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

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. The communication method comprises: an access network device sends first information to a core network device, and on the basis of the first information, the core network device determines information of a satellite to which a terminal can be connected. Therefore, the core network device can effectively learn about the information of the satellite to which the terminal can be connected, thereby providing a more efficient and stable service for the terminal on the basis of the information of the satellite to which the terminal can be connected.

Description

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

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

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) can provide wireless resources via satellite (or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platforms). Summary of the Invention

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

[0004] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a communication method performed by an access network device, comprising: sending first information to a core network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine satellite information that a terminal can connect to.

[0005] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a core network device, comprising: receiving first information sent by an access network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine satellite information that a terminal can connect to; and determining satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0006] A third aspect of this disclosure provides an access network device, which includes a transceiver module for sending first information to a core network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine satellite information that a terminal can connect to.

[0007] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a core network device, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving first information sent by an access network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine satellite information that a terminal can connect to; and a processing module for determining satellite information that a terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0008] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a communication device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to perform the method as described in the first aspect above, or to perform the method as described in the second aspect above.

[0009] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a communication system including an access network device and a core network device. The access network device is used to perform the method as described in the first aspect above, and the core network device is used to perform the method as described in the second aspect above.

[0010] A seventh aspect of this disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect above, or to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0011] An eighth aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in the first aspect above, or implements the method as described in the second aspect above.

[0012] In the solution proposed in this disclosure, in the above embodiments, the access network device sends first information to the core network device, and the core network device determines the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information. This enables the core network device to effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, thereby providing more efficient and stable service to the terminal based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure will be described below.

[0014] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of an NTN network in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the transparent transmission mode in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of the regeneration mode in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of multi-track, multi-layer carrier aggregation in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of an application in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of another application in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, and storage media.

[0029] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method, which is executed by an access network device, including: sending first information to a core network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0030] In the above embodiments, the access network device sends first information to the core network device, and the core network device determines the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information. This enables the core network device to effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, thereby providing more efficient and stable service to the terminal based on the terminal's connectable satellite information.

[0031] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: satellite information that the access network device can connect to; satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0032] In the above embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: satellite information that the access network device can connect to, and satellite information that the terminal can connect to. This enables the core network device to efficiently and accurately determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a first identifier, and / or satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a second identifier, and / or satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a third identifier, and / or satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a Tracking Area Code (TAC); wherein, the first identifier is used to identify the access network device; the second identifier is used to identify the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); and the third identifier is used to identify the cell.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to can be associated with various possible identifiers, such as at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, a third identifier, and a Tracking Area Code (TAC). This allows the core network device to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the various possible identifiers associated with the satellite information that the access network device can connect to. As a result, the core network device can use a flexible method to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, thereby effectively applying it to various possible communication scenarios.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following: an orbit identifier that the access network device can connect to; load information of the orbit that the access network device can connect to; and information about the satellite that the access network device can connect to.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the access network device can indicate more accurate "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" to the core network device, ensuring that the core network device can accurately determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the satellite information that the access network device can connect to.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the information of the satellite that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following: satellite type; satellite orbital altitude; satellite identifier; orbital identifier; satellite transmission delay; satellite payload information; satellite coverage area; satellite coverage time.

[0038] In the above embodiments, the content of "information on satellites that access network devices can connect to" can be customized based on actual communication needs, thereby greatly improving the flexibility and comprehensiveness of the information on satellites that access network devices can connect to, and effectively applying it to various communication scenarios.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the types of satellite information that the terminal can connect to include at least one of the following: satellite information that the terminal supports connecting to; satellite information that the terminal has historically connected to; satellite information that the terminal is currently connected to; and satellite information that the terminal is about to connect to.

[0040] In the above embodiments, the access network device can also flexibly indicate various possible types of "terminal-connectable satellite information" to the core network device, thereby supporting the personalized definition of the type of "terminal-connectable satellite information" and improving flexibility to adapt to various service applications.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite information that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following: the orbit identifier that the terminal can connect to; information about the satellite that the terminal can connect to; and the time of satellite coverage.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the core network equipment obtains more accurate information about the satellites and / or orbits that the terminal can connect to, enabling the core network equipment to provide more stable and efficient service.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the information about the satellite that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following: the type of satellite; the orbital altitude of the satellite; the satellite identifier; the transmission delay of the satellite; the quality of a first signal, wherein the first signal is a signal received by the terminal from the satellite; and the bandwidth supported by the satellite.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the content included in "information on satellites that the terminal can connect to" can be customized, thereby enabling the core network equipment to obtain more accurate information on satellites that the terminal can connect to.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending first information to a core network device includes: sending a first message to the core network device, wherein the first message includes: first information; the first message includes at least one of the following: a connection establishment message, which is used to establish a connection between the access network device and the access network device; a connection update message, which is used to update the connection.

