Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a related apparatus. In the method, first information received by a first communication apparatus is used for indicating N gateway stations and / or K feeder links on one or more transmission paths of data of a terminal device, and the first communication apparatus can determine, on the basis of the first information, a first user plane function connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K feeder links. Subsequently, the first communication apparatus can send second information to the first user plane function, so that the first user plane function can perform data processing on the basis of the N gateway stations and / or the K feeder links indicated by the second information. In this way, the first communication apparatus can select a user plane function on the basis of the gateway stations and / or the feeder links indicated by the first information, so that the data of the terminal device can be transmitted by means of the user plane function and the gateway stations matching the first information, thereby providing differentiated services, and improving service quality and reliability.

Description

A communication method and related apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510120786.9, filed on January 24, 2025, entitled "A Communication Method and Related Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless communication can be a transmission communication between two or more communication devices that propagate electromagnetic waves. These communication devices generally include network equipment and terminal equipment. Traditional network equipment can be devices fixed at a certain location on the ground, such as ground base stations in a terrestrial network (TN).

[0004] With the development of communication technology, network equipment may not be fixed in a certain place on the ground. For example, the network equipment can be a high-speed mobile device in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), including but not limited to drones, high-altitude platforms; or satellite equipment such as low-orbit satellites, medium-orbit satellites and high-orbit satellites.

[0005] However, in the above scenarios, due to the long distance between different communication devices, how to improve the data transmission performance of terminal devices is a current research hotspot. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus for providing differentiated services and improving the quality and reliability of those services.

[0007] This application provides a communication method applied to a first communication device. The first communication device may be a network device, or it may be a component of a network device. This component may be a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), a system-on-chip (SoC) chip, such as an SoC chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or the first communication device may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The aforementioned network device may be a network device with session management functions, such as a session management function (SMF), or another name defined in the future network definition.

[0008] In this method, a first communication device receives first information, which indicates N gateways and / or K feeder links on one or more transmission paths of data from a terminal device, where N and K are positive integers; the first communication device determines a first user plane function (UPF) based on the first information, which is connected to the N gateways and / or the K feeder links; the first user plane function is used to transmit data from the terminal device; and the first communication device sends second information to the first user plane function, which indicates the N gateways and / or the K feeder links.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, the first information received by the first communication device indicates N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data. The first communication device can determine a first user plane function connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links based on the first information. Subsequently, the first communication device can send second information to the first user plane function, enabling the first user plane function to perform data processing based on the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links indicated by the second information. In this way, the first communication device can select user plane functions based on the gateway stations and / or power supply links indicated by the first information, allowing the terminal device's data to be transmitted through user plane functions and gateway stations matching the first information, thereby providing differentiated services and improving service quality and reliability.

[0010] Furthermore, compared to satellite equipment selecting the nearest gateway station based on geographical location or selecting the lightest gateway station based on load balancing, in the above process, the user plane function can transmit terminal equipment data based on the gateway station and / or power supply link indicated by the first communication device. This allows the terminal equipment data to avoid unreasonable gateway stations and / or power supply links, reducing or avoiding problems such as delay and data transmission stability caused by unreasonable gateway station selection, improving traffic routing efficiency, and thus enhancing data transmission performance.

[0011] In this application, the network equipment may include network equipment located on a satellite and network equipment located on the ground. The former may be referred to as satellite network equipment and the latter as ground network equipment. The gateway station is used for communication between the satellite network equipment and the ground network equipment, and the link between the gateway station and the satellite network equipment may be referred to as a power supply link.

[0012] For example, a gateway station can act as a relay node, transmitting data from satellite network equipment to terrestrial network equipment, and / or transmitting data from terrestrial network equipment to satellite network equipment.

[0013] Optionally, the user plane function can be deployed on satellite network equipment. For example, the user plane function can be a module such as software, chip, or chip system of the satellite network equipment. Alternatively, the network equipment with user plane function can be a satellite network equipment. The connection between the user plane function and the gateway station can be understood as: there is a communication link between the satellite network equipment containing the user plane function and the gateway station; for example, this communication link can be a power supply link. The connection between the power supply link and the gateway station can be understood as: one end of the power supply link is connected to the gateway station, and the other end of the power supply link is connected to the satellite network equipment; for example, this satellite network equipment can be a network equipment with user plane function.

[0014] Alternatively, the term "gate station" can be replaced with other descriptions, such as "gateway station," "ground station," or other names defined in the future network definition.

[0015] Alternatively, the feeder link can be replaced with other descriptions, such as feeder link, backhaul link, or other names defined in the future network definition.

[0016] It should be noted that the number of first-user-facing functions can be one or more.

[0017] As an example, in the case where N gateway stations are connected to the same user plane function, and / or K power supply links are connected to the same user plane function, the first user plane function is that same user plane function, that is, the number of the first user plane function is 1.

[0018] As another example, taking N gateway stations as an example, the N gateway stations can include N_1 gateway stations and N_2 gateway stations. The first user plane function can include first user plane function_1 and first user plane function_2, where N_1 and N_2 are both positive integers less than N. The N_1 gateway stations are connected to first user plane function_1, and the N_2 gateway stations are connected to first user plane function_2. In this case, the number of first user plane functions can be at least two. For example, sending second information from the first communication device to the first user plane function includes: the first communication device sending second information_1 to the first user plane function_1, and the first communication device sending second information_2 to the first user plane function_2, wherein second information_1 is used to indicate the N_1 gateway stations, and second information_2 is used to indicate the N_2 gateway stations.

[0019] As another example, taking K power supply links as an example, the K power supply links can include K_1 power supply links and K_2 power supply links, and the first user plane function can include first user plane function_1 and first user plane function_2, where K_1 and K_2 are both positive integers less than K. Specifically, the K_1 power supply links are connected to first user plane function_1, and the K_2 power supply links are connected to first user plane function_2. In this case, the number of first user plane functions can be at least two. For example, the first communication device sending second information to the first user plane function includes: the first communication device sending second information_1 to the first user plane function_1, and the first communication device sending second information_2 to the first user plane function_2, wherein second information_1 is used to indicate the K_1 power supply links, and second information_2 is used to indicate the K_2 power supply links.

[0020] For ease of understanding, some examples below will use the example of one first user face function.

[0021] Optionally, the N gateway stations and K feeder links can be associated, meaning that some or all of the K feeder links are connected to the N gateway stations. For example, at least one of the K feeder links is connected to one of the N gateway stations, meaning one end of the at least one feeder link is connected to that one gateway station. Alternatively, each of the K feeder links is connected to one of the N gateway stations, meaning one end of each feeder link is connected to one of the N gateway stations.

[0022] Optionally, the N gateway stations and K feeder links may not be associated, meaning that some or all of the K feeder links are connected to gateway stations different from the N gateway stations. For example, at least one of the K feeder links is connected to gateway station A, and gateway station A is different from any of the N gateway stations. Alternatively, the K feeder links may be connected to one or more gateway stations, and these one or more gateway stations are different from any of the N gateway stations.

[0023] It should be noted that data from a terminal device can be transmitted through one or more transmission paths; that is, data from different service flows of the same terminal device can be transmitted through different transmission paths. For example, the data from these different service flows may be data from different applications. Alternatively, the data from these different service flows may represent data with different quality of service requirements.

[0024] Optionally, each transmission path may include a link between the terminal device and the satellite network device (e.g., a service link), a link between the satellite network device and the ground network device (e.g., a feeder link), and nodes on both links. In other words, each transmission path may include a gateway station and a feeder link.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information is user subscription information of the terminal device, which includes at least one of the following:

[0026] The first indication information is used to indicate gateway station information. For example, the gateway station information indicates one or more gateway stations including N gateway stations; and / or, the gateway station information indicates one or more gateway stations including K gateway stations where feeder links are located; or,

[0027] The second indication information is used to indicate feeder link information. For example, the feeder link information indicates one or more feeder links including K feeder links; and / or, the feeder link information indicates one or more feeder links including N gateway stations; or,

[0028] The third indication information is used to indicate the geographical information of the gateway station. For example, the gateway station located in this geographical information includes N gateway stations, and / or, the gateway station located in this geographical information includes K gateway stations where feeder links are located; or,

[0029] The fourth indication information is used to indicate the country information of the gateway station. For example, the gateway station located in this country information includes N gateway stations, and / or, the gateway station located in this country information includes K gateway stations where the feeder links are located; or,

[0030] The fifth indication information is used to indicate the data network name (DNN) information for processing the data of the terminal device. For example, the DNN information indicates that the gateway stations connected to the DNN include N gateway stations, and / or, the DNN information indicates that the gateway stations connected to the DNN include K gateway stations where feeder links are located; or,

[0031] The sixth indication information is used to indicate the data network access identifier (DNAI) information of the terminal device processing the data. For example, the gateway station of the DNN connection indicated by the DNAI information includes N gateway stations, and / or, the gateway station of the DNN connection indicated by the DNAI information includes K gateway stations where the feeder links are located.

[0032] Optionally, user contract information can be used to achieve one or more of the following: user authentication and access control, support for multi-scenario services, and security and privacy protection. This user contract information can be replaced with other descriptions, such as contract data, contract information, or user contract data.

[0033] Optionally, user subscription information may come from unified data management (UDM) or other functions / network elements defined in the future network.

[0034] Based on the above scheme, the first information received by the first communication device for determining the first user plane function can be user subscription information. By adding one or more of the following to the user subscription information: gateway station information, power supply link information, geographical information, country information, DNN, or DNAI, the first communication device can more flexibly obtain routing policy information, accurately select the user plane function and gateway station that match the user subscription information, implement security policies, ensure service quality and reliability, and thus improve user experience.

[0035] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information is policy information of the terminal device, which includes: a seventh indication information for indicating gateway information; and / or an eighth indication information for indicating power supply link information.

