodiments of this disclosure can more comprehensively consider the current signal environment of the UE, the characteristics of various NTNs, etc., to ensure the service quality and communication quality of the UE.

[0133] In a common embodiment of the first embodiment shown in Figure 4 and the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, the association between the service and the NTN type can be pre-configured. For example, the mapping rules between the service's QFI and the NTN type can be pre-configured, such as configuring the corresponding QFI value range for NTNs of different heights. As another example, the mapping rules between the service's QoS and the NTN type can be pre-configured.

[0134] In another common embodiment of the first embodiment shown in Figure 4 and the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, the association between the service and the NTN type can be dynamically indicated by the network device. Therefore, the network device can flexibly adjust the association between the service and the NTN type according to the actual communication environment, ensuring that the UE can access the cell with the most suitable NTN altitude whenever it initiates an MO service.

[0135] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the access method for NTN described in some embodiments of this disclosure may further include S100:

[0136] In S100, the network device of NTN1 sends configuration information to the UE, and the UE receives the configuration information accordingly. The configuration information is used to configure the mapping relationship between services and non-terrestrial network types.

[0137] Taking NTN1 as an example of a GEO network, when a UE in idle state is camped on the GEO network, the network devices of the GEO network can send configuration information to the UE to configure the mapping relationship between services and non-terrestrial network types to the UE.

[0138] In some embodiments, the UE can initially obtain a set of mapping relationships between service and non-terrestrial network types based on a pre-configured method. If the NTN1 detects a change in network communication conditions while the UE is camped on the NTN1, the network device of the NTN1 will configure the updated mapping relationship between service and non-terrestrial network types to the UE through configuration information.

[0139] Changes in network communication conditions can include any of the following: changes in NTN characteristics (e.g., altitude); changes in service QoS, logical channel identifiers, etc.; or significant differences in real-time communication load between different types of NTNs.

[0140] For example, the pre-configured mapping between service and non-terrestrial network types is as follows: services with a QoS latency requirement of less than 20 milliseconds correspond to the LEO network, services with a latency requirement of less than 50 milliseconds correspond to the MEO network, and services with a latency requirement of less than 100 milliseconds correspond to the GEO network. If the network device determines that the current communication load on the LEO network is high, while the communication load on the GEO network is very low, it can update the mapping between service and non-terrestrial network types based on the configuration information: services with a QoS latency requirement of less than 10 milliseconds correspond to the LEO network, services with a latency requirement of less than 50 milliseconds correspond to the MEO network, and services with a latency requirement of less than 80 milliseconds correspond to the GEO network. This may guide more UEs to choose to access cells in the GEO network to share the communication load of the LEO network.

[0141] Figure 6 is a signaling interaction diagram of an access method for NTN according to a third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0142] This disclosure can be applied to hybrid satellite network selection scenarios initiated by network devices. In some embodiments, the hybrid satellite network may include multiple different types of NTNs, and the network device selects one NTN to schedule UE access to initiate MT services to the UE.

[0143] In some implementations, in the access methods provided in S300 to S304 below, the actions performed by the UE can be performed by a chip with access functionality in the UE or by a baseband chip in the UE. Similarly, the actions performed by the network device can be performed by a chip with access functionality in the network device or by a baseband chip in the network device.

[0144] Figure 6 illustrates two NTNs (denoted as NTN1 and NTN2) as examples. During idle state, the UE camps on a cell of NTN1 (e.g., a GEO network), while NTN2 is an NTN associated with MT services. In practical applications, only NTN1 may be included, or NTN1, NTN2, NTN3, and NTN4, or even more types of NTNs, may be included. Some embodiments of this disclosure do not impose any limitation on the number of NTN types.

[0145] In some embodiments, referring to FIG6, the access method described in some embodiments of this disclosure may include the following S300:

[0146] In S300, the network device NTN1 sends indication information to the UE, and the UE receives the indication information accordingly. The indication information is used to indicate the NTN (i.e., NTN2) associated with the service.