[0046] In the above embodiments, the access network device can reuse existing connection establishment messages or connection update messages to indicate the first information to the core network device, which can effectively save the indication overhead of the first information. Furthermore, the first information can be indicated to the core network device during the connection establishment process or the connection update process, so that the core network device can effectively know the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, and ensure that more efficient and stable service is provided to the terminal based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending first information to the core network device includes: sending a second message to the core network device, wherein the second message includes: the first information; the second message is used to transmit terminal-related information.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the access network device can reuse the existing "message for transmitting terminal-related information" to indicate the first information to the core network device, which can effectively save the indication overhead of the first information. Furthermore, in the process of transmitting "terminal-related information", the first information can be indicated to the core network device, so that the core network device can effectively know the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, and ensure that more efficient and stable service is provided to the terminal based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0049] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method, which is executed by a core network device, including: receiving first information sent by an access network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine satellite information that the terminal can connect to; and determining the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the core network device can receive first information sent by the access network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, and to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information. Thus, the core network device can effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, thereby providing the terminal with more efficient and stable service based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: satellite information that the access network device can connect to; satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a first identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a second identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a third identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a Tracking Area Code (TAC); wherein, the first identifier is used to identify the access network device; the second identifier is used to identify the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); and the third identifier is used to identify the cell.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following: an orbit identifier that the access network device can connect to; load information of the orbit that the access network device can connect to; and information about the satellite that the access network device can connect to.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the information of the satellite that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following: satellite type; satellite orbital altitude; satellite identifier; orbital identifier; satellite transmission delay; satellite payload information; satellite coverage area; satellite coverage time.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information includes: determining at least one of a first identifier, a second identifier, a third identifier, and a TAC associated with the terminal; determining the satellite information associated with at least one of the first identifier, the second identifier, the third identifier, and the TAC associated with the terminal from the satellite information that at least one access network device can connect to from the first information; and determining that the associated satellite information is the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0056] In the above embodiments, the core network equipment can flexibly decide to use any one or at least two identifiers to determine the "satellite information that the terminal can connect to" based on the terminal's access to the network, thereby ensuring that the "satellite information that the terminal can connect to" is accurately determined.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the types of satellite information that the terminal can connect to include at least one of the following: satellite information that the terminal supports connecting to; satellite information that the terminal has historically connected to; satellite information that the terminal is currently connected to; and satellite information that the terminal is about to connect to.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the satellite information that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following: the orbit identifier that the terminal can connect to; information about the satellite that the terminal can connect to; and the time of satellite coverage.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the information about the satellite that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following: the type of satellite; the orbital altitude of the satellite; the satellite identifier; the transmission delay of the satellite; the quality of a first signal, wherein the first signal is a signal received by the terminal from the satellite; and the bandwidth supported by the satellite.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, receiving first information sent by the access network device includes: receiving a first message sent by the access network device, wherein the first message includes: first information; the first message includes at least one of the following: a connection establishment message, which is used to establish a connection between the access network device and the access network device; a connection update message, which is used to update the connection.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the core network device can reuse existing connection establishment messages or connection update messages to obtain the first information indicated by the access network device, which can effectively save the indication overhead of the first information. Furthermore, it can obtain the first information indicated by the core network device during the connection establishment process or the connection update process, thereby effectively obtaining the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, and ensuring that more efficient and stable service is provided to the terminal based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, receiving first information sent by the access network device includes: receiving a second message sent by the access network device, wherein the second message includes: the first information; the second message is used to transmit terminal information.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the core network device can reuse the existing "message for transmitting terminal-related information" to obtain the first information indicated by the access network device, which can effectively save the indication overhead of the first information. Furthermore, in the process of transmitting "terminal-related information", the first information can be indicated to the core network device, so that the core network device can effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, and ensure that more efficient and stable service is provided to the terminal based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0064] Thirdly, this disclosure provides an access network device, which includes a transceiver module for sending first information to a core network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0065] In the above embodiments, the access network device sends first information to the core network device, and the core network device determines the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information. This enables the core network device to effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, thereby providing more efficient and stable service to the terminal based on the terminal's connectable satellite information.

[0066] Fourthly, this disclosure provides a core network device, which includes: a transceiver module for receiving first information sent by an access network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine satellite information that the terminal can connect to; and a processing module for determining satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the core network device can receive first information sent by the access network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, and to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information. Thus, the core network device can effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, thereby providing the terminal with more efficient and stable service based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0068] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, which includes one or more processors; wherein the communication device is used to execute the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect, or to execute the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the communication device can effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, and provide the terminal with more efficient and stable business services based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0070] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: an access network device and a core network device; wherein the access network device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementations, and the core network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and its optional implementations.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the access network device can send first information to the core network device, and the core network device determines the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information. Thus, the core network device can effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, thereby providing the terminal with more efficient and stable service based on the terminal's connectable satellite information.

[0072] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementations, or to perform the method described in the second aspect and its optional implementations.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the communication device can effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, and provide the terminal with more efficient and stable business services based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0074] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and its optional implementations, or to perform the method described in the second aspect and its optional implementations.

[0075] In the above embodiments, the communication device can effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, and provide the terminal with more efficient and stable business services based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0076] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in the first aspect and optional implementations of the first aspect, or to perform the method as described in the second aspect and optional implementations of the second aspect.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the satellite information that the terminal can connect to can be effectively obtained, enabling the terminal to provide more efficient and stable business services based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0078] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described according to the first aspect and optional implementations thereof, or configured to perform the method described according to the second aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0079] In the above embodiments, the satellite information that the terminal can connect to can be effectively obtained, enabling the terminal to provide more efficient and stable business services based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0080] It is understood that the aforementioned access network equipment, core network equipment, communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0081] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method," "communication control method," etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms "communication method apparatus" and "information processing apparatus," "communication control apparatus," etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms "transmission system" and "information processing system," "communication system," etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0082] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0083] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0084] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0085] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the aforementioned," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural expression.

[0086] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0087] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0088] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0089] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0090] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0091] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0092] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0093] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0094] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0095] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0096] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0097] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0098] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0099] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0100] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0101] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0102] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 may include a terminal 101, a core network device 102, and an access network device 103.

[0103] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may include, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0104] In some embodiments, the core network device 102 may be a single device, multiple devices, or a group of devices. The core network includes, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0105] In some embodiments, core network device 102 may be, for example, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, though the name is not limited thereto. The AMF network element is a logical node function network element on the core network side. It serves as the core network control plane access point for terminals and radio, receiving all connection and session-related information from user equipment and performing registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management. Furthermore, the AMF network element provides a session management message transmission channel for terminal equipment and session management function (SMF) devices, providing authentication and authorization functions for user access.

[0106] In some embodiments, core network device 102 is used to provide access and mobility management functions.

[0107] In some embodiments, the core network device 102 is, for example, a Session Management Function (SMF) network element, though the name is not limited thereto. The SMF network element can be used for session management, allocation and management of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses for terminals, selection and control of User Plane Functions (UPFs), flow control, policy enforcement, and Quality of Service (QoS) control, among other things.

[0108] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 and the core network device 102 can be connected through the access network device 103. Optionally, the access network device 103 may be, for example, a node or device that connects the terminal to the wireless network. The access network device 103 may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next generation eNB (ng-eNB), next generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0109] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0110] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0111] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0112] Alternatively, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) can provide wireless resources via satellite (or an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platform) instead of ground base stations. As shown in Figure 1B, which is a schematic diagram of an NTN network in this embodiment, it includes a satellite or UAS platform, a gateway, and a data network (DN). The satellite or UAS platform can cover several beam footprints. The satellite or UAS platform provides services to user equipments via a service link and communicates with the gateway and DN via a feeder link.

[0113] Optionally, based on the different ways the satellite processes signals, it can be divided into transparent transmission mode and regeneration mode. As shown in Figure 1C, which is a schematic diagram of the transparent transmission mode in this embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1C includes: a terminal (UE), a satellite, an NTN gateway, a base station (gNB), a 5G core network (5G CN), a remote radio unit (RRU), an NR Uu interface, an NG interface, an N6 interface, and a DN; wherein, the RRU may include the aforementioned satellite and NTN gateway. The NTN gateway transmits the base station (gNB) signal to the satellite, and the satellite converts the signal to the satellite frequency band before transmitting it to the terminal (UE) through the satellite frequency band. In this process, except for frequency conversion and signal amplification, the satellite does not demodulate the gNB signal, similar to a repeater. As shown in Figure 1D, which is a schematic diagram of the regeneration mode in the embodiment of this disclosure, in Figure 1D, NG over SRI indicates that the NG protocol is transmitted based on the Satellite Radio Interface (SRI). After the NTN ground station sends the gNB signal to the satellite, the satellite first demodulates and decodes the signal and then re-encodes and modulates it (this process is regeneration), and then sends the regenerated signal through the satellite frequency band.