[0036] Optionally, this policy information can be generated, determined, or obtained based on routing information between the user plane function and the data network, wherein the routing information may include the aforementioned gateway station information and / or feeder link information. For example, the routing information may be N6 routing information, or other descriptions defined in the future network definition.

[0037] Optionally, policy information may come from the policy control function (PCF) or other functions / network elements defined in the future network definition.

[0038] Based on the above scheme, the first information received by the first communication device for determining the first user plane function can be policy information. By adding gateway station information and / or feeder link information to the policy information, the first communication device can determine the first user plane function that matches the gateway station information and / or feeder link information. This allows the satellite to achieve differentiated data landing based on application needs and constraints, landing from specific gateway stations. This avoids problems such as delays and data transmission stability caused by improper gateway station selection or gateway station switching, thereby improving the efficiency of traffic routing.

[0039] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the strategy information further includes ninth indication information, which is used to indicate service flow description information of a first service flow, the first service flow being transmitted on a first transmission path, the first transmission path being included in the one or more transmission paths.

[0040] Optionally, the service flow description information is used to identify and classify different network traffic, thereby achieving differentiated processing for different services by filtering traffic from specific applications. For example, the service flow description information includes application information corresponding to the service flow, and / or, five-tuple information corresponding to the service flow.

[0041] Based on the above scheme, the first information received by the first communication device for determining the first user plane function may include the ninth indication information, so that the first communication device can select the first user plane function based on the service flow description information indicated by the ninth indication information, so that the data of the terminal device can be transmitted through the user plane function and gateway station that match the service flow description information, so as to provide differentiated services and improve the quality and reliability of services.

[0042] Optionally, the ninth indication information may indicate service flow description information for one or more service flows that are transmitted on part or all of the one or more transmission paths mentioned above. For example, if data from a terminal device is transmitted on one or more transmission paths, the ninth indication information may indicate service flow description information on each transmission path.

[0043] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second information is also used to indicate the service flow description information of the first service flow.

[0044] Based on the above scheme, the second information sent by the first communication device is also used to indicate the service flow description information of the first service flow, so that the first user plane function can process the first service flow based on the service flow description information of the first service flow.

[0045] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first communication device sending third information to a second user plane function, the second user plane function being a user plane function that interfaces with an access network device to which the terminal device is connected, the third information being used to instruct the second user plane function to send a second service flow to the first user plane function, the second service flow being transmitted on a second transmission path, the second transmission path being included in the one or more transmission paths.

[0046] Based on the above scheme, if the second user plane function of the access network device interface to which the terminal device is connected is not the same as the first user plane function, the first communication device can also send third information to the second user plane function, so that the second user plane function can send the second service flow to the first user plane function based on the third information, so that the first user plane function can process the second service flow subsequently.

[0047] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the third information is also used to indicate the service flow description information of the second service flow.

[0048] Based on the above scheme, the third information sent by the first communication device is also used to indicate the service flow description information of the second service flow, so that the second user plane function can process the second service flow based on the service flow description information of the second service flow.

[0049] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a second communication device. The second communication device can be a network device, or it can be a component within a network device. This component can be a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), a system-on-chip (SoC) chip, such as an SoC chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. In this second aspect, the network device can be a network device with unified data management or policy control functions, such as unified data management (UDM), policy control function (PCF), or other names defined in the future network definition.

[0050] In this method, a second communication device determines first information, which indicates N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data, where N and K are positive integers; wherein, the first information is used to determine a first user plane function, which is connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links, and the first user plane function is used to transmit the terminal device's data; the second communication device sends the first information.

[0051] Based on the above scheme, the first information sent by the second communication device to the first communication device indicates N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data. The first communication device can then determine a first user plane function connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links based on the first information. Subsequently, the first communication device can send second information to the first user plane function, enabling the first user plane function to perform data processing based on the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links indicated by the second information. In this way, the first communication device can select user plane functions based on the gateway stations and / or power supply links indicated by the first information, allowing the terminal device's data to be transmitted through user plane functions and gateway stations matching the first information, thereby providing differentiated services and improving service quality and reliability.

[0052] Furthermore, compared to satellite equipment selecting the nearest gateway station based on geographical location or selecting the lightest gateway station based on load balancing, in the above process, the user plane function can transmit terminal equipment data based on the gateway station and / or power supply link indicated by the first communication device. This allows the terminal equipment data to avoid unreasonable gateway stations and / or power supply links, reducing or avoiding problems such as delay and data transmission stability caused by unreasonable gateway station selection, improving traffic routing efficiency, and thus enhancing data transmission performance.

[0053] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the above method is applied to a unified data management function (e.g., the network device corresponding to the second communication device is a network device with a unified data management function), and the first information is the user subscription information of the terminal device; the user subscription information includes at least one of the following:

[0054] The first instruction information is used to indicate information about the gateway station; or...

[0055] The second indication information is used to indicate power supply link information; or,

[0056] The third instruction information is used to indicate the geographical location of the gateway station; or...

[0057] The fourth instruction information is used to indicate the country where the customs station is located; or,

[0058] The fifth instruction information is used to indicate the data network name (DNN) information used to process the data of the terminal device; or,

[0059] The sixth instruction information is used to indicate the data network access identifier (DNAI) information used to process the data of the terminal device.

[0060] Based on the above scheme, the first information sent by the second communication device to determine the first user plane function can be user subscription information. By adding one or more of the following to the user subscription information: gateway station information, power supply link information, geographical information, country information, DNN, or DNAI, the first communication device can more flexibly obtain routing policy information, accurately select the user plane function and gateway station that match the user subscription information, implement security policies, ensure service quality and reliability, and thus improve user experience.

[0061] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the above method is applied to a policy control function (e.g., the network device corresponding to the second communication device is a network device with a policy control function), and the first information is the policy information of the terminal device, which includes: a seventh indication information for indicating gateway information; and / or, an eighth indication information for indicating power supply link information.

[0062] Based on the above scheme, the first information sent by the second communication device for determining the first user plane function can be policy information. By adding gateway station information and / or feeder link information to the policy information, the first communication device can determine the first user plane function that matches the gateway station information and / or feeder link information. This allows the satellite to achieve differentiated data landing based on application needs and constraints, landing from specific gateway stations. This avoids problems such as delays and data transmission stability caused by improper gateway station selection or gateway station switching, thereby improving the efficiency of traffic routing.

[0063] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the strategy information further includes ninth indication information, which is used to indicate service flow description information of a first service flow, the first service flow being transmitted on a first transmission path, the first transmission path being included in the one or more transmission paths.

[0064] Based on the above scheme, the first information sent by the second communication device for determining the first user plane function may include the ninth indication information, so that the first communication device can select the first user plane function based on the service flow description information indicated by the ninth indication information, so that the data of the terminal device can be transmitted through the user plane function and gateway station that match the service flow description information, so as to provide differentiated services and improve the quality and reliability of services.

[0065] A third aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a third communication device. This third communication device can be a network device, or it can be a component within a network device. This component can be a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), a system-on-chip (SoC) chip, such as an SoC chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions. In this third aspect, the aforementioned network device can be a network device with user plane functions, such as a user plane function (UPF) (hereinafter referred to as the first UPF), an uplink classifier (UL CL), or other names defined in the future network definition.

[0066] In this method, a third communication device receives second information, which indicates N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data, where N and K are positive integers; wherein the N gateway stations and / or K power supply links are connected to the first user plane function, which is used to transmit the terminal device's data; and the third communication device processes the terminal device's data based on the second information.

[0067] Based on the above scheme, the second information received by the third communication device is used to indicate N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data, enabling the third communication device to perform data processing based on the N gateway stations and / or K power supply links indicated by the second information. In this way, the third communication device can transmit the terminal device's data based on the gateway stations and / or power supply links indicated by the first communication device, allowing the terminal device's data to avoid unreasonable gateway stations and / or power supply links. This reduces or avoids problems such as delays and data transmission stability caused by unreasonable gateway station selection, improves traffic routing efficiency, and enhances data transmission performance.

[0068] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the second information is also used to indicate the service flow description information of the first service flow.

[0069] Based on the above scheme, the second information sent by the first communication device is also used to indicate the service flow description information of the first service flow, so that the first user plane function can process the second service flow based on the service flow description information of the first service flow.

[0070] Optionally, the service flow description information includes application information corresponding to the service flow, and / or, quintuple information corresponding to the service flow.

[0071] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a fourth communication device. This fourth communication device can be a network device, or it can be a component within a network device. This component can be a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), a system-on-chip (SoC) chip, such as an SoC chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or the fourth communication device can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions. In this fourth aspect, the aforementioned network device can be a network device with user plane functions, such as a user plane function (UPF) (hereinafter referred to as the second UPF), an uplink classifier (UL CL), or other names defined in the future network definition.

[0072] In this method, a fourth communication device receives third information, which instructs the second user plane function to send a second service flow to the first user plane function. The second service flow is transmitted on a second transmission path, which includes one or more transmission paths for the data of the terminal device. The first user plane function is used to transmit the data of the terminal device, and the second user plane function is a user plane function that interfaces with the access network device to which the terminal device is connected. The fourth communication device processes the data of the terminal device based on the third information.

[0073] Based on the above scheme, when the second user plane function of the access network device interface to which the terminal device is connected is not the same as the first user plane function, the fourth communication device can receive third information, enabling the fourth communication device to send the second service flow to the first user plane function based on the third information, so that the first user plane function can subsequently process the second service flow. In this way, the first user plane function can transmit the terminal device's data based on the gateway station and / or power supply link indicated by the first communication device, allowing the terminal device's data to avoid unreasonable gateway stations and / or power supply links. This reduces or avoids problems such as delay and data transmission stability caused by unreasonable gateway station selection, improves traffic routing efficiency, and enhances data transmission performance.

[0074] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the third information is also used to indicate the service flow description information of the second service flow.