[0147] In some embodiments, the indication information can directly indicate the type of NTN, such as a GEO network, MEO network, LEO network, HAPS network, or UAV network. For example, a unique index or ID can be pre-assigned to each type of NTN, and the indication information indicates or carries the index or ID of the NTN associated with the triggered MT service. The network device of NTN1 generates corresponding indication information based on the triggered MT service to schedule the UE's access operation on the corresponding type of NTN.

[0148] Furthermore, the indication information can be carried in any of the following messages: Paging Early Indication (PEI), Paging Downlink Control Information (Paging DCI), and paging messages.

[0149] In some embodiments, the UE can listen to a DCI of type 1-0 scrambled with Paging Radio Network Temporary Identity (P-RNTI) (denoted as DCI 1-0) to receive paging messages from the network. The DCI 1-0 scrambled with P-RNTI is the paging DCI. In some embodiments of this disclosure, indication information can be carried in the DCI 1-0 scrambled with P-RNTI to indicate the type of NTN associated with the MT service.

[0150] In some embodiments, a PEI timing (PEIOcassion, or PEI-O for short) can be inserted before the paging timing. After the UE demodulates the PEI information, it then determines whether it needs to demodulate the PO information, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the UE listening to the paging.

[0151] In some embodiments, the UE obtains the subgroup ID information by demodulating DCI 2-7 in the PEI-O time slot. If the UE belongs to the subgroup indicated by the PEI, it listens to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and the corresponding paging message during paging. If the UE does not belong to the subgroup indicated by the PEI, it does not need to listen to the PDCCH in the PO. Thus, through PEI, the UE reduces the demodulation of the PO, thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the PEI message carries indication information to indicate the type of NTN associated with the MT service. Thus, the UE knows the type of NTN to be accessed at the same time as determining that the PO needs to be demodulated, which is beneficial for the UE to start preparing for the corresponding cell access procedure or cell reselection procedure as early as possible.

[0152] Therefore, the network device of NTN1 can instruct the UE to access the appropriate NTN to carry out MT services through paging. In some embodiments, paging refers to the process by which the network (e.g., the access network or core network) locates or wakes up the UE. When a network device (e.g., the network device of NTN1) has downlink data to send to the UE, if the UE is in RRC idle state, the network device needs to locate the UE first and notify the UE to access the network. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the network device of NTN1 completes the indication of the target type of NTN while paging the UE, so that the UE can correctly access the NTN suitable for the MT service triggered this time.

[0153] Furthermore, continuing to refer to Figure 6, the access method for NTN described in some embodiments of this disclosure may further include the following S302 to S304:

[0154] S302, the UE sends a cell access request to the network device of NTN2, and the network device of NTN2 receives the cell access request accordingly.

[0155] S304, in response to the UE successfully accessing the NTN2 cell, the network equipment to which the NTN2 cell belongs sends MT service data to the UE, and the UE receives the MT service data accordingly.

[0156] In some embodiments, the data for MT services can be data from the core network. For example, downlink data received via the UPF. In this case, the core network triggers a paging request to the UE. After receiving the paging request from the core network, the network device of NTN1 broadcasts a paging message within its coverage area. The paging message carries indication information. Assuming the indication information indicates the ID of NTN2, after the UE receives the paging message in S300, it executes S302 to request access to the core network through the network device of NTN2. After receiving the UE's access request, the core network learns that the UE has successfully accessed the core network from NTN2, and then requests the UPF to send downlink data to NTN2. The network device of NTN2 then executes S304 for subsequent data transmission.

[0157] In some embodiments, the UE can directly access the cell of the NTN indicated by the indication information, similar to the implementation of S102 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4 above. Alternatively, the UE can determine the corresponding parameter configuration based on the NTN indicated by the indication information, then perform a cell reselection procedure and camp on the selected cell, similar to the implementation of S1022 and S1024 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 5 above.