[0114] Optionally, Table 1 shows examples of satellite altitudes, orbits, and satellite coverage for a typical NTN network.

[0115] Table 1

[0116] Optionally, the 6G integrated space-ground system is a unified network integrating multiple heterogeneous networks, such as space-based multi-layer subnetworks (e.g., high-orbit satellites, medium- and low-orbit satellites, and monitoring equipment) and terrestrial cellular multi-layer subnetworks (e.g., macrocells, microcells, and picocells). It provides users with efficient network services and ensures a good user experience in different scenarios. In terms of network architecture: it continues to support transparent transmission mode and regenerative mode; it considers supporting CU-DU separation architecture; it considers supporting the uplink of some base station functions or some core network elements; it considers supporting multiple connections between satellite and ground and / or between satellites; it considers supporting high- and low-orbit coordination; and it considers supporting integrated access and power supply.

[0117] Optionally, depending on the research background, under the transparent payload architecture, multi-track and multi-layer carrier aggregation can be supported to improve the terminal's speed. As shown in Figure 1E, Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of multi-track and multi-layer carrier aggregation in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0118] Optionally, the core network needs to know the type of terminal access in order to select appropriate network elements and Quality of Service (QoS) to serve the terminal. The RAN can provide the core network (CN) with node-level Radio Access Technology (RAT) type information through NG setup request messages or RAN configuration update messages. The AMF can determine the RAT type of the terminal based on the RAN information accessed by the terminal.

[0119] Optionally, the AMF determines the RAT type for NR satellite access (i.e., NR(LEO), NR(MEO), NR(GEO), and NR(OtherSAT)). When a terminal accesses NR via satellite, an indication is provided on the N2 interface indicating the type of NR satellite access. The serving Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) can enforce mobility constraints on NR satellite access. To effectively enforce mobility constraints, cells for each NR satellite RAT type (NR(LEO), NR(MEO), NR(GEO), or NR(OTHERSAT)) must be deployed in a different Tracking Area (TA) than other NR satellite RAT types and the supporting terrestrial access RAT types. When the AMF receives an N2 UE context release request indicating that the terminal is not in the serving PLMN area, it may initiate deregistration of the terminal. In 5GC, when accessing NR satellites, supported RAT types can be defined for satellite access. For example, 5GC can use RAT type values ​​such as "NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)", "NR(GEO)", and "NR(OTHERSAT)" to distinguish different NR satellite access types. When a terminal accesses the network via satellite, the AMF can determine the RAT type.

[0120] Optionally, if inter-orbit carrier aggregation (inter-orbit CA) is supported, different terminals support different CA cells. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately reflect the RAT type of the terminal.

[0121] Alternatively, the following terms can be used interchangeably:

[0122] “eNB” and “gNB”, “base station” and “NG-RAN node” are interchangeable;

[0123] "Mobility Management Entity (MME)" can be used interchangeably with "CN", "AMF", and "Session Management Function (SMF)".

[0124] The "Serving Gateway (S-GW)" can be interchanged with the "User Plane Function (UPF)".

[0125] “Bearer” can be used interchangeably with “Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session”, “Evolved Radio Access Bearer (E-RAB)”, “Evolved Packet System (EPS) Bearer”, and “Quality of Service Flow (QoSflow)”.

[0126] The "Next Generation Application Proposal (NGAP)" is interchangeable with the "S1 Application Proposal (S1AP)".

[0127] Optionally, in embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to may be, for example, information about at least one satellite in an orbit that the access network device can connect to, and the satellite information that the terminal can connect to may be, for example, information about at least one satellite in an orbit that the terminal can connect to, without limitation.

[0128] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method that can be used in a communication system 100, and are not limited thereto. The above method includes:

[0129] Step S2101: The access network device sends a first message to the core network device. The first message includes: first information.

[0130] Optionally, in some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a base station. The core network device is, for example, an AMF or a Session Management Function (SMF). The following example uses an AMF as the core network device; however, the AMF can be replaced with an SMF, and there is no limitation on this.

[0131] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base station may send a first message to the AMF, and the AMF may learn about the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information in the first message.

[0132] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of the following: a connection establishment message and a connection update message; wherein the connection establishment message is used to establish a connection between the access network device and the core network device; and the connection update message is used to update the connection. Therefore, the access network device can reuse existing connection establishment messages or connection update messages to indicate the first information to the core network device, effectively saving the indication overhead of the first information. Furthermore, during both the connection establishment and connection update processes, the first information can be indicated to the core network device, enabling the core network device to effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, ensuring that more efficient and stable service is provided to the terminal based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to. For example, if the satellite that the terminal can connect to is an LEO satellite, low-latency service can be provided to the terminal.

[0133] Optionally, in some embodiments, the access network device can send a connection establishment message to the core network device to indicate the first information.

[0134] Optionally, in some embodiments, the access network device can indicate the first information to the core network device by sending a connection update message to the core network device.

[0135] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base station can send a connection establishment message to the AMF to indicate the first information to the AMF.

[0136] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base station can indicate the first information to the AMF by sending a connection update message to the AMF.

[0137] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information can be used by the core network equipment to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to. The satellite information that the terminal can connect to describes the satellites and / or orbits that the terminal can connect to.

[0138] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: satellite information that the access network device can connect to, and satellite information that the terminal can connect to. This enables the core network device to efficiently and accurately determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0139] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information may include satellite information that the access network device can connect to. The access network device may indicate the satellite information that the access network device can connect to to the core network device. When the terminal accesses the "access network device", the satellite information that the terminal can connect to may be determined based on the satellite information that the access network device can connect to and the access status (such as the access time).

[0140] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information may include satellite information that the terminal can connect to. The access network device may directly indicate the satellite information that the terminal can connect to to the core network device, so that the core network device can explicitly know the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0141] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information may include satellite information that the access network device can connect to and satellite information that the terminal can connect to. That is, the access network device may indicate to the core network device the satellite information that the access network device can connect to and satellite information that the terminal can connect to. Then, the core network device may combine the satellite information that the access network device can connect to and satellite information that the terminal can connect to to accurately determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0142] Optionally, in some embodiments, different contents of the first information can be carried in different messages. For example, the access network device can indicate to the core network device the satellite information that the access network device can connect to in the first information through the first message. Alternatively, the access network device can indicate to the core network device the satellite information that the terminal can connect to in the first information through the second message. The specific configuration can be customized according to actual application needs. For a detailed explanation of the second message, please refer to the following embodiments.