[0075] Based on the above scheme, the second information received by the fourth communication device is also used to indicate the service flow description information of the second service flow, so that the fourth communication device can process the second service flow based on the service flow description information of the second service flow.

[0076] A fifth aspect of this application provides a communication apparatus, comprising a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the transceiver unit is configured to receive first information, the first information indicating N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of data of a terminal device, where N and K are positive integers; the processing unit is configured to determine a first user plane function based on the first information, the first user plane function being connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links; the first user plane function being used to transmit data of the terminal device; the transceiver unit is further configured to send second information to the first user plane function, the second information indicating the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links.

[0077] In the fifth aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the first aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0078] A sixth aspect of this application provides a communication apparatus, comprising a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine first information, which indicates N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of data from a terminal device, where N and K are positive integers. The first information is configured to determine a first user plane function, which is connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links, and the first user plane function is used to transmit data from the terminal device. The transceiver unit is configured to send the first information.

[0079] In the sixth aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the second aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0080] A seventh aspect of this application provides a communication apparatus, comprising a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the transceiver unit is configured to receive second information, the second information indicating N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of data of a terminal device, wherein N and K are positive integers; wherein the N gateway stations and / or K power supply links are connected to a first user plane function, the first user plane function being used to transmit data of the terminal device; the processing unit is configured to process the data of the terminal device based on the second information.

[0081] In the seventh aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the third aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0082] An eighth aspect of this application provides a communication apparatus, comprising a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive third information, which instructs a second user plane function to send a second service flow to a first user plane function. The second service flow is transmitted on a second transmission path, which includes one or more transmission paths for data of a terminal device. The first user plane function is configured to transmit data of the terminal device, and the second user plane function is a user plane function that interfaces with an access network device to which the terminal device is connected. The processing unit is configured to process the data of the terminal device based on the third information.

[0083] In the eighth aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the fourth aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the fourth aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0084] The ninth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor for executing computer programs or instructions to enable the device to implement the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0085] Optionally, the at least one memory is coupled to a memory used to store computer programs or instructions.

[0086] Optionally, the communication device includes the memory.

[0087] The tenth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is used to perform the method described in any of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0088] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a communication system, which includes the first communication device and the second communication device described above.

[0089] Optionally, the communication system may further include the aforementioned third and / or fourth communication devices.

[0090] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform the method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0091] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, performs the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0092] The fourteenth aspect of this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the methods described in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects. For example, the chip may be a baseband chip, a modem chip, a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, a system-in-package (SIP) chip, or a communication module, etc.

[0093] In one possible design, the chip or chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor.

[0094] The fifteenth aspect of this application provides a satellite including user plane functions, such as the first user plane functions and / or the second user plane functions described above. Optionally, the satellite also includes a first communication device and / or a second communication device.

[0095] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects five through fifteen can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspects one through five above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0096] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0097] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of the communication process involved in this application;

[0098] Figures 2a to 2e are some schematic diagrams of the satellite communication process provided in this application;

[0099] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application;

[0100] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the communication scenario provided in this application;

[0101] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application;

[0102] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the communication scenario provided in this application;

[0103] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application;

[0104] Figures 8 to 11 are some schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0105] First, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0106] (1) Terminal device: can be a wireless terminal device that can receive network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, or a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0107] Terminal devices can be various communication kits with wireless communication capabilities (kits may include, for example, antennas, power supply modules, cables, and Wi-Fi modules). Terminal devices can also be communication modules with satellite communication capabilities, satellite phones or components thereof, and very small aperture terminals (VSATs). Terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers, and data cards. For example, they can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with a wireless access network. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. Wireless terminal equipment can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, subscriber station (SS), customer premises equipment (CPE), terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal (MT), drone, etc. Terminal equipment can also be wearable devices and next-generation communication systems, such as terminal equipment in future public land mobile networks (PLMNs). Of course, in this application, terminal equipment can also refer to chips, modems, system-on-a-chip (SoC), or communication platforms that may include radio frequency (RF) components, primarily responsible for related communication functions.

[0108] (2) Network equipment: This can be equipment within a wireless network. For example, network equipment can be a RAN node (or device) that connects terminal devices to the wireless network, and can also be called a base station. Currently, some examples of RAN equipment include: base station, evolved NodeB (eNodeB), gNB (gNodeB) in 5G communication systems, transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), etc. In addition, in a network architecture, network equipment can include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment including CU nodes and DU nodes.

[0109] Optionally, RAN nodes can also be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, or radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0110] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0111] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0112] Communication between access network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0113] The correspondence between network elements and their achievable protocol layer functions in the ORAN system can be found in Table 1 below.

[0114] Table 1

[0115] Network devices can be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or form of the network device. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0116] Network equipment may also include core network equipment, such as the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Serving Gateway (S-GW), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), and Public Data Network Gateway (PDN Gateway, P-GW) in 4th generation (4G) networks; and access and mobility management function (AMF), user plane function (UPF), or session management function (SMF) in 5G networks. Furthermore, this core network equipment may also include other core network equipment in 5G networks and next-generation networks of 5G networks.

[0117] In this embodiment of the application, the network device can also be a network node with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, which can provide AI services to terminals or other network devices. For example, it can be an AI node, computing power node, RAN node with AI capabilities, core network element with AI capabilities, etc. on the network side (access network or core network).

[0118] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the function of the network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0119] (3) Configuration and Pre-configuration: In this application, both configuration and pre-configuration are used. Configuration refers to the network device sending configuration information or parameter values ​​of some parameters to the terminal device through messages or signaling, so that the terminal device can determine the communication parameters or resources during transmission based on these values ​​or information. Pre-configuration is similar to configuration; it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that the network device and the terminal device have negotiated in advance, or it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that the network device or the terminal device uses as specified by the standard protocol, or it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that are pre-stored in the network device or the terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0120] Furthermore, these values ​​and parameters can be changed or updated.

[0121] (4) The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0122] (5) In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include sending directly through the air interface or sending indirectly through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include receiving directly from YY through the air interface or receiving indirectly from YY through the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0123] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0124] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0125] (6) In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" may include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (as described below, the instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only indicate a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction can be implemented by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement order of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed, and for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0126] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, methods, or implementations based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0127] This application can be applied to long-term evolution (LTE) systems, new radio (NR) systems, or new radio vehicle-to-everything (NR V2X) systems; it can also be applied to systems with hybrid LTE and 5G networks; or device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, or drone communication systems; or communication systems supporting multiple wireless technologies, such as LTE and NR technologies; or non-terrestrial communication systems, such as satellite communication systems and high-altitude communication platforms. Optionally, this communication system can also be applied to narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems or other communication systems, wherein the communication system includes network devices and terminal devices, with the network devices acting as configuration information sending entities and the terminal devices acting as configuration information receiving entities. Specifically, in this communication system, one entity sends configuration information to another entity and sends data to or receives data from another entity; the other entity receives the configuration information and, based on the configuration information, sends data to or receives data from the entity that sent the configuration information. This application can be applied to terminal devices in a connected or active state, as well as to terminal devices in an inactive or idle state.

[0128] Please refer to Figure 1a, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 10 used in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1a, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 10 may also include an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1a, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1a, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1a). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110, and the RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the core network 200. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the RAN node. Terminals can be connected to each other, as can RAN nodes, via wired or wireless means.

[0129] For example, the scenario shown in Figure 1a may involve the implementation process of a session. This session can be a protocol data unit (PDU) session, or other sessions defined by the network in the future. The following example uses a PDU session as an example for illustration.

[0130] As shown in Figure 1b, taking the UE as an example, a PDU session refers to the association between the UE and the data network providing PDU connection services, including the connection from the terminal device to user plane network elements. The network supports the establishment, modification, or deletion of PDU sessions. In Figure 1b, taking the establishment of a PDU session as an example, the PDU session establishment process may include the following steps.

[0131] Step 1. The UE sends a session establishment request message to the AMF. The session establishment request message may carry one or more of the following: session identifier (e.g., PDU Session ID), request type, requested DNN, slice information, or device identifier.

[0132] Optionally, the slice information may indicate one or more of the following: single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), or other identifiers.

[0133] Optionally, the device identifier indicates the device to which the UE is connected, and the network device can determine, based on the device identifier carried in the message, that the session requested by the message was established for the device corresponding to the device identifier.

[0134] Optionally, the request type includes any of the following:

[0135] 1) Initial request: Used to establish a new PDU session.

[0136] 2) Existing PDU Session: Used for handover of established PDU sessions between 3GPP access and non-3GPP access.

[0137] 3) Emergency Request: A PDU session established for emergency services.

[0138] Step 2. The AMF determines the SMF based on the Session Establishment Request message.

[0139] In step 2, the AMF can determine the appropriate SMF based on slice information and / or DNN.

[0140] Taking the initial request type as an example, the AMF checks whether the session identifier in the session establishment request message has been used by other PDU sessions of the UE.

[0141] Optionally, if the session establishment request message does not carry network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), the AMF determines the slice information of the Serving Public Land Mobile Network (Serving PLMN) for the requested PDU session from the UE's currently allowed slice assistance information (Allowed NSSAI). Specifically, if there is only one slice information in the allowed slice table, that slice information is used. If there are multiple slice information in the allowed network slice assistance information, the slice information is selected based on the UE's subscription or based on operator policy.

[0142] Optionally, if the request type is an initial request, the AMF can also store the relationship between the slice S-NSSAI, DNN, session identifier, SMF network element identifier, and PDU session access type.

[0143] Step 3. The AMF sends a session establishment request message to the SMF, requesting to establish the association between the AMF and SMF corresponding to the PDU session. The session establishment request message may include one or more of the DNN, slice information or device identifier carried in the session establishment request message received in Step 1.