[0158] Therefore, the UE camps on the GEO network in the idle state to avoid repeated synchronization. When there is an MT service that the UE needs to receive on the network side, the UE is triggered to access the NTN suitable for this MT service. This can reduce the UE power consumption and ensure the efficient and reliable implementation of the MT service.

[0159] In a variation of the third embodiment shown in Figure 6, the indication information can be used to indicate a service. Further, the UE obtains the mapping relationship between the service and the NTN type through pre-configuration or network device indication (refer to S100 of the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5), and then determines the target type NTN based on the service indicated by the indication information. Then, the UE can execute S102 in Figure 4 to access the cell of the target type NTN. After the UE accesses the cell of the target type NTN, the network device to which the cell belongs initiates an MT service.

[0160] In another variation of the third embodiment shown in Figure 6 above, the indication information can be used to indicate a service. Further, the UE can execute S1022 and S1024 in Figure 5 to determine the corresponding parameter configuration based on the service indicated by the indication information, use the determined parameter configuration to perform cell reselection and access the selected cell, and the network device to which the cell belongs initiates an MT service to the UE.

[0161] Figure 7 is a signaling interaction diagram of an access method for NTN according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0162] This disclosure can be applied to hybrid satellite network selection scenarios initiated by network devices. In some embodiments, the hybrid satellite network may include multiple different types of NTNs, and the network device selects one NTN to instruct the UE to access and initiate MT services.

[0163] In some implementations, in the access methods provided in S400 to S404 below, the actions performed by the UE can be performed by a chip with access functionality in the UE or by a baseband chip in the UE. Similarly, the actions performed by the network device can be performed by a chip with access functionality in the network device or by a baseband chip in the network device.

[0164] This description focuses primarily on the differences between the fourth embodiment and the third embodiment shown in Figure 6 above. In some examples, two NTNs (denoted as NTN1 and NTN2) are used as illustrative examples, where the UE camps on a cell of NTN1 (e.g., a GEO network) during idle state, and NTN2 is an NTN associated with MT services. In practical applications, only NTN1 may be included, or NTN1, NTN2, NTN3, and NTN4, or even more types of NTNs, may be included. Some embodiments of this disclosure do not impose any limitation on the number of NTN types.

[0165] In some embodiments, referring to FIG7, the main difference between some embodiments of this disclosure and the third embodiment shown in FIG6 is that the network device of NTN1 schedules the UE to perform access operations on the NTN associated with the MT service triggered this time in a different way. In some embodiments, S300 in FIG6 can be replaced by the following S400:

[0166] In S400, the network device NTN1 sends a paging message to the UE, and the UE receives the paging message accordingly. The paging timing of the paging message is used to indicate the NTN associated with the service.

[0167] In one implementation, the UE uses Discontinuous Reception (DRX) to receive paging messages to reduce UE power consumption in RRC idle state. A DRX cycle contains one or more paging frames (PF), and each paging frame corresponds to one or more paging occasions (PO). The DRX cycle represents the period during which the UE detects paging, the paging frame represents the system frame used to detect paging, and the paging occasion represents the PDCCH monitoring occasion for detecting paging.

[0168] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the NTN type is distinguished by configuring the paging timing. When the UE receives a paging message at different paging times, it determines that it needs to access the corresponding type of NTN so that the network side can initiate MT services. Compared to the third embodiment shown in Figure 6 above, which carries additional indication information in the paging message, PEI, and other information to indicate the NTN type, the method of distinguishing the NTN type by configuring the paging timing in some embodiments of this disclosure is beneficial to further reduce signaling overhead.