[0143] Optionally, in some embodiments, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a first identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a second identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a third identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a Tracking Area Code (TAC); wherein, the first identifier is used to identify the access network device; the second identifier is used to identify the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); and the third identifier is used to identify the cell. Thus, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to can be associated with various possible identifiers, such as at least one of the first identifier, second identifier, third identifier, and Tracking Area Code (TAC), enabling the core network device to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the various possible identifiers associated with the satellite information that the access network device can connect to. This allows the core network device to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to in a flexible manner, thereby effectively adapting to various possible communication scenarios.

[0144] Optionally, in some embodiments, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following: an orbit identifier that the access network device can connect to; load information of the orbit that the access network device can connect to; and information about the satellites that the access network device can connect to. This allows the access network device to indicate more accurate "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" to the core network device, ensuring that the core network device accurately determines the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the satellite information that the access network device can connect to.

[0145] The access network device's connectable orbit identifier identifies the orbits that the access network device can connect to. An "orbit" can be, for example, GEO, LEO, MEO, etc. There can be one or more orbit identifiers. Different orbit identifiers identify different orbits that the access network device can connect to, thereby determining the orbit's altitude and, consequently, the service latency across that orbit. The load information for the orbits that the access network device can connect to describes the load conditions of those orbits. The information on satellites that the access network device can connect to describes the satellites that the access network device can connect to. These satellites refer to those in the orbits that the access network device can connect to. There can be one or more satellites, and different "access network device connectable satellite information" describes the different satellites that the access network device can connect to.

[0146] Optionally, in some embodiments, the information regarding the satellites that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following: satellite type; satellite orbital altitude; satellite identifier; orbital identifier; satellite transmission delay; satellite payload information; satellite coverage area; and satellite coverage time. Therefore, the content of the "information regarding the satellites that the access network device can connect to" can be customized based on actual communication needs, thereby significantly improving the flexibility and comprehensiveness of indicating the satellites that the access network device can connect to, and effectively applying it to various communication scenarios.

[0147] For example, for GEO, the area covered by GEO satellites is a fixed area. For LEO or MEO, the area covered by LEO or MEO satellites varies at different times. The aforementioned "area covered by satellites" can be at least one of a geographic location, a list of tracking areas, or a list of cells. The list of cells can be mapped cell IDs, which are used to identify cells that are stationary relative to the ground.

[0148] Optionally, in some embodiments, the types of satellite information that the terminal can connect to include at least one of the following: satellite information that the terminal supports connecting to; satellite information that the terminal has historically connected to; satellite information that the terminal is currently connected to; and satellite information that the terminal is about to connect to. Therefore, if the first information includes satellite information that the terminal can connect to, the access network device can indicate this satellite information to the core network device, enabling the core network device to obtain a more accurate and comprehensive picture of the satellites and / or orbits that the terminal can connect to. If the first information includes satellite information that the access network device can connect to, the core network device can determine a more accurate and comprehensive picture of the satellites and / or orbits that the terminal can connect to based on this information, so that the core network device can provide more efficient and stable service to the terminal. Furthermore, the access network device can flexibly indicate various possible types of "satellite information that the terminal can connect to" to the core network device, thereby supporting personalized definitions of the types of "satellite information that the terminal can connect to," and improving flexibility to adapt to various service needs.

[0149] Optionally, in some embodiments, the satellite information that the terminal supports for connection can be determined by the access network device based on the terminal's measurement report. That is, the access network device can determine the satellite information that the terminal supports for connection based on the terminal's measurement report.

[0150] For example, if the terminal's measurement report contains (Satellite 1, good signal quality), (Satellite 2, poor signal quality), and (Satellite 3, good signal quality), then the access network equipment can provide the information of Satellite 1 and Satellite 3 to the core network equipment, thereby ensuring that the satellites serving the UE have good signal quality, which can improve the utilization and efficiency of system resources.

[0151] Optionally, in some embodiments, the satellite information that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following: the orbit identifier that the terminal can connect to; information about the satellites that the terminal can connect to; and the satellite coverage time. This allows the core network equipment to obtain more accurate information about the satellites and / or orbits that the terminal can connect to, supporting the core network equipment in providing more stable and efficient service.

[0152] The terminal's connectable orbit identifier identifies the orbits the terminal can connect to. An "orbit" can be, for example, GEO, LEO, MEO, etc. The terminal's connectable satellite information describes the satellites the terminal can connect to. The satellite coverage time indicates the duration of coverage provided by the satellites the terminal can connect to.

[0153] Optionally, in some embodiments, the information regarding satellites that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following: satellite type; satellite orbital altitude; satellite identifier; satellite transmission delay; quality of a first signal, wherein the first signal is a signal received by the terminal from the satellite; and bandwidth supported by the satellite. Thus, the content included in the "information regarding satellites that the terminal can connect to" can be customized, enabling core network equipment to obtain more accurate information about the satellites that the terminal can connect to.

[0154] For example, the type of satellite can be GEO, LEO, MEO, etc. Satellite identifiers are used to identify the satellites that the terminal can connect to. There can be one or more satellite identifiers, each used to identify one or more satellites that the terminal can connect to. The satellite's transmission latency, the quality of the initial signal, and the bandwidth supported by the satellite enable the core network equipment to know the communication status when the terminal connects to the satellite, facilitating the core network equipment to provide more appropriate service to the terminal based on the communication status.

[0155] In step S2102, the core network equipment determines the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0156] Optionally, in some embodiments, the core network device may receive a first message sent by the access network device, obtain first information based on the first message, and determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0157] Optionally, in some embodiments, the core network device may receive a connection establishment message sent by the access network device, obtain first information based on the connection establishment message, and determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0158] Optionally, in some embodiments, the core network device may receive a connection update message sent by the access network device, obtain first information based on the connection update message, and determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0159] Optionally, in some embodiments, the AMF can receive a first message sent by the base station, obtain first information based on the first message, and determine the satellite information that the UE can connect to based on the first information.

[0160] Optionally, in some embodiments, the AMF can receive a connection establishment message sent by the base station, obtain first information based on the connection establishment message, and determine the satellite information that the UE can connect to based on the first information.

[0161] Optionally, in some embodiments, the AMF can receive a connection update message sent by the base station, obtain first information based on the connection update message, and determine the satellite information that the UE can connect to based on the first information.

[0162] Optionally, in some embodiments, the core network device determines the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0163] Optionally, in some embodiments, the AMF determines the satellite information that the UE can connect to based on the first information.

[0164] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: satellite information that the access network device can connect to, and satellite information that the terminal can connect to. The core network device can then determine the satellite information that the UE can connect to based on the specific content included in the first information.