[0144] Step 4. The SMF queries the UDM for subscription data, and the SMF checks whether the UE can request to establish the PDU session based on the subscription data in the UDM, i.e., the SMF authorizes the PDU session.

[0145] Step 5. The SMF sends a response to the session establishment request to the AMF.

[0146] If the SMF accepts the AMF's session establishment request, the SMF will create a session management (SM) context for the session and include the SM context identifier in the request response message returned to the AMF.

[0147] If the SMF does not accept the AMF's session establishment request, the request response sent to the AMF will include a reason for rejection.

[0148] Step 6. Secondary Authentication. This step is optional. If the session request type is Existing PDU Session or Emergency Request, this step is skipped. SMF determines whether secondary authentication is required based on the SM policy related to the data network (DN).

[0149] Step 7a. The SMF selects the PCF. For example, if the PDU session uses dynamic policy and charging control (PCC) rules, the SMF needs to select the appropriate PCF.

[0150] Step 7b. The SMF and PCF negotiate to determine the SM policy based on the device identifier.

[0151] For example, the SM policy can be determined through the following steps:

[0152] The SMF determines to initiate the SM policy association process. The SMF sends an SM policy association request message (such as the SM policy control creation message Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create message) to the PCF. The message contains the SUPI and the device identifier.

[0153] If the PCF does not have the relevant subscription information corresponding to the device identifier, it queries the UDR. For example, this can be done by sending a data query request message (e.g., a Nudr_DM_Query message) to the UDR. This message includes a data key (indicating the identifier of the queried data, such as SUPI, GPSI, device identifier, etc.) and a dataset (indicating what data is being queried, such as subscription data, policy data, etc.). The UDR then retrieves the corresponding data based on the data key and dataset and informs the PCF accordingly.

[0154] The PCF establishes a policy association with the SMF. The PCF sends a response message containing policy information to the SMF. For example, the response message name could be "SMPolicyControl_Create Response," and the response message includes the policy information of the PDU session (i.e., the aforementioned SMF policy).

[0155] Step 8. SMF selects UPF.

[0156] Steps 9-11. The SMF sends a message to the UE through the AMF and RAN. This message includes relevant information about the PDU session, such as the PDU session identifier, control plane tunnel information (N3 tunnel information), etc.

[0157] It should be noted that the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are applicable to terrestrial communication systems. Alternatively, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are applicable to communication systems that integrate terrestrial and satellite communication, which can also be called non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems. For example, RAN100 in Figure 1a may include a terrestrial base station, wherein the terrestrial base station may include a TN cell (i.e., the signal of the TN cell can be transmitted and received through the terrestrial base station); and RAN100 in Figure 1a may also include a non-terrestrial base station, taking a satellite as an example, the satellite may include an NTN cell (i.e., the signal of the NTN cell can be transmitted and received through the satellite). The terrestrial communication system may be, for example, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a 5G communication system, or a new radio (NR) system, or a communication system that is the next step in the development of the 5G communication system, etc., and is not limited here.

[0158] Compared to traditional mobile communication systems, satellite communication offers advantages such as wider coverage, communication costs independent of transmission distance, and the ability to overcome natural geographical barriers like oceans, deserts, and mountains. To overcome the shortcomings of traditional communication networks, satellite communication can serve as an effective supplement. It is generally believed that non-terrestrial network communication has different channel characteristics compared to terrestrial network communication, such as large transmission delays and Doppler frequency offsets. For example, the round-trip time (RTT) of GEO satellite communication is 238–270 milliseconds (ms), while that of LEO satellite communication is 8 ms–20 ms. Based on orbital altitude, satellite communication systems can be classified into three types: geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite communication systems (also known as geosynchronous orbit satellite systems); medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite communication systems; and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems.

[0159] GEO satellites, also known as geostationary orbit satellites, orbit at an altitude of 35,786 kilometers. Their main advantages are relative stationary position and large coverage area. However, GEO satellites also have significant drawbacks: their large distance from Earth necessitates larger antennas; their transmission latency is relatively high, around 0.5 seconds, failing to meet the demands of real-time services; and their orbital resources are relatively scarce, resulting in high launch costs and an inability to provide coverage to polar regions. MEO satellites, orbiting at altitudes between 2,000 and 35,786 km, can achieve global coverage with a relatively small number of satellites, but their transmission latency is higher than that of LEO satellites, and they are primarily used for positioning and navigation. Furthermore, satellites orbiting at altitudes between 300 and 2,000 km are called Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. LEO satellites are lower in altitude than MEO and GEO satellites, resulting in lower data propagation latency, lower power loss, and relatively lower launch costs. Therefore, LEO satellite communication networks have made significant progress and attracted considerable attention in recent years.

[0160] In one possible implementation, satellite equipment can be categorized into transparent mode and regenerative mode based on its operating mode.

[0161] The two modes will be illustrated below using the implementation methods shown in Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

[0162] In the transparent transmission mode implementation shown in Figure 2a, the satellite and the gateway station (i.e., the NTN Gateway in Figure 2a) act as relays, specifically the Remote Radio Unit (RTU) shown in Figure 2a. Communication between the terminal equipment and the gNB requires this relay process. In other words, in transparent transmission mode, the satellite has a relay forwarding function.

[0163] For example, in the transparent transmission mode implementation shown in Figure 2b, when the satellite (including GEO, MEO, LEO, etc.) operates in transparent transmission mode, the satellite has a relay forwarding function. The gateway station (or signal gateway station) has the function of a base station or part of the function of a base station; in this case, the gateway station can be regarded as a base station. Alternatively, the base station and the gateway station can be deployed separately, in which case the delay of the feeder link includes the delay from the satellite to the gateway station and the delay from the gateway station to the gNB. Optionally, in transparent mode, the satellite only acts as a signal relay link and does not process the signal, but directly forwards the signal from the terminal device to the gateway station.

[0164] Optionally, the transparent transmission mode can be used as an example where the gateway station and gNB are together or in close proximity. For cases where the gateway station and gNB are far apart, the feeder link delay can be calculated by adding the delay from the satellite to the gateway station and the delay from the gateway station to the gNB.

[0165] As shown in Figure 2c, in the regeneration mode implementation, the satellite and the gateway station (i.e., the NTN Gateway in Figure 2c) act as gNBs and can communicate with the terminal devices. In other words, in regeneration mode, the satellite has the functions of a base station or some of the functions of a base station, and in this case, the satellite can be regarded as a base station.

[0166] For example, in the regeneration mode implementation shown in Figure 2d, when the satellite (including GEO satellites, MEO satellites, LEO satellites, etc.) operates in regeneration mode, compared to the implementation shown in Figure 2b, the satellite has the functions of a base station or some of the functions of a base station. In this case, the satellite can be regarded as a base station (i.e., an airborne base station). Optionally, in regeneration mode, the satellite can integrate base station functions or other functions, such as routing functions, UPF functions, etc.

[0167] Alternatively, in Figures 2b and / or 2d, the satellite can be implemented in other ways, such as by a drone or a high-altitude platform as shown in the figures.

[0168] Optionally, during the above process, inter-satellite links can also be supported between satellites, which can extend the service range of the satellites.

[0169] It should be noted that NTN and terrestrial network base stations can be interconnected through a shared core network. They can also achieve more timely assistance and interconnection through interfaces defined between base stations. In NR, the interface between base stations is called the Xn interface, and the interface between the base station and the core network is called the NG interface. In a converged network, both NTN nodes and terrestrial nodes can achieve interoperability and collaboration through these interfaces.

[0170] In addition, satellites, as network devices, can transmit ephemeris information so that the recipient of the ephemeris information (such as terminal equipment, its base station, or other satellites) can determine the relevant information about the satellite's orbit based on the ephemeris information.

[0171] It should be noted that this application can be applied to long term evolution (LTE) systems, new radio (NR) systems, or future communication networks / systems.

[0172] Taking 5G as an example, a 5G satellite communication system architecture is shown in Figure 2e. Ground terminal equipment accesses the network through the 5G New Radio interface, while 5G base stations are deployed on satellites and connected to the ground core network via wireless links. Simultaneously, wireless links exist between satellites to facilitate signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations. The devices and interfaces in Figure 2e are described below:

[0173] 5G Core Network: This includes services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. It consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The Access and Mobility Management Unit (AMF) is responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The User Plane Unit (UPF) is responsible for managing user plane data transmission and traffic statistics. The Session Management Function (SMF) is mainly used for session management in the mobile network, such as session establishment, modification, and release.

[0174] Ground station, also known as gateway station: responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellite base station and 5G core network.

[0175] 5G New Radio: The wireless link between a terminal and a base station.

[0176] Xn interface: The interface between 5G base stations, mainly used for signaling interactions such as handover.

[0177] NG interface: The interface between 5G base stations and 5G core networks, mainly used for exchanging non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network and user service data.

[0178] Furthermore, network devices in terrestrial network communication systems and satellites in NTN communication systems can be uniformly considered as network devices. The apparatus used to implement the functions of a network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, which can be installed within the network device. In the following description of the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application, a satellite is used as an example to illustrate the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. It is understood that when the methods provided by the embodiments of this application are applied to terrestrial network communication systems, the actions performed by the satellite can be applied to the base station or network device for execution.

[0179] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal device. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device is a terminal or UE as an example to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0180] In addition, the aforementioned satellites can be geostationary satellites, non-geostationary satellites, artificial satellites, low-Earth orbit satellites, medium-Earth orbit satellites, and high-Earth orbit satellites, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0181] The foregoing content describes various wireless communication scenarios involved in this application. It should be understood that the above content is merely an illustrative description of the scenarios in which this application can be applied, and this application can also be applied to other application scenarios, which are not limited here. The wireless communication process involved in this application will be described below.