[0169] In some embodiments, the resources associated with paging opportunities differ, corresponding to different types of NTNs. In some embodiments, multiple sets of paging opportunity resources can be pre-configured, each corresponding to a different type of NTN. For example, five sets of paging opportunity resources can be configured (denoted as paging resource 1, paging resource 2, paging resource 3, paging resource 4, and paging resource 5), where paging resource 1 corresponds to the GEO network, paging resource 2 corresponds to the MEO network, paging resource 3 corresponds to the LEO network, paging resource 4 corresponds to the HAPS network, and paging resource 5 corresponds to the UAV network. In S400, the UE wakes up only once per DRX cycle to monitor one paging opportunity, and the UE monitors one paging opportunity per DRX cycle. Based on the resources associated with the paging opportunity that actually receives the paging message, the UE can determine the NTN associated with the MT service scheduled by the paging message. Therefore, the modifications to existing paging-related provisions in the protocol are minimal, providing better compatibility and support for UEs with different protocol versions.

[0170] In some embodiments, a single paging cycle includes multiple paging opportunities, and different paging opportunities correspond to different types of NTNs. For example, assuming PO1 corresponds to NTN1 and PO2 corresponds to NTN2, in S400, NTN1 sends a paging message at PO2, the UE receives the paging message at PO2, and then determines that NTN2 corresponding to PO2 is the NTN associated with the MT service triggered this time.

[0171] Compared to a UE listening to only one paging opportunity within a single paging cycle, some embodiments of this disclosure allow the UE to listen to multiple paging opportunities within a single paging cycle, determining the target type of the NTN to be accessed based on the actual paging opportunity when the paging message is received. Therefore, using the paging opportunity itself, rather than the resources associated with the paging opportunity, to distinguish NTN types helps reduce network-side resource overhead.

[0172] For example, the UE can calculate the paging frame (PF) to be listened to based on the UE identifier (UE_ID) and formula (1), and calculate one of the multiple paging opportunities (i_s) based on the UE_ID and formula (2): (SFN+PF_offset) mod T=(T div N)*(UE_ID mod N) (1) i_s=floor(UE_ID / N)mod Ns (2)

[0173] SFN represents the system frame number; T represents the paging period. The system message will have a cell-level indication Tc, and the RRC may also have a UE-level indication Tue. If there is no indication Tue, then T = Tc; if there is an indication Tue, then T = min(Tc, Tue), where min represents the minimum value function. N represents the total number of paging frames in T. Ns represents the number of paging opportunities corresponding to one paging frame. PF_offset represents the offset of the paging frame. UE_ID = 5G-S-TMSI mod 1024. TMSI is the UE's Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identifier, which can be used to uniquely distinguish different UEs. This is also used in Msg3 for random access. When the UE does not have a TMSI, the default UE_ID = 0. mod represents modulo operation, div represents integer division operation, * represents multiplication operation, / represents division operation, and floor represents floor operation.

[0174] Then, the UE calculates other paging opportunities among multiple paging opportunities based on different pre-configured offset values.

[0175] Network devices can pre-configure the NTN type corresponding to the paging timing calculated based on UE_ID and formula (2), as well as the NTN type corresponding to each offset value. For example, a network device with NTN1 can configure the first paging timing (denoted as PO1) calculated based on UE_ID to correspond to NTN1, offset value 1 to correspond to NTN2, and offset value 2 to correspond to NTN3 through RRC release (RRCRelease) messages, System Information Block (SIB) or Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling. The UE calculates PO1 to correspond to NTN1 based on UE_ID and formula (2), adds offset value 1 to PO1 to determine the second paging timing (denoted as PO2) to correspond to NTN2, and adds offset value 2 to PO1 to determine the third paging timing (denoted as PO3) to correspond to NTN3. The UE determines the paging frame based on the UE_ID and formula (1), and wakes up in the determined paging frame to listen to PO1 to PO3. Assuming that the UE listens to the paging message in PO2, the UE can determine that the NTN associated with the MT service triggered by this paging is NTN2.

[0176] Therefore, the UE determines multiple paging opportunities within a single paging cycle using the UE_ID, each corresponding to a different type of NTN.