[0165] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the first information includes satellite information that the access network device can connect to, the core network device can determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the satellite information that the access network device can connect to.

[0166] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the core network device determines the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the satellite information that the access network device can connect to, it can determine the current access time of the terminal, select the "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" that supports the corresponding time according to the terminal access time, and use the "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" that supports the corresponding time as the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0167] Optionally, in some embodiments, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a first identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a second identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a third identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a Tracking Area Code (TAC); wherein, the first identifier is used to identify the access network device; the second identifier is used to identify the PLMN; and the third identifier is used to identify the cell. In the process of determining the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the satellite information that the access network device can connect to, the core network device may determine at least one of the first identifier, second identifier, third identifier, and TAC related to the terminal, and determine the satellite information associated with at least one of the first identifier, second identifier, third identifier, and TAC related to the terminal from at least one of the satellite information that the access network device can connect to in the first information, and then determine that the associated satellite information is the satellite information that the terminal can connect to. Therefore, the core network device can flexibly decide to use any one or at least two identifiers to determine the "satellite information that the terminal can connect to" based on the terminal's network access situation, thereby ensuring accurate determination of the "satellite information that the terminal can connect to".

[0168] Optionally, in some embodiments, after determining the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, the core network can provide the terminal with services guaranteed by QoS based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to. For example, if the terminal device accesses the network via an access network device that forwards data via GEO satellites, and the satellite information that the terminal can connect to includes LEO satellite information, the core network can configure low-latency QoS to provide low-latency services to the terminal when establishing a session for the terminal. When the access network device receives a session requiring low-latency QoS, it can add a connection via LEO satellite forwarding for the terminal through mechanisms such as carrier aggregation. This allows for flexible selection of suitable satellites for carrier aggregation based on the service requirements, satisfying user service needs while improving resource utilization.

[0169] For example, if the "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" in the first information is associated with the first identifier, the core network device can determine the first identifier associated with the terminal. At this time, the first identifier is used to identify the access network device that the terminal accesses. Then, the "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" associated with the first identifier associated with the terminal is determined as the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0170] For example, if the "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" in the first information is associated with the second identifier, the core network device can determine the second identifier related to the terminal. At this time, the second identifier is used to identify the PLMN related to the terminal. Then, the "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" associated with the second identifier related to the terminal is determined as the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0171] For example, if the "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" in the first information is associated with a third identifier, the core network device can determine the third identifier related to the terminal. At this time, the third identifier is used to identify the cell where the terminal is located. Then, the "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" associated with the third identifier related to the terminal is determined as the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0172] For example, if the "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" in the first information is associated with a TAC, the core network device can determine the TAC associated with the terminal, and then determine the "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" associated with the TAC associated with the terminal as the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0173] For example, at least one of the first identifier, second identifier, third identifier, and TAC related to the terminal can be combined to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on "the satellite information that the access network device can connect to".

[0174] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the first information includes satellite information that the terminal can connect to, the core network device can directly obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the explicit indication of the first information.

[0175] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the first information includes satellite information that the access network device can connect to and satellite information that the terminal can connect to, the core network device can determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on any of the above possible methods, without limitation.

[0176] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2102. For example, steps S2101 and S2102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S2101+S2102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0177] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0178] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each step and its optional implementation can also be carried out independently.

[0179] In this embodiment, the access network device sends a first message to the core network device. The first message includes first information. Based on the first information, the core network device determines the satellite information that the terminal can connect to. Thus, the access network device can indicate the first information to the core network device via the first message. The core network device learns the first information based on the first message and, based on the first information, learns the satellite information that the terminal can connect to. This enables the core network device to effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, and to provide more efficient and stable service to the terminal based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0180] It should be noted that in the following embodiments, the descriptions of the same or corresponding terms and method steps as in the above embodiments can be found in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0181] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method that can be used in a communication system 100, and are not limited thereto. The above method includes:

[0182] Step S2201: The access network device sends a second message to the core network device. The second message includes: the first information.

[0183] The second message is used to transmit terminal-related information. Optionally, the second message is terminal-related signaling, such as an initial UE message, a terminal context modification response message, a PDU session resource establishment response message, etc., and there are no restrictions on this.

[0184] Optionally, in some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a base station. The core network device is, for example, an AMF (Advanced Management Function). The terminal is, for example, a UE (User Equipment).

[0185] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base station may send a second message to the AMF, and the AMF may learn the satellite information that the UE can connect to based on the first information in the second message.

[0186] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second message is used to transmit terminal-related information. Therefore, the access network device can reuse the existing "message for transmitting terminal-related information" to indicate the first information to the core network device, effectively saving the indication overhead of the first information. Furthermore, during the transmission of "terminal-related information," the first information can be indicated to the core network device, enabling the core network device to effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, ensuring more efficient and stable service provision to the terminal based on the terminal's connectable satellite information. For example, if the satellite that the terminal can connect to is an LEO satellite, low-latency service can be provided to the terminal.

[0187] Optionally, in some embodiments, the access network device may send a second message to the core network device, and in the process of transmitting terminal-related information based on the second message, indicate the first information to the core network device.

[0188] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base station may send a second message to the AMF and, in the process of transmitting UE-related information based on the second message, indicate the first information to the AMF.

[0189] In step S2202, the core network equipment determines the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0190] For a detailed description of step S2202, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0191] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2202. For example, steps S2201 and S2202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S2201+S2202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0192] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0193] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each step and its optional implementation can also be carried out independently.

[0194] In this embodiment, the access network device sends a second message to the core network device. The second message includes first information. Based on the first information, the core network device determines the satellite information that the terminal can connect to. Thus, the access network device can indicate the first information to the core network device through the second message. The core network device learns the first information based on the second message and, based on the first information, learns the satellite information that the terminal can connect to. This enables the core network device to effectively obtain the satellite information that the terminal can connect to, and to provide more efficient and stable service to the terminal based on the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0195] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method that can be used in access network devices. The method includes:

[0196] Step S3101: Send first information to the core network equipment, wherein the first information is used by the core network equipment to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0197] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include step S3101. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0198] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0199] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each step and its optional implementation can also be carried out independently.

[0200] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0201] Access network equipment can connect to satellite information;

[0202] Satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0203] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a first identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a second identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a third identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a Tracking Area Code (TAC); wherein,

[0204] The first identifier is used to identify access network equipment;

[0205] The second identifier is used to identify a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN);

[0206] The third identifier is used to identify the community.

[0207] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0208] Track markings that access network equipment can connect to;

[0209] Load information of the tracks that the access network equipment can connect to;

[0210] Access network equipment can connect to satellite information.