[0182] With the development of communication technology, network devices (as shown in Figures 2a / 2b / 2c / 2d / 2e in the communication system) may not be fixed to a specific location on the ground. For example, these network devices could be high-speed mobile devices belonging to an NTN cell, including but not limited to drones and high-altitude platforms; or satellite equipment such as low-Earth orbit, medium-Earth orbit, and high-Earth orbit satellites. However, in NTN scenarios, due to the long distances between different communication devices, improving the data transmission performance of terminal devices is currently a hot research topic.

[0183] In one implementation, as shown in Figures 2a to 2e, the terminal device can connect to the satellite via a service link, and the satellite can then connect to the gateway station (or ground station) via a feeder link. The gateway station acts as a bridge, forwarding data from the satellite or other non-terrestrial nodes to the terrestrial internet or dedicated networks, and sending data from the terrestrial network to non-terrestrial nodes, thus enabling bidirectional communication between terrestrial users and non-terrestrial communication infrastructure. Furthermore, the gateway station can amplify and process received signals to improve communication quality, especially addressing signal attenuation issues that may occur during long-distance transmission. In this way, the gateway station in an NTN scenario can enhance the data transmission performance of the terminal device.

[0184] Furthermore, there can be multiple gateway stations located in the terrestrial network. Generally, satellite equipment selects gateway stations based on their transmission performance. For example, satellite equipment might choose a closer gateway station based on geographical proximity to ensure lower signal latency and higher communication quality. Alternatively, it might select a less loaded gateway station based on load balancing to optimize network resource utilization and reduce gateway station processing latency. In other words, in this implementation, all data from a terminal device is transmitted through the same gateway station, which could be either the closer one or the less loaded one. This approach cannot provide differentiated services. For instance, due to requirements related to intellectual property, information security, or sensitive information transmission, some scenarios require downloading terminal device data (e.g., specified session data) to a network in a specific geographical area. This necessitates differentiated data delivery by the satellite based on service requirements. The aforementioned gateway station selection method lacks a dynamic selection strategy based on different application types and security needs. This deficiency not only affects data transmission efficiency but also introduces security risks, failing to meet users' expectations for network performance and security.

[0185] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a communication method and related apparatus, which will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0186] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of an implementation of the communication method provided in this application. The method includes the following steps.

[0187] It should be understood that the following description uses different communication devices as examples to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, any of the first to fourth communication devices can be a network device, or a component of a network device (e.g., a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, SoC chip containing a modem core, SIP chip, communication module, chip system, processor, logic module, or software, etc.).

[0188] As an example, the first communication device may be a network device or a component of a network device, which may be a network device with session management capabilities, such as a session management function (SMF), or another name defined in the future network definition.

[0189] As an example, the second communication device may be a network device or a component of a network device, which may be a network device with unified data management or policy control functions, such as unified data management (UDM), policy control function (PCF), or other names defined in the future network definition.

[0190] As an example, the third communication device may be a network device or a component of a network device, which may be a network device with user plane functionality, such as a user plane function (UPF) (hereinafter referred to as the first UPF), an uplink classifier (UL CL), or other names defined in the future network definition.

[0191] As an example, the fourth communication device may be a network device or a component of a network device, which may be a network device with user plane functionality, such as a user plane function (UPF) (hereinafter referred to as the second UPF), an uplink classifier (UL CL), or other names defined in the future network definition.

[0192] S301. The second communication device sends first information, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information. The first information is used to indicate N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data, where N and K are positive integers.

[0193] S302. The first communication device determines a first user plane function based on the first information, and the first user plane function is connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links.

[0194] S303. The first communication device sends second information, and correspondingly, the third communication device receives the second information. The third communication device is a first user plane function, or a network device with a first user plane function, or a component of a network device with a first user plane function. Furthermore, the second information is used to indicate the aforementioned N gateway stations and / or K power supply links, which are connected to the first user plane function, and the first user plane function is used to transmit data from the terminal device.

[0195] In this application, the network equipment may include network equipment located on a satellite and network equipment located on the ground. The former may be referred to as satellite network equipment and the latter as ground network equipment. The gateway station is used for communication between the satellite network equipment and the ground network equipment, and the link between the gateway station and the satellite network equipment may be referred to as a power supply link.

[0196] For example, a gateway station can act as a relay node, transmitting data from satellite network equipment to terrestrial network equipment, and / or transmitting data from terrestrial network equipment to satellite network equipment.

[0197] Optionally, the user plane function can be deployed on satellite network equipment. For example, the user plane function can be a module such as software, chip, or chip system of the satellite network equipment. Alternatively, the network equipment with user plane function can be a satellite network equipment. The connection between the user plane function and the gateway station can be understood as: there is a communication link between the satellite network equipment containing the user plane function and the gateway station; for example, this communication link can be a power supply link. The connection between the power supply link and the gateway station can be understood as: one end of the power supply link is connected to the gateway station, and the other end of the power supply link is connected to the satellite network equipment; for example, this satellite network equipment can be a network equipment with user plane function.

[0198] Alternatively, the term "gate station" can be replaced with other descriptions, such as "gateway station," "ground station," or other names defined in the future network definition.

[0199] Alternatively, the feeder link can be replaced with other descriptions, such as feeder link, backhaul link, or other names defined in the future network definition.

[0200] It should be noted that the number of first-user-facing functions can be one or more.

[0201] As an example, in the case where N gateway stations are connected to the same user plane function, and / or K power supply links are connected to the same user plane function, the first user plane function is that same user plane function, that is, the number of the first user plane function is 1.

[0202] As another example, taking N gateway stations as an example, the N gateway stations can include N_1 gateway stations and N_2 gateway stations. The first user plane function can include first user plane function_1 and first user plane function_2, where N_1 and N_2 are both positive integers less than N. The N_1 gateway stations are connected to first user plane function_1, and the N_2 gateway stations are connected to first user plane function_2. In this case, the number of first user plane functions can be at least two. For example, sending second information from the first communication device to the first user plane function includes: the first communication device sending second information_1 to the first user plane function_1, and the first communication device sending second information_2 to the first user plane function_2, wherein second information_1 is used to indicate the N_1 gateway stations, and second information_2 is used to indicate the N_2 gateway stations.

[0203] As another example, taking K power supply links as an example, the K power supply links can include K_1 power supply links and K_2 power supply links, and the first user plane function can include first user plane function_1 and first user plane function_2, where K_1 and K_2 are both positive integers less than K. Specifically, the K_1 power supply links are connected to first user plane function_1, and the K_2 power supply links are connected to first user plane function_2. In this case, the number of first user plane functions can be at least two. For example, the first communication device sending second information to the first user plane function includes: the first communication device sending second information_1 to the first user plane function_1, and the first communication device sending second information_2 to the first user plane function_2, wherein second information_1 is used to indicate the K_1 power supply links, and second information_2 is used to indicate the K_2 power supply links.

[0204] For ease of understanding, some examples below will use the example of one first user face function.

[0205] Optionally, the N gateway stations and K feeder links can be associated, meaning that some or all of the K feeder links are connected to the N gateway stations. For example, at least one of the K feeder links is connected to one of the N gateway stations, meaning one end of the at least one feeder link is connected to that one gateway station. Alternatively, each of the K feeder links is connected to one of the N gateway stations, meaning one end of each feeder link is connected to one of the N gateway stations.

[0206] Optionally, the N gateway stations and K feeder links may not be associated, meaning that some or all of the K feeder links are connected to gateway stations different from the N gateway stations. For example, at least one of the K feeder links is connected to gateway station A, and gateway station A is different from any of the N gateway stations. Alternatively, the K feeder links may be connected to one or more gateway stations, and these one or more gateway stations are different from any of the N gateway stations.

[0207] It should be noted that data from a terminal device can be transmitted through one or more transmission paths; that is, data from different service flows of the same terminal device can be transmitted through different transmission paths. For example, the data from these different service flows may be data from different applications. Alternatively, the data from these different service flows may represent data with different quality of service requirements.

[0208] Optionally, each transmission path may include a link between the terminal device and the satellite network device (e.g., a service link), a link between the satellite network device and the ground network device (e.g., a feeder link), and nodes on both links. In other words, each transmission path may include a gateway station and a feeder link.

[0209] Based on the scheme shown in Figure 3, the first information received by the first communication device indicates N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data. The first communication device can determine a first user plane function connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links based on the first information. Subsequently, the first communication device can send second information to the first user plane function, enabling the first user plane function to perform data processing based on the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links indicated by the second information. In this way, the first communication device can select user plane functions based on the gateway stations and / or power supply links indicated by the first information, allowing the terminal device's data to be transmitted through user plane functions and gateway stations matching the first information, thereby providing differentiated services and improving service quality and reliability.

[0210] Furthermore, compared to satellite equipment selecting the nearest gateway station based on geographical location or selecting the lightest gateway station based on load balancing, after step S303, the third communication device can process the terminal device's data based on the second information. For example, the third communication device can transmit the terminal device's data based on the gateway station and / or power supply link indicated by the second information. That is, the first user plane function can transmit the terminal device's data based on the gateway station and / or power supply link indicated by the first communication device. This allows the terminal device's data to avoid unreasonable gateway stations and / or power supply links, reducing or avoiding problems such as delays and data transmission stability caused by unreasonable gateway station selection, improving traffic routing efficiency, and thus enhancing data transmission performance.

[0211] Optionally, in step S302, the process of the first communication device determining the first user plane function based on the first information includes: the first communication device determining the first user plane function based on the first information and the session parameters of the data-corresponding session of the terminal device. For example, the session can be a PDU session or other sessions defined by the future network, and the session parameters can include DNN and / or slice information. In this way, the first communication device can select a user plane function that matches the session parameters as the first user plane function, so that the data of the terminal device can be transmitted through the first user plane function to meet the personalized data transmission needs.

[0212] Optionally, in step S303, the second information sent by the first communication device can indicate N gateway stations and / or K power supply links in various ways.