[0177] In one variation, the network device can pre-configure an offset value representing the interval (e.g., time-domain interval) between adjacent paging times among multiple paging opportunities included in a single paging cycle. The network device can also pre-configure the time-domain ordering of multiple paging opportunities and the association between various types of NTNs. For example, the network device of NTN1 configures an offset value of 5 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols through a message such as RRC release, and configures a single paging cycle to include 5 paging opportunities, corresponding to GEO network, MEO network, LEO network, HAPS network, and UAV network in the time domain. The UE calculates the location of the first PO based on the UE_ID and formula (2) and determines the corresponding GEO network. Starting from the first PO, it offsets 5 OFDM symbols in the time domain to determine the location of the second PO and determines the corresponding MEO network. Starting from the second PO, it offsets 5 OFDM symbols in the time domain to determine the location of the third PO and determines the corresponding LEO network, and so on, until the location of the fifth PO and the corresponding UAV network are determined. As a result, the amount of configuration required on the network side is further reduced, which helps to reduce signaling overhead.

[0178] Apart from the differences from the third embodiment, the explanations and implementation methods of the terms involved in S402 to S404 in the fourth embodiment can be found in the relevant descriptions of S302 to S304 in the third embodiment shown in Figure 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0179] In a variation of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7 above, the paging message can be used to indicate a service. Accordingly, different paging times are associated with different resources and correspond to different services. Alternatively, different paging times correspond to different services.

[0180] Furthermore, the UE obtains the mapping relationship between the service and the NTN type through pre-configuration or network device indication (refer to S100 of the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5), and then determines the target type NTN according to the service indicated by the paging timing of the paging message. Then, the UE can execute S102 in Figure 4 to access the cell of the target type NTN. After the UE accesses the cell of the target type NTN, the network device to which the cell belongs can initiate MT service.

[0181] In another variation of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7 above, the paging message can be used to indicate a service. Accordingly, different paging times are associated with different resources and correspond to different services. Alternatively, different paging times correspond to different services.

[0182] Furthermore, the UE can execute S1022 and S1024 in Figure 5 to determine the corresponding parameter configuration based on the service indicated by the paging message, and use the determined parameter configuration to perform cell reselection and access the selected cell. After the UE accesses the selected cell, the network equipment to which the cell belongs can initiate MT services.

[0183] In a common variation of the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7 above, the target type NTN associated with the triggered service (MO service or MT service) is NTN1, that is, the NTN where the UE is camped in the idle state. Then the UE can directly initiate the cell access procedure on the currently camped NTN to switch to the RRC connection state.

[0184] It should be understood that all embodiments of this disclosure can be executed individually or in combination with other embodiments, and are all considered to be within the scope of protection claimed by this disclosure.

[0185] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an access device (denoted as access device 5) for an NTN according to a fifth embodiment of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the access device 5 described in some embodiments of this disclosure can be used to implement the methods described in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7 above. The access device 5 can be the UE mentioned above.

[0186] In some embodiments, referring to FIG8, the access device 5 in some embodiments of this disclosure may include: a sending module 51, which, in response to a service being triggered, sends a cell access request to a network device in a non-terrestrial network according to the service; wherein different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0187] In a non-limiting embodiment, the sending module 51 may be used to send a cell access request to a network device of a non-terrestrial network associated with the service, wherein the type of the non-terrestrial network associated with the service is the network type associated with the service.

[0188] In a non-limiting embodiment, the sending module 51 may be used to perform: determining parameter configuration based on the service, wherein the probability of cell reselection based on the parameter configuration is higher than the probability of cell reselection to a non-terrestrial network associated with the service, the parameter configuration being used for cell reselection; performing cell reselection using the parameter configuration and sending a cell access request to the network device to which the selected cell belongs.

[0189] Furthermore, different services require different parameter configurations.