[0211] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the information regarding the access network device's ability to connect to satellites includes at least one of the following:

[0212] Types of satellites;

[0213] The satellite's orbital altitude;

[0214] Satellite identifier;

[0215] Track markings;

[0216] Satellite transmission delay;

[0217] Satellite payload information;

[0218] The area covered by satellite;

[0219] The duration of satellite coverage.

[0220] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the types of satellite information that the terminal can connect to include at least one of the following:

[0221] The terminal supports connected satellite information;

[0222] Satellite information connected to the terminal in the past;

[0223] The terminal's current satellite connection information;

[0224] Information about the satellite the terminal is about to connect to.

[0225] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0226] Track identifiers that the terminal can connect to;

[0227] The terminal can connect to satellite information;

[0228] The duration of satellite coverage.

[0229] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the information regarding the satellite that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0230] Types of satellites;

[0231] The satellite's orbital altitude;

[0232] Satellite identifier;

[0233] Satellite transmission delay;

[0234] The quality of the first signal, wherein the first signal is the signal received by the terminal from the satellite;

[0235] Bandwidth supported by the satellite.

[0236] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending first information to the core network device includes:

[0237] Send a first message to the core network equipment, wherein the first message includes: first information; the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0238] Connection establishment message, used to establish a connection between access network devices;

[0239] Connection update messages are used to update connections.

[0240] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, sending first information to the core network device includes:

[0241] Send a second message to the core network equipment, wherein the second message includes: the first information; the second message is used to transmit terminal-related information.

[0242] Figure 4 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method that can be used in core network equipment. The method includes:

[0243] Step S4101: Receive first information sent by the access network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0244] Step S4102: Determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0245] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4102. For example, steps S4101, S4102, etc., may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S4101+S4102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0246] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0247] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each step and its optional implementation can also be carried out independently.

[0248] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0249] Access network equipment can connect to satellite information;

[0250] Satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0251] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a first identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a second identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a third identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a Tracking Area Code (TAC); wherein,

[0252] The first identifier is used to identify access network equipment;

[0253] The second identifier is used to identify a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN);

[0254] The third identifier is used to identify the community.

[0255] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0256] Track markings that access network equipment can connect to;

[0257] Load information of the tracks that the access network equipment can connect to;

[0258] Access network equipment can connect to satellite information.

[0259] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the information regarding the access network device's ability to connect to satellites includes at least one of the following:

[0260] Types of satellites;

[0261] The satellite's orbital altitude;

[0262] Satellite identifier;

[0263] Track markings;

[0264] Satellite transmission delay;

[0265] Satellite payload information;

[0266] The area covered by satellite;

[0267] The duration of satellite coverage.

[0268] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, determining the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information includes:

[0269] Identify at least one of the following: a first identifier, a second identifier, a third identifier, and a TAC associated with the terminal;

[0270] From the satellite information that at least one access network device can connect to in the first information, determine the satellite information associated with at least one of the first identifier, second identifier, third identifier, and TAC related to the terminal;

[0271] The associated satellite information is determined to be satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0272] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the types of satellite information that the terminal can connect to include at least one of the following:

[0273] The terminal supports connected satellite information;

[0274] Satellite information connected to the terminal in the past;

[0275] The terminal's current satellite connection information;

[0276] Information about the satellite the terminal is about to connect to.

[0277] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0278] Track identifiers that the terminal can connect to;

[0279] The terminal can connect to satellite information;

[0280] The duration of satellite coverage.

[0281] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the information regarding the satellite that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0282] Types of satellites;

[0283] The satellite's orbital altitude;

[0284] Satellite identifier;

[0285] Satellite transmission delay;

[0286] The quality of the first signal, wherein the first signal is the signal received by the terminal from the satellite;

[0287] Bandwidth supported by the satellite.

[0288] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, receiving the first information sent by the access network device includes:

[0289] The system receives a first message sent by an access network device, wherein the first message includes: first information; the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0290] Connection establishment message, used to establish a connection between access network devices;

[0291] Connection update messages are used to update connections.

[0292] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, receiving the first information sent by the access network device includes:

[0293] The system receives a second message sent by an access network device, wherein the second message includes: first information; and the second message is used to transmit terminal information.

[0294] Examples of the above embodiments are illustrated below:

[0295] Taking "satellite information that access network devices can connect to" as multi-track information, access network devices as base stations, and terminals as UEs as examples, core network devices can also be referred to as core network nodes.

[0296] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the access network device can provide multi-track information to the core network device to support more flexible satellite communication services.

[0297] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base station may provide multi-track information to the core network node, and the core network node provides services to the UE based on the multi-track information.

[0298] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base station can provide multi-track information to the core network via non-UE-related signaling.

[0299] Optionally, in some embodiments, the multi-track information may be associated with each node (pernode), each PLMN (perPLMN), each tracking area code (perTrackingAreaCode, perTAC), and each cell (percell).

[0300] Optionally, in some embodiments, the core network can determine the UE-related multi-track information (an optional example of satellite information that the terminal can connect to) based on the base station or cell information accessed by the UE.

[0301] Optionally, in some embodiments, the multi-track information includes the network load of each track (an optional example of the load information of the tracks described above).

[0302] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base station can provide UE-related multi-track information to the core network through UE-related signaling (e.g., based on UE measurement reporting, where the UE-related multi-track information is an optional example of the aforementioned "terminal connectable satellite information").

[0303] Optionally, in some embodiments, the base station provides multi-track information through user location information.

[0304] Optionally, in some embodiments, the UE-related multi-orbit information includes: satellite information for the corresponding orbit.

[0305] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the base station may determine UE-related multitrack information based on signal quality.

[0306] Optionally, as shown in Figure 5A, which is an application diagram of an embodiment of this disclosure, the access network device is the first node in 6GRAN, the core network device is the second node (AMF), the terminal is the UE, and the "satellite information that the access network device can connect to" is multi-track information as an example.

[0307] Step 1a: The first node sends a first message (containing multitrack information) to the second node (AMF).

[0308] Alternatively, in some embodiments, multi-orbit information can be represented as multi-orbitinfo.

[0309] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first message is, for example, an NGsetuprequest message or a RAN configuration update message.

[0310] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first node may send a first message to the second node, wherein the first message is used to establish or update the connection between the first node and the second node, and the first message includes first information.

[0311] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information includes one or more multitrack information, wherein each multitrack information is associated with at least one of the following:

[0312] Base station identifier (an optional example of the first identifier mentioned above) is used to indicate a specific base station, i.e., the multitrack information is per base station;

[0313] A PLMN identifier (an optional example of the second identifier above) is used to indicate a specific PLMN, i.e., the multitrack information is perPLMN;

[0314] CellID (an optional example of the third identifier mentioned above) is used to indicate a specific PLMN, i.e., multi-track information is percell.