[0213] As an example, the second information may include the identifiers or indexes of gateway stations and / or feeder links. For instance, the second information may include the identifiers or indexes of N gateway stations, enabling the third communication device to determine the N gateway stations based on the identifiers or indexes. As another example, the second information may include the identifiers or indexes of K feeder links, enabling the third communication device to determine the K feeder links based on the identifiers or indexes.

[0214] As another example, the second information may include the identifier or index of an instance. For instance, the second information may include the identifier or index of a first instance, wherein the association between one or more instances and one or more gateway stations may be indicated by a first association relationship, and / or, the association between one or more instances and one or more gateway stations may be indicated by a first association relationship. In this way, the third communication device may determine, based on the first instance indicated by the second information and the first association relationship, the gateway stations associated with the first instance as the aforementioned N gateway stations, and / or, the third communication device may determine, based on the first instance indicated by the second information and the second association relationship, the feeder links associated with the first instance as the aforementioned K feeder links.

[0215] For example, an instance ID can be a unique identifier used to distinguish different instances or sessions within the network, typically associated with a specific network function or service. For instance, an instance ID can be mapped to the feeder links of different gateway stations. When the session management function interacts with the user plane function, it can carry the instance ID in the configuration rules. In this way, the user plane function can determine which feeder link to use for data transmission based on the received instance ID.

[0216] Optionally, any of the aforementioned associations (e.g., the first association and / or the second association) can be determined in various ways. For example, the second communication device and / or the third communication device can determine any association through pre-configuration, where the pre-configuration can be protocol or standard pre-configuration, or it can be manual configuration by maintenance personnel. Alternatively, the second communication device and / or the third communication device can determine any association through configuration of other network elements or functions, where the other network elements or devices can be PCF network elements or PCF devices, or other network elements or devices defined in the future network.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the first communication device can receive the first information in a variety of ways in step S301. Correspondingly, the second communication device that sends the first information to the first communication device can also be implemented in a variety of ways in different ways. Some possible implementation examples will be described below.

[0218] Example 1: The first piece of information is the user's subscription information on the terminal device. For example, the user subscription information can be used to implement one or more of the following: user authentication and access control, support for multi-scenario services, and security and privacy protection.

[0219] In Example 1, the user subscription information can come from unified data management (UDM) or other functions / network elements defined in the future network. In other words, the second communication device mentioned above can be a UDM.

[0220] In one possible implementation of Example 1, the user subscription information includes at least one of the following first to sixth instruction information.

[0221] The first indication information is used to indicate gateway station information. For example, this gateway station information indicates one or more gateway stations, including N gateway stations; and / or, this gateway station information indicates one or more gateway stations, including K gateway stations where power supply links are located. That is, the user subscription information can include a specified landing gateway station, which means that the data traffic of the terminal device will be routed through a specific gateway station.

[0222] The second indication information is used to indicate feeder link information. For example, the feeder link information indicates one or more feeder links including K feeder links; and / or, the feeder link information indicates one or more feeder links including N gateway stations. That is, the user subscription information can include a specified feeder link, which means that the data traffic of the terminal device will be routed through the gateway station corresponding to the specific feeder link.

[0223] The third indication information is used to indicate the geographical location of the gateway station. For example, the gateway station located in this geographical information includes N gateway stations, and / or, the gateway station located in this geographical information includes K gateway stations where power supply links are located. That is, user subscription information can include geographical area restrictions, allowing data traffic from terminal devices to be routed within a specific geographical area. This is particularly important for services that need to comply with data sovereignty regulations in specific regions, ensuring that the processing and storage of data within geographical boundaries complies with local legal requirements.

[0224] The fourth indication information is used to indicate the country where the gateway station is located. For example, the information may specify that there are N gateway stations located in that country, and / or that there are K gateway stations where power supply links are located. Similar to geographic region localization, user subscription information can specify a specific country to comply with data localization requirements and meet compliance and policy needs.

[0225] The fifth indication information is the data network name (DNN) information used to indicate the data processed by the terminal device. For example, the DNN information indicates that the DNN is connected to N gateway stations, and / or, the DNN information indicates that the DNN is connected to K gateway stations where feeder links are located. The DNN is used to identify a specific data network. Specifying the DNN in the user subscription information allows the terminal device to select or be restricted to a specific data network, which helps network operators provide customized services.

[0226] The sixth indication information is the data network access identifier (DNAI) used to indicate the data processed by the terminal device. For example, the DNAI indicates that the gateway stations connected to the DNN include N gateway stations, and / or, the DNAI indicates that the gateway stations connected to the DNN include K gateway stations where feeder links are located. The DNAI is used to further distinguish different services within the same DNN. Specifying the DNAI in the user subscription information helps the network more precisely control the terminal device's access to specific services, thus constraining the flow of user services to specific data network (DN) instances.

[0227] Therefore, in Example 1, the first information received by the first communication device in step S301 for determining the first user plane function can be user subscription information. By adding one or more of the following to the user subscription information: gateway station information, power supply link information, geographical information, country information, DNN, or DNAI, the first communication device can more flexibly obtain routing policy information, accurately select the user plane function and gateway station that match the user subscription information, implement security policies, ensure service quality and reliability, and thus improve the user experience.

[0228] Optionally, in Implementation Example 1, the first communication device can send a request message to the second communication device, causing the second communication device to send first information (i.e., user subscription information) to the first communication device based on the request message. Taking the first communication device as SMF and the second communication device as UDM as an example, the request message sent by SMF to UDM can be a Nudm_SubscriberManagement message, and the first information sent by UDM to SMF can be a Nudm_SubscriberManagement message, or other messages / signaling / information defined by the network in the future.

[0229] Example 2: The first piece of information is the policy information of the terminal device.

[0230] In Example 2, the policy information can come from the policy control function (PCF) or other functions / network elements defined in the future network. In other words, the second communication device mentioned above can be a PCF.

[0231] Optionally, the policy information can be generated, determined, or obtained by the policy control function based on routing information between the user plane function and the data network. This routing information may include the aforementioned gateway station information and / or feeder link information. For example, the routing information may be N6 routing information, or other descriptions defined in the future network definition.

[0232] In one possible implementation of Example 2, the strategy information includes: a seventh instruction and / or an eighth instruction.

[0233] The seventh instruction information is used to indicate gateway station information. That is, the policy information can include a specified destination gateway station, which means that the data traffic of the terminal device will be routed through a specific gateway station.

[0234] The eighth indication information is used to indicate the power supply link information. That is, the policy information can include a specified power supply link, which means that the data traffic of the terminal device will be routed through the gateway station corresponding to the specific power supply link.

[0235] Therefore, in Example 2, the first information received by the first communication device for determining the first user plane function can be policy information. By adding gateway station information and / or power supply link information to the policy information, the first communication device can determine the first user plane function that matches the gateway station information and / or power supply link information. This allows the satellite to achieve differentiated data landing based on application needs and constraints, landing from specific gateway stations. This avoids problems such as delays and data transmission stability caused by improper gateway station selection or gateway station switching, thereby improving the efficiency of traffic routing.

[0236] Optionally, the strategy information further includes ninth indication information, which indicates the service flow description information of the first service flow transmitted on the first transmission path, and the first transmission path is included in the one or more transmission paths. The service flow description information is used to identify and classify different network traffic, filtering specific application traffic to achieve differentiated processing for different services. For example, the service flow description information includes application information (such as application identifier) ​​corresponding to the service flow, and / or, five-tuple information corresponding to the service flow. Therefore, the first information received by the first communication device in step S301 for determining the first user plane function may include the ninth indication information, enabling the first communication device to select the first user plane function based on the service flow description information indicated by the ninth indication information. This allows data from the terminal device to be transmitted through the user plane function and gateway station that matches the service flow description information, providing differentiated services and improving service quality and reliability.

[0237] Optionally, the ninth indication information may indicate service flow description information for one or more service flows that are transmitted on part or all of the one or more transmission paths mentioned above. For example, if data from a terminal device is transmitted on one or more transmission paths, the ninth indication information may indicate service flow description information on each transmission path. For example, the ninth indication information may indicate the service flow description information for a first service flow. As another example, the ninth indication information may indicate the service flow description information for a second service flow, which will be described later.

[0238] Optionally, in Implementation Example 2, the first communication device can send a request message to the second communication device, causing the second communication device to send first information (i.e., policy information) to the first communication device based on the request message. Taking the first communication device as SMF and the second communication device as PCF as an example, the request message sent by SMF to PCF can be an Npcf_Policy Association Request message, or other messages / signaling / information defined by the network in the future. For example, the Npcf_Policy Association Request message can be used to request a policy, including application DNN and / or slice information. Furthermore, the first information sent by PCF to SMF can be an Npcf_Policy Association Response message, or other messages / signaling / information defined by the network in the future. For example, the Npcf_Policy Association Response message can be a response to the Npcf_Policy Association Request message, used to indicate the policy. Wherein, if the policy is at the PDU session level, the first information can include seventh and / or eighth indication information; if the policy is at the service flow level, it also includes ninth indication information.

[0239] In one possible implementation of Example 2, the second information sent by the first communication device in step S303 is also used to indicate the service flow description information of the first service flow, so that the third communication device (i.e., the first user plane function) can process the first service flow based on the service flow description information of the first service flow.

[0240] Optionally, for the third communication device (i.e., the first user plane function), when processing data from the terminal device, the third communication device can forward the data based on the service flow description information of the first service flow. For example, after receiving data from the terminal device, the terminal device can determine whether the received data matches the service flow description information of the first service flow based on the service flow characteristics (e.g., 5-tuple, application information). If a match is found, the third communication device can send or forward the data through the aforementioned N gateway stations and / or K power supply links; if a mismatch is found, the third communication device can send or forward the data through other means. For example, the other means can be sending or forwarding the data through other gateway stations and / or other power supply links, wherein the gateway stations corresponding to the other gateway stations and / or other power supply links can be selected based on geographical proximity (choosing the closer gateway station) or based on load balancing (choosing the gateway station with the lighter load).