[0190] Furthermore, the parameter configuration includes: the quality offset of adjacent cells and / or the cell reselection priority during cell reselection.

[0191] In a non-limiting embodiment, the mapping between service and non-terrestrial network types is pre-configured and / or network-indicated.

[0192] In a non-limiting embodiment, the access device 5 can also be used to receive configuration information for configuring the mapping relationship between service and non-terrestrial network types.

[0193] In a non-limiting embodiment, the access device 5 may also be used to receive indication information, which indicates the service, or the indication information indicates a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

[0194] Furthermore, the indication information is carried in any of the following messages: paging early indication message, downlink control signaling for paging, and paging message.

[0195] In a non-limiting embodiment, the access device 5 can also be used to receive a paging message, the paging timing of which is used to indicate the service or a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

[0196] In a non-limiting embodiment, the paging timing is associated with different resources, corresponding to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0197] In a non-limiting embodiment, a single paging cycle includes multiple paging opportunities, with different paging opportunities corresponding to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0198] In one non-limiting embodiment, the dimension that distinguishes different types of non-terrestrial networks includes at least height.

[0199] In a non-limiting embodiment, the service is characterized based on at least one of the following parameters: quality of service, quality of service flow identifier, bearer identifier, and logical channel identifier.

[0200] In a non-limiting embodiment, the UE resides on the GEO network before the service is triggered.

[0201] In a non-limiting embodiment, the UE is in an idle state before the service is triggered.

[0202] In a non-limiting embodiment, the services include MO services and MT services.

[0203] For more information on the working principle and operation mode of the access device 5, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 1 to 7 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0204] In some implementations, the aforementioned access device 5 may correspond to a chip in the UE that has access functionality, or to a chip that has data processing functionality, such as a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a baseband chip, etc.; or to a chip module in the UE that includes a chip with access functionality; or to a chip module that has a chip with access functionality; or to the UE.

[0205] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an access device (denoted as access device 6) for an NTN according to a sixth embodiment of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the access device 6 described in some embodiments of this disclosure can be used to implement the methods described in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7 above. Access device 6 can be a network device as described above, or a network device of an NTN where the UE resides in an idle state, such as a network device of a GEO network.

[0206] In some embodiments, referring to FIG9, the access device 6 of some embodiments of this disclosure may include: a sending module 61, used to send indication information, the indication information being used to indicate a service, or the indication information being used to indicate a non-terrestrial network associated with the service; wherein different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0207] In a non-limiting embodiment, the type of the non-terrestrial network associated with the service is the network type associated with the service.

[0208] In a non-limiting embodiment, the indication information includes the service or a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

[0209] In a non-limiting embodiment, the sending module 61 may be used to send a paging message, the paging timing of which is used to indicate the service or a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

[0210] In a non-limiting embodiment, the paging timing is associated with different resources, corresponding to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0211] In a non-limiting embodiment, a single paging cycle includes multiple paging opportunities, with different paging opportunities corresponding to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0212] In a non-limiting embodiment, the access device 6 can also be used to send configuration information for configuring the mapping relationship between service and non-terrestrial network types.

[0213] In one non-limiting embodiment, the dimension that distinguishes different types of non-terrestrial networks includes at least height.

[0214] In a non-limiting embodiment, the service is characterized based on at least one of the following parameters: quality of service, quality of service flow identifier, bearer identifier, and logical channel identifier.

[0215] In a non-limiting embodiment, the services include MO services and MT services.

[0216] For more information on the working principle and operation mode of the access device 6, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 1 to 7 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0217] In some implementations, the aforementioned access device 6 may correspond to a chip with access function in a network device, or to a chip with data processing function, such as a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a baseband chip, etc.; or to a chip module in a network device that includes a chip with access function; or to a chip module with a chip with access function; or to a network device.

[0218] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an access device (denoted as access device 7) for NTN according to a seventh embodiment of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the access device 7 described in some embodiments of this disclosure can be used to implement the methods described in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7 above. Access device 7 can be a network device as described above, or a network device of the NTN associated with the currently triggered service, i.e., a network device of the target type NTN.