[0315] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following:

[0316] Multi-orbit satellite information (an optional example of the "Information on satellites that access network devices can connect to" section above);

[0317] The duration of multi-orbit satellite coverage (an optional example of "satellite coverage time" above).

[0318] The multi-orbit satellite information includes: satellite information from at least two orbits (an optional example of the "information on satellites that the access network device can connect to" above), and each satellite information may include at least one of the following:

[0319] Satellite types, such as GEO, MEO, LEO;

[0320] The satellite's orbital altitude, which can be used to estimate the satellite's transmission delay;

[0321] Satellite ID (an optional example of the satellite identifier mentioned above), where the satellite ID can be used to obtain the orbital altitude;

[0322] Track ID (an optional example of the track identifier mentioned above), where the track ID can be used to determine the track height;

[0323] Satellite transmission delay;

[0324] Satellite payload information.

[0325] In some embodiments, for example, satellite information for at least two orbits includes: MEO+GEO, GEO+LEO, and GEO+MEO+LEO.

[0326] Step 2a: The second node (AMF) sends a third message to the first node.

[0327] Optionally, in some embodiments, the third message may be a response message to the first message.

[0328] Optionally, in some embodiments, the third message may be, for example, an NG setup response message.

[0329] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second node receives and saves the first information.

[0330] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the UE accesses the network through a base station or cell, the second node can determine the satellite information of the multi-orbit currently supported by the UE based on the base station identifier or cell identifier, so as to select a suitable service for the UE.

[0331] For example, if a UE accesses the network simultaneously via GEO and LEO, the core network can select a lower latency service or QoS for the UE. In the case of a low latency service, the service can be provided through a carrier on LEO.

[0332] Optionally, as shown in Figure 5B, which is another application diagram in the embodiments of this disclosure, the access network device is the first node in 6GRAN, the core network device is the second node (AMF), the terminal is the UE, and the reference track information is multi-track information for example.

[0333] Step 1b: The first node sends a second message (containing UE-related multitrack information) to the second node (AMF).

[0334] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first node may send a second message to the second node, wherein the second message is UE-related signaling (e.g., an initialUE message, a UE context modification response message, or a PDU session resource establishment response message).

[0335] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second message is used to transmit UE-related information, wherein the second message includes second information, which is used to indicate UE-related multi-track information (an optional example of the satellite information that the terminal can connect to mentioned above).

[0336] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second information includes information on one or more satellites that the UE can connect to, and each satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0337] Track identifiers that the terminal can connect to;

[0338] The terminal can connect to satellite information;

[0339] The duration of satellite coverage.

[0340] Satellite information may include at least one of the following:

[0341] The terminal supports connected satellite information;

[0342] Satellite information connected to the terminal in the past;

[0343] The terminal's current satellite connection information;

[0344] Information about the satellite the terminal is about to connect to.

[0345] The satellite information may include at least one "information about satellites that the terminal can connect to", and each "information about satellites that the terminal can connect to" may include at least one of the following:

[0346] Satellite types, such as GEO, MEO, LEO;

[0347] The satellite's orbital altitude, which can be used to estimate the satellite's transmission delay;

[0348] Satellite ID (an optional example of the satellite identifier mentioned above), where the satellite ID can be used to obtain the orbital altitude;

[0349] Satellite transmission delay;

[0350] The quality of the satellite signal received by the terminal (an optional example of the quality of the first signal mentioned above);

[0351] Bandwidth supported by the satellite.

[0352] This disclosure also provides embodiments of an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., a RAN) in any of the above methods.

[0353] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0354] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0355] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the communication device 6100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6101, a processing module 6102, etc.

[0356] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 is an access network device, wherein...

[0357] The transceiver module 6101 is used to send first information to the core network equipment, wherein the first information is used by the core network equipment to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0358] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0359] Access network equipment can connect to satellite information;

[0360] Satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0361] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a first identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a second identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a third identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a Tracking Area Code (TAC); wherein,

[0362] The first identifier is used to identify access network equipment;

[0363] The second identifier is used to identify a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN);

[0364] The third identifier is used to identify the community.

[0365] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0366] Track markings that access network equipment can connect to;

[0367] Load information of the tracks that the access network equipment can connect to;

[0368] Access network equipment can connect to satellite information.

[0369] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the information regarding the access network device's ability to connect to satellites includes at least one of the following:

[0370] Types of satellites;

[0371] The satellite's orbital altitude;

[0372] Satellite identifier;

[0373] Track markings;

[0374] Satellite transmission delay;

[0375] Satellite payload information;

[0376] The area covered by satellite;

[0377] The duration of satellite coverage.

[0378] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the types of satellite information that the terminal can connect to include at least one of the following:

[0379] The terminal supports connected satellite information;

[0380] Satellite information connected to the terminal in the past;

[0381] The terminal's current satellite connection information;

[0382] Information about the satellite the terminal is about to connect to.

[0383] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0384] Track identifiers that the terminal can connect to;

[0385] The terminal can connect to satellite information;

[0386] The duration of satellite coverage.

[0387] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the information regarding the satellite that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0388] Types of satellites;

[0389] The satellite's orbital altitude;

[0390] Satellite identifier;

[0391] Satellite transmission delay;

[0392] The quality of the first signal, wherein the first signal is the signal received by the terminal from the satellite;

[0393] Bandwidth supported by the satellite.

[0394] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 6101 is used for:

[0395] Send a first message to the core network equipment, wherein the first message includes: first information; the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0396] Connection establishment message, used to establish a connection between access network devices;

[0397] Connection update messages are used to update connections.

[0398] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 6101 is used for:

[0399] Send a second message to the core network equipment, wherein the second message includes: the first information; the second message is used to transmit terminal-related information.

[0400] Optionally, the transceiver module described above is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0401] Optionally, the above processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0402] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 is a core network device, wherein...

[0403] The transceiver module 6101 is used to receive first information sent by the access network device, wherein the first information is used by the core network device to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to;

[0404] The processing module 6102 is used to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information.

[0405] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0406] Access network equipment can connect to satellite information;

[0407] Satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0408] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a first identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a second identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a third identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a Tracking Area Code (TAC); wherein,

[0409] The first identifier is used to identify access network equipment;

[0410] The second identifier is used to identify a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN);

[0411] The third identifier is used to identify the community.

[0412] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0413] Track markings that access network equipment can connect to;

[0414] Load information of the tracks that the access network equipment can connect to;

[0415] Access network equipment can connect to satellite information.

[0416] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the information regarding the access network device's ability to connect to satellites includes at least one of the following:

[0417] Types of satellites;

[0418] The satellite's orbital altitude;

[0419] Satellite identifier;

[0420] Track markings;

[0421] Satellite transmission delay;

[0422] Satellite payload information;

[0423] The area covered by satellite;

[0424] The duration of satellite coverage.