[0241] In one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 3, the method may further include:

[0242] S304. The first communication device sends third information, and correspondingly, the fourth communication device receives the third information. Taking the fourth communication device as a second user plane function as an example, the first communication device sends the third information to the second user plane function, which is a user plane function that interfaces with the access network equipment to which the terminal device is connected. The third information is used to instruct the second user plane function to send a second service flow to the first user plane function. The second service flow is transmitted on a second transmission path, and the second transmission path is included in the one or more transmission paths.

[0243] Therefore, if the second user plane function of the access network device interface to which the terminal device is connected is not the same as the first user plane function, the first communication device can also send third information to the second user plane function, so that the second user plane function can send the second service flow to the first user plane function based on the third information, so that the first user plane function can process the second service flow subsequently.

[0244] Optionally, the third information may also be used to indicate the service flow description information of the second service flow. For example, the third information sent by the first communication device may also be used to indicate the service flow description information of the second service flow, enabling the second user plane function to process the second service flow based on the service flow description information of the second service flow. Optionally, the first communication device may obtain the service flow description information of the second service flow through the aforementioned ninth indication information.

[0245] Optionally, for the fourth communication device (i.e., the second user plane function), when processing data from the terminal device, the fourth communication device can forward the data based on the service flow description information of the second service flow. For example, after receiving data from the terminal device, the terminal device can determine whether the received data matches the service flow description information of the second service flow based on the service flow characteristics (e.g., 5-tuple, application information). If a match is found, the fourth communication device can send or forward the data to the gateway stations corresponding to N gateway stations and / or K feeder links through the first user plane function. If a mismatch is found, the third communication device can send or forward the data through other means. For example, the other means can be sending or forwarding the data through other gateway stations and / or other feeder links, wherein the gateway stations corresponding to the other gateway stations and / or other feeder links can be selected based on geographical proximity (choosing the closer gateway station) or based on load balancing (choosing the gateway station with the lighter load).

[0246] To facilitate understanding of the above solution, the following description will be provided with reference to more accompanying drawings.

[0247] Figure 4 shows an example of an application scenario of the above solution, and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the method in the scenario example shown in Figure 4.

[0248] In Figure 4, satellite A may include a first user plane function (e.g., hardware and / or software modules in satellite A are used to implement the first user plane function). Any one or more of SMF, UDM, and PCF can be integrated into the core network or satellite A in the figure. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes the following process. Optionally, in Figure 4, the first user plane function is the user plane function that interfaces with the access network equipment to which the terminal device is connected.

[0249] It should be understood that in Figure 4, satellite A can be a geostationary satellite, a non-geostationary satellite, an artificial satellite, a low-Earth orbit satellite, a medium-Earth orbit satellite, a high-Earth orbit satellite, or other satellites as defined by the future network, which are not specifically limited herein.

[0250] Step 1. Establish or modify a PDU session between the terminal device and the SMF.

[0251] It should be noted that the process of establishing or modifying a PDU session can be referred to Figure 1b above and related descriptions.

[0252] For example, in step 1, the terminal device initiates an access request via satellite A. Satellite A forwards the terminal device's registration request to the ground-based AMF via the satellite link. After receiving the terminal device's registration request, the AMF performs authentication and access authorization, and returns a registration confirmation message to the terminal device, indicating successful user registration. The terminal device sends a PDU Session Establishment Request message to the AMF based on the application. The AMF queries the NRF based on S-NSSAI and DNN to select a suitable SMF, and sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message to the SMF to request the establishment of a PDU session. The session establishment request information includes: DNN, S-NSSAI, PDU Session ID, etc.

[0253] Step 2. The PCF sends policy information to the SMF. For example, this policy information is generated, determined, or obtained based on N6 routing information.

[0254] For example, the SMF initiates an SM Policy Association Establishment procedure to establish a connection with the PCF and requests the PCF to establish an SM policy session for the PDU session. The PCF obtains enhanced N6 traffic routing information, which adds fields related to gateway station selection to the original information list, including: gateway station ID and / or feeder link ID (optionally, it may also include service flow description information, such as 5-tuple information and / or Application ID). Based on the N6 information and other pre-configured policy information, the PCF determines and sends policy information to the SMF, which can indicate the data routing policy for the PDU session.

[0255] Step 3. UDM sends user subscription information to SMF.

[0256] For example, the SMF requests the user's subscription data from the UDM. The enhanced subscription information includes fields related to the landing gateway (e.g., based on the user's geographic location or service requirements, the subscription indicates that the DNN+S-NSSAI data needs to be landed from a specific gateway). The UDM returns the relevant user data, and the SMF receives the information returned by the UDM.

[0257] It should be understood that the policy information in step 2 or the user subscription information in step 3 is an implementation example of the first information in step S301 above. The SMF can determine the first user plane network element based on this first information. The following explanation uses the example of the aforementioned specific gateway station including gateway station A.

[0258] For example, the SMF determines the first user plane network element based on the DNN, S-NSSAI, and one of the following information A or information B: Information A is the indication information for routing from a specific gateway station obtained by the SMF from the UDM session subscription information, and information B is the indication information for routing from a specific gateway station obtained by the SMF from the policy information obtained by the PCF. In this embodiment, the SMF selects a GEO onboard UPF that supports connection to the gateway station A as the session anchor UPF based on the gateway station indication.

[0259] Optionally, the SMF can discover and select GEO-borne UPFs via the NRF. The NRF acts as a service discovery and registration center, storing information about all network functions in the network. Furthermore, to support the SMF's selection of GEO-borne UPFs, specific information can be added to the UPF's configuration profile, including:

[0260] 1. UPF Location Information: The geographical location information of the UPF helps the SMF select the UPF that is closest to the user or service needs.

[0261] 2. UPF Capability Information: The functions supported by the UPF, such as connectable ground gateway stations and processing capabilities, help the SMF make selections based on the actual situation of the UPF.

[0262] 3. Supported DNNs and S-NSSAI: The UPF needs to support specific DNNs and S-NSSAI, and this information will affect the SMF's selection decision.

[0263] 4. N4 Interface Information: The UPF communicates with the SMF through the N4 interface, so the IP address and port information of the N4 interface need to be provided.

[0264] Step 4. After determining the first user plane function based on policy information or user subscription information, the SMF sends the second information to satellite A where the first user plane function is located. It should be understood that step 4 is an implementation example of step S303 above.

[0265] For example, the SMF configures packet detection rules (PDRs) for the UPF based on policy information obtained from the PCF or subscription data obtained from the UDM. The PDR may contain information for packet detection, such as one or more of the following: source interface, network instance, terminal device IP, SDF filter, Application ID, and QFI. Furthermore, the SMF can define specific matching conditions in the PDR, such as five-tuple information (source IP, destination IP, source port, destination port, protocol type) and a specified gateway ID, to ensure that specific data flows are routed through a specified gateway. Optionally, the SMF distributes the defined rules to the first user plane function via a Pfcp_Session Establishment Request message.

[0266] Step 5. The terminal device sends its data to satellite A.

[0267] Subsequently, the first user plane function in satellite A can send data from the terminal device based on step 6a, or the first user plane function in satellite A can send data from the terminal device based on steps 6b and 6c.

[0268] For example, after receiving information, the first user plane function matches the locally configured rules with the received information and responds with a Pfcp_Session Establishment Response message. When the uplink data stream arrives at the first user plane function, the first user plane function classifies and matches the data stream according to the PDR issued by the SMF. Once the PDR is successfully matched, the UPF looks up the forwarding action rules (FARs) associated with the PDR. The FARs contain forwarding decision information, such as whether to forward the data packet and which gateway station to forward it to.

[0269] As an example, all data streams from the terminal device are routed to a specific gateway station. The rules issued by the SMF specify a specific gateway station ID. The first user plane function routes all data streams to the specified gateway station according to the matching rules, as shown in step 6a.

[0270] As another example, if there is other data in the terminal device's session, and only the data specified by the application is dropped from a specific gateway station, then the PDR includes a filter. The first user plane function filters and classifies the received data packets according to the information, and then the FAR instructs the gateway station (gateway station ID or network instance) to drop the matching data stream from the specific gateway station A, while other data streams are dropped from other gateway stations (such as gateway station B), as shown in steps 6b and 6c.

[0271] Step 6a. Satellite A sends the data of the terminal device to gateway station A based on the second information.

[0272] Step 6b. Satellite A sends a portion of the terminal device's data to gateway station A based on the second information.

[0273] Step 6c. Satellite A sends another part of the data from the terminal device to gateway station B based on the second information.

[0274] Figure 6 shows an example of an application scenario of the above solution, and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the method in the scenario example shown in Figure 6.

[0275] In Figure 6, satellite A may include a first user plane function (e.g., hardware and / or software modules in satellite A are used to implement the first user plane function), and satellite B may include a second user plane function (e.g., hardware and / or software modules in satellite B are used to implement the first user plane function). Any one or more of SMF, UDM, and PCF can be integrated into the core network or satellite A or satellite B in the figure. Optionally, in Figure 6, the second user plane function is the user plane function that interfaces with the access network equipment to which the terminal device is connected. For example, the second user plane function can be an uplink classifier (UL CL).

[0276] It should be understood that in Figure 6, satellite A or satellite B can be a geostationary satellite, a non-geostationary satellite, an artificial satellite, a low-Earth orbit satellite, a medium-Earth orbit satellite, a high-Earth orbit satellite, or other satellites as defined by the future network, and this application does not specifically limit them. As an example, satellite A can be a high-Earth orbit satellite and satellite B can be a low-Earth orbit satellite. As another example, satellite A can be a high-Earth orbit satellite and satellite B can be a medium-Earth orbit satellite.