[0219] In some embodiments, referring to FIG10, the access device 7 described in some embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a receiving module 71, used to receive a cell access request, the cell access request being used to request access to a cell of a non-terrestrial network; wherein, different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

[0220] In one non-limiting embodiment, the dimension that distinguishes different types of non-terrestrial networks includes at least height.

[0221] In a non-limiting embodiment, the service is characterized based on at least one of the following parameters: quality of service, quality of service flow identifier, bearer identifier, and logical channel identifier.

[0222] In a non-limiting embodiment, the services include MO services and MT services.

[0223] For more information on the working principle and operation mode of the access device 7, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 1 to 7 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0224] In some implementations, the aforementioned access device 7 may correspond to a chip with access function in a network device, or to a chip with data processing function, such as a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a baseband chip, etc.; or to a chip module in a network device that includes a chip with access function; or to a chip module with a chip with access function; or to a network device.

[0225] In some implementations, the modules / units included in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments may be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or may be partly software modules / units and partly hardware modules / units.

[0226] For example, for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip, each module / unit can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated within the chip, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip module, each module / unit can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, and different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. The components can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the chip module. The remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For various devices and products applied to or integrated into the terminal, each of its components / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or in different components within the terminal. Alternatively, at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the terminal, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0227] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile or non-transient storage medium, storing a computer program thereon. When the computer program is run by a processor, any of the access methods for NTN provided in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7 above are executed.

[0228] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the storage medium may include non-volatile memory or non-transitory memory, and may also include optical disks, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, etc.

[0229] This disclosure also provides a computer program product, including a computer program / instruction that, when executed by a processor, implements any of the access methods for NTN described in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7.

[0230] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an access device for NTN according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0231] In some embodiments, referring to FIG11, the access device for NTN may include a processor 81, with the processor 81 coupled to a memory 82, which may be located within or outside the device. In some embodiments, a transceiver 83 may also be included. The memory 82, processor 81, and transceiver 83 may be connected via a communication bus. The memory 82 stores a computer program that can run on the processor 81. When the processor 81 runs the computer program, it executes any of the access methods for NTN provided in the embodiments shown in FIG1 to FIG7. The transceiver 83 may perform the sending and / or receiving actions described above under the control of the processor 81. The access device for NTN may be a network device as described above or a UE.

[0232] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the memory 82 includes non-volatile or non-transitory memory, and may also include optical disks, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, etc.

[0233] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 81 can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be 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. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0234] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be performed by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which may include ROM, RAM, disk, or optical disk, etc.

[0235] The embodiments described in this disclosure are illustrated with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (devices), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowchart illustrations and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0236] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0237] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0238] It should also be noted that in this embodiment of the disclosure, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, the simultaneous existence of A and B, or the existence of B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0239] In this disclosure, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0240] This disclosure can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions that are executed by a computer, such as program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. This disclosure can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected via a communication network. In distributed computing environments, program modules can reside in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0241] The various embodiments in this disclosure are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the apparatus embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0242] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0243] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the working process of the above-described apparatus, devices, and units can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0244] While the above disclosure is provided, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications without departing from the scope of this disclosure; therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An access method for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: In response to a service being triggered, a cell access request is sent to network devices in the non-terrestrial network according to the service. Different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

2. The access method according to claim 1, wherein, Sending a cell access request to network devices in a non-terrestrial network according to the service includes: A cell access request is sent to a network device in a non-terrestrial network associated with the service, wherein the type of the non-terrestrial network associated with the service is the network type associated with the service.