[0425] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the processing module 6102 is configured to:

[0426] Identify at least one of the following: a first identifier, a second identifier, a third identifier, and a TAC associated with the terminal;

[0427] From the satellite information that at least one access network device can connect to in the first information, determine the satellite information associated with at least one of the first identifier, second identifier, third identifier, and TAC related to the terminal;

[0428] The associated satellite information is determined to be satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

[0429] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the types of satellite information that the terminal can connect to include at least one of the following:

[0430] The terminal supports connected satellite information;

[0431] Satellite information connected to the terminal in the past;

[0432] The terminal's current satellite connection information;

[0433] Information about the satellite the terminal is about to connect to.

[0434] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the satellite information that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0435] Track identifiers that the terminal can connect to;

[0436] The terminal can connect to satellite information;

[0437] The duration of satellite coverage.

[0438] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the information regarding the satellite that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following:

[0439] Types of satellites;

[0440] The satellite's orbital altitude;

[0441] Satellite identifier;

[0442] Satellite transmission delay;

[0443] The quality of the first signal, wherein the first signal is the signal received by the terminal from the satellite;

[0444] Bandwidth supported by the satellite.

[0445] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 6101 is used for:

[0446] The system receives a first message sent by an access network device, wherein the first message includes: first information; the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0447] Connection establishment message, used to establish a connection between access network devices;

[0448] Connection update messages are used to update connections.

[0449] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 6101 is used for:

[0450] The system receives a second message sent by an access network device, wherein the second message includes: first information; and the second message is used to transmit terminal information.

[0451] Optionally, the transceiver module described above is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the core network device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0452] Optionally, the above processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the core network device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0453] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be the terminal described above, or it can be the network device described above. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0454] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 7100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0455] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may also be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0456] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the transceivers 7103 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 7101 performs other steps.

[0457] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0458] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuit 7104 is connected to the memory 7102, and the interface circuit 7104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7104 can read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0459] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0460] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0461] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0462] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, the interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203, and the interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive signals from memory 7203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 7202 can be used to send signals to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7202 can read instructions stored in memory 7203 and send the instructions to processor 7201.

[0463] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 7201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0464] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0465] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside of chip 7200.

[0466] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0467] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0468] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0469] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0470] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0471] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0472] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by an access network device, and the method includes: Send first information to the core network equipment, wherein the first information is used by the core network equipment to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: Access network equipment can connect to satellite information; The terminal can connect to satellite information.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The access network device can connect to satellite information associated with a first identifier, and / or the access network device can connect to satellite information associated with a second identifier, and / or the access network device can connect to satellite information associated with a third identifier, and / or the access network device can connect to satellite information associated with a tracking area code (TAC); wherein... The first identifier is used to identify the access network device; The second identifier is used to identify a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); The third identifier is used to identify the cell.

4. The method according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, The satellite information that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following: Track markings that access network equipment can connect to; Load information of the tracks that the access network equipment can connect to; Access network equipment can connect to satellite information.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The information about the satellites that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following: Types of satellites; The satellite's orbital altitude; Satellite identifier; The track identifier; Satellite transmission delay; Satellite payload information; The area covered by satellite; The duration of satellite coverage.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The types of satellite information that the terminal can connect to include at least one of the following: The terminal supports connected satellite information; The satellite information historically connected to the terminal; The satellite information currently connected to the terminal; The terminal is about to connect to the satellite information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The satellite information that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following: Track identifiers that the terminal can connect to; The terminal can connect to satellite information; The duration of satellite coverage.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The information about the satellite that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following: Types of satellites; The satellite's orbital altitude; Satellite identifier; Satellite transmission delay; The quality of the first signal, wherein the first signal is the signal received by the terminal from the satellite; Bandwidth supported by the satellite.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the core network equipment includes: Send a first message to the core network device, wherein the first message includes: the first information; the first message includes at least one of the following: A connection establishment message, used to establish a connection between the access network device and the access network device; A connection update message, which is used to update the connection.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the core network equipment includes: A second message is sent to the core network device, wherein the second message includes: the first information; the second message is used to transmit terminal-related information.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a core network device, and the method includes: The core network device receives first information sent by the access network device, wherein the first information is used to determine the satellite information that the terminal can connect to; Based on the first information, the satellite information that the terminal can connect to is determined.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: Access network equipment can connect to satellite information; The terminal can connect to satellite information.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a first identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a second identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a third identifier, and / or the satellite information that the access network device can connect to is associated with a Tracking Area Code (TAC); wherein... The first identifier is used to identify the access network device; The second identifier is used to identify a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); The third identifier is used to identify the cell.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12-13, characterized in that, The satellite information that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following: Track markings that access network equipment can connect to; Load information of the tracks that the access network equipment can connect to; Access network equipment can connect to satellite information.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The information about the satellites that the access network device can connect to includes at least one of the following: Types of satellites; The satellite's orbital altitude; Satellite identifier; The track identifier; Satellite transmission delay; Satellite payload information; The area covered by satellite; The duration of satellite coverage.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The step of determining the satellite information that the terminal can connect to based on the first information includes: Determine at least one of the following: a first identifier, a second identifier, a third identifier, and a TAC associated with the terminal; From the satellite information that at least one of the first identifier, second identifier, third identifier, and TAC associated with the terminal, determine the satellite information associated with the terminal from the satellite information that at least one of the access network devices can connect to in the first information; The associated satellite information is determined to be satellite information that the terminal can connect to.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11-16, characterized in that, The types of satellite information that the terminal can connect to include at least one of the following: The terminal supports connected satellite information; The satellite information historically connected to the terminal; The satellite information currently connected to the terminal; The terminal is about to connect to the satellite information.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11-17, characterized in that, The satellite information that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following: Track identifiers that the terminal can connect to; The terminal can connect to satellite information; The duration of satellite coverage.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The information about the satellite that the terminal can connect to includes at least one of the following: Types of satellites; The satellite's orbital altitude; Satellite identifier; Satellite transmission delay; The quality of the first signal, wherein the first signal is the signal received by the terminal from the satellite; Bandwidth supported by the satellite.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11-19, characterized in that, The first information received from the access network device includes: The system receives a first message sent by the access network device, wherein the first message includes: the first information; the first message includes at least one of the following: A connection establishment message, used to establish a connection between the access network device and the access network device; A connection update message, which is used to update the connection.

21. The method according to any one of claims 11-19, characterized in that, The first information received from the access network device includes: The system receives a second message sent by the access network device, wherein the second message includes: the first information; and the second message is used to transmit terminal information.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-10, 11-21.

23. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-10, and the network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11-21.

24. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-21.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method of any one of claims 1-21.

Images