3. The access method according to claim 1, wherein, Sending a cell access request to network devices in a non-terrestrial network according to the service includes: The parameter configuration is determined based on the service. Based on the parameter configuration, the probability of cell reselection and camping on a non-terrestrial network associated with the service is higher than the probability of camping on other types of non-terrestrial networks. The parameter configuration is used for cell reselection. Use the parameters to configure and perform cell reselection, and send a cell access request to the network device to which the selected cell belongs.

4. The access method according to claim 3, wherein, Different services require different parameter configurations; And / or, The parameter configuration includes: the quality offset of adjacent cells and / or the cell reselection priority during cell reselection.

5. The access method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The mapping between service and non-terrestrial network types is pre-configured and / or network-indicated.

6. The access method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: Receive indication information, which is used to indicate the service, or the indication information is used to indicate a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

7. The access method according to claim 6, wherein, The indication information is carried in any of the following messages: paging early indication message, downlink control signaling for paging, and paging message.

8. The access method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: Receive a paging message, the paging timing of which is used to indicate the service or a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

9. The access method according to claim 8, wherein, The paging timing is associated with different resources, corresponding to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks.

10. The access method according to claim 8, wherein, A single paging cycle includes multiple paging opportunities, and different paging opportunities correspond to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks.

11. The access method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The dimensions that distinguish different types of non-terrestrial networks include at least altitude.

12. The access method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The service is characterized based on at least one of the following parameters: quality of service, quality of service flow identifier, bearer identifier, and logical channel identifier.

13. The access method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, Before the service is triggered, the user equipment (UE) is camped on a geostationary satellite network; and / or, before the service is triggered, the UE is in an idle state.

14. The access method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The services include terminal initiating MO services and terminal terminating MT services.

15. An access method for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: Send indication information, the indication information being used to indicate a service, or the indication information being used to indicate a non-terrestrial network associated with the service; Different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

16. The access method according to claim 15, wherein, The type of non-terrestrial network associated with the service is the network type associated with the service.

17. The access method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The indication information includes the service or a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

18. The access method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The sending instruction information includes: Send a paging message, the paging timing of which is used to indicate the service or a non-terrestrial network associated with the service.

19. The access method according to claim 18, wherein, The paging timings are associated with different resources, corresponding to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks; and / or, a single paging cycle includes multiple paging timings, with different paging timings corresponding to different services or different types of non-terrestrial networks.

20. The access method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising: Send configuration information, which is used to configure the mapping relationship between service and non-terrestrial network types.

21. The access method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein, The dimensions that distinguish different types of non-terrestrial networks include at least altitude; and / or, the service is characterized based on at least one of the following parameters: quality of service, quality of service flow identifier, bearer identifier, logical channel identifier; and / or, the service includes terminal-initiated MO service and terminal-terminated MT service.

22. An access method for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: Receive a cell access request, the cell access request being used to request access to a cell in a non-terrestrial network; Different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

23. The access method according to claim 22, wherein, The dimensions that distinguish different types of non-terrestrial networks include at least altitude; and / or, the service is characterized based on at least one of the following parameters: quality of service, quality of service flow identifier, bearer identifier, logical channel identifier; and / or, the service includes terminal-initiated MO service and terminal-terminated MT service.

24. An access device for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: The sending module, in response to a service being triggered, is used to send a cell access request to network devices in a non-terrestrial network according to the service. Different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

25. An access device for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: A sending module is configured to send indication information, the indication information being used to indicate a service, or the indication information being used to indicate a non-terrestrial network associated with the service; Different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

26. An access device for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: A receiving module is used to receive cell access requests, wherein the cell access requests are for requesting access to a cell in a non-terrestrial network; Different services are associated with different types of non-terrestrial networks.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The computer-readable storage medium is a non-volatile or non-transient storage medium storing a computer program thereon, characterized in that the computer program is executed by a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

28. An access device for a non-terrestrial network, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein, The memory stores a computer program that can run on the processor, and when the processor runs the computer program, it performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

29. A computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, wherein, When the computer program or instructions are executed by a computer, they implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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