[0277] As shown in Figure 7, the method includes the following process.

[0278] Step 1. Establish or modify a PDU session between the terminal device and the SMF.

[0279] Step 2. PCF sends policy information to SMF.

[0280] Step 3. UDM sends user subscription information to SMF.

[0281] It should be noted that steps 1 to 3 can be referred to the implementation process of steps 1 to 3 in Figure 5.

[0282] Step 4. After determining the first user plane function based on policy information or user subscription information, the SMF sends the second information to satellite A where the first user plane function is located. It should be understood that step 4 is an implementation example of step S303 above.

[0283] For example, since satellite B, to which the terminal device is connected, cannot directly connect to the designated gateway station, the SMF must select an available user plane network element from among many user plane network elements based on session subscription data or PCC policy. In this embodiment, the SMF selects a GEO-based user plane network element that supports connection to gateway station A as the secondary anchor point user plane network element (i.e., the first user plane function) for the session, based on the gateway station's indication, and simultaneously selects the user plane network element to which the terminal device is connected as the primary anchor point user plane network element (i.e., the second user plane function). In this configuration, the first user plane function can be a ground-based user plane network element responsible for maintaining the stability of the PDU session and serving as the final routing point for the data flow. The second user plane function performs traffic offloading logic on satellite B, while the first user plane function assists in processing the routing of specific traffic on satellite A.

[0284] Optionally, in step 4, the SMF establishes a PFCP session with the first user plane function on satellite A and inserts it into the current user session. During the establishment of the PFCP session, the SMF notifies the first user plane function on satellite A of the designated gateway ID, the mapping relationship between the feeder link and the gateway ID, etc., to ensure that specific data streams are delivered through the designated gateway. For example, the SMF sends the defined rules to the first user plane function via the Pfcp_Session Establishment Request message.

[0285] Step 5. The SMF sends third information to satellite B, where the second user plane function is located. It should be understood that step 5 is an implementation example of step S304 above.

[0286] For example, when a terminal device accesses a second user plane function on satellite B that needs to redirect traffic to user plane network elements on a GEO satellite, the SMF can select a UL CL user plane network element based on the user's DNN, location, and other information, and insert it into the current session. During the establishment of the PFCP session, the SMF issues a PDR to the second user plane function on satellite B, notifying it of the traffic redirection rules that the second user plane function needs to enable. For example, these rules are based on the Application ID and five-tuple information (source IP, destination IP, source port, destination port, and protocol type). Simultaneously, the PDR is an information element used to carry policy control information, including one or more of the following: rule name, forwarding action, and service processing action. As an example, the information contained in the traffic redirection rules is shown in Table 2 below.

[0287] Table 2

[0288] Step 6. The terminal device sends its data to satellite B.

[0289] Step 7. Satellite B sends the data from the terminal device to Satellite A based on the third information.

[0290] For example, when a terminal device sends an uplink data packet to satellite B, since satellite B cannot connect to the application-specified gateway station, the second user plane function on satellite B, after receiving the PDR issued by the SMF in step 5, can detect and classify the passing user plane data flow according to the flow matching rules defined in the PDR. For example, the PDR contains features for matching specific traffic, such as the IP 5-tuple (source IP address, destination IP address, source port, destination port, protocol type). The second user plane function examines the passing data packets and identifies their traffic characteristics, such as application layer protocols, Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, and data flow direction. The PDR may contain one or more SDF templates that define how to match based on traffic characteristics. These characteristics are used to match the rules defined in the PDR. If the characteristics of the data packet match the rules in the PDR, the second user plane function will perform the actions defined in the PDR, such as forwarding the traffic to the specified anchor user plane network element (i.e., the first user plane function).

[0291] Alternatively, if the characteristics of the data packet do not match the rules in the PDR, satellite B can transmit the terminal device's data through other means. For example, satellite B can transmit the terminal device's data through gateway station C in Figure 6, as shown in step 9.

[0292] Step 8a. Satellite A sends the data of the terminal device to gateway station A based on the second information.

[0293] Step 8b. Satellite A sends a portion of the terminal device's data to gateway station A based on the second information.

[0294] Step 8c. Satellite A sends another part of the data from the terminal device to gateway station B based on the second information.

[0295] It should be noted that the implementation process of steps 8a to 8c can be referred to the implementation process of steps 6a to 6c in Figure 5 above.

[0296] Step 9. Satellite B, based on third-party information, sends the data of the terminal device to gateway station C.

[0297] As can be seen from the above implementation processes, the solution provided in this application has the following technical effects.

[0298] In some implementations, the N6 routing information structure is enhanced by adding gateway station information to the fields. The SMF uses the enhanced N6 routing information to generate policy information that assists in selecting and configuring user plane network elements for routing to ground gateway stations. For example, the enhanced N6 routing information allows satellites to achieve differentiated data delivery based on application needs and constraints, delivering data from specific ground gateway stations. This avoids issues such as latency and data transmission stability caused by improper gateway station selection or switching, thus improving traffic routing efficiency.

[0299] In some implementations, by enhancing user subscription information, restrictions on terrestrial gateways, geographical regions, countries, DNNs, and DNAIs are increased. For example, enhanced subscription information allows SMFs to more flexibly obtain routing policy information, accurately select the most suitable user plane network elements and terrestrial gateways, implement security policies, and ensure service quality and reliability.

[0300] In some implementations, defining context information for core network element interfaces supplements the satellite gateway station routing architecture with inter-network element collaboration processes and context information. For example, defining context information for core network element interfaces allows the NTN to more flexibly adapt to different service requirements and network constraints, enhancing network scalability. Enhanced context information helps the SMF more accurately select the most suitable user plane network elements and ground gateway stations, reducing unnecessary data transmission and relay.

[0301] In some implementations, UL Classifiers are used to redirect specific traffic between satellites according to application requirements and restrictions, detect and classify traffic data, and forward it to the correct anchor user plane network element based on configured rules and policies. SMF can configure the correct routing information for satellite-borne user plane network elements and select the optimal landing gateway to support efficient data transmission in NTN. This architecture allows the network to dynamically adjust data flow routing based on service needs and user locations, achieving service differentiation and stability.

[0302] Please refer to Figure 8. This application embodiment provides a communication device 800, which includes a transceiver unit 802 and a processing unit 801.

[0303] It should be understood that the communication device 800 can perform the functions of any communication device (e.g., the first communication device or the second communication device) in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device 800 can be any communication device in the above method embodiments, or it can be an integrated circuit or component, such as a chip, inside any communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0304] In one possible implementation, when the device 800 is used to execute the method performed by the first communication device in the foregoing embodiments, the transceiver unit 802 is used to receive first information, which indicates N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data, where N and K are positive integers; the processing unit 801 is used to determine a first user plane function based on the first information, which is connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links; the first user plane function is used to transmit the data of the terminal device; the transceiver unit 802 is also used to send second information to the first user plane function, which indicates the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links.

[0305] In another possible implementation, when the device 800 is used to execute the method performed by the second communication device in the foregoing embodiments, the processing unit 801 is used to determine first information, which is used to indicate N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data, where N and K are positive integers; wherein, the first information is used to determine a first user plane function, which is connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links, and the first user plane function is used to transmit the data of the terminal device; the transceiver unit 802 is used to send the first information.

[0306] In another possible implementation, when the device 800 is used to execute the method performed by the third communication device in the foregoing embodiments, the transceiver unit 802 is used to receive second information, which indicates N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data, where N and K are positive integers; wherein the N gateway stations and / or K power supply links are connected to the first user plane function, which is used to transmit the terminal device's data; and the processing unit 801 is used to process the terminal device's data based on the second information.

[0307] In another possible implementation, when the device 800 is used to execute the method performed by the fourth communication device in the aforementioned embodiments, the transceiver unit 802 is used to receive third information, which instructs the second user plane function to send a second service flow to the first user plane function. The second service flow is transmitted on a second transmission path, which includes one or more transmission paths for the data of the terminal device. The first user plane function is used to transmit the data of the terminal device, and the second user plane function is a user plane function that interfaces with the access network device to which the terminal device is connected. The processing unit 801 is used to process the data of the terminal device based on the third information.

[0308] It should be noted that the information execution process and corresponding technical effects of the unit of the above-mentioned communication device 800 can be specifically described in the method embodiments shown above in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0309] Please refer to Figure 9, which is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 900 provided in this application. The communication device 900 includes at least an input / output interface 901. The communication device 900 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0310] Optionally, the communication device also includes logic circuitry 902.

[0311] In Figure 8, the transceiver unit 802 can be a communication interface, which can be the input / output interface 901 in Figure 9. The input / output interface 901 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0312] Optionally, the input / output interface 901 is used to receive first information, which indicates N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data, where N and K are positive integers; the logic circuit 902 is used to determine a first user plane function based on the first information, which is connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links; the first user plane function is used to transmit the terminal device's data; the input / output interface 901 is also used to send second information to the first user plane function, which indicates the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links.

[0313] Optionally, logic circuit 902 is used to determine first information, which indicates N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data, where N and K are positive integers; wherein, the first information is used to determine a first user plane function, which is connected to the N gateway stations and / or the K power supply links, and the first user plane function is used to transmit the data of the terminal device; the input / output interface 901 is used to send the first information.

[0314] Optionally, the input / output interface 901 is used to receive second information, which indicates N gateway stations and / or K power supply links on one or more transmission paths of the terminal device's data, where N and K are positive integers; wherein the N gateway stations and / or K power supply links are connected to the first user plane function, which is used to transmit the terminal device's data; the logic circuit 902 is used to process the terminal device's data based on the second information.

[0315] Optionally, the input / output interface 901 is used to receive third information, which instructs the second user plane function to send a second service flow to the first user plane function. The second service flow is transmitted on a second transmission path, which includes one or more transmission paths for the data of the terminal device. The first user plane function is used to transmit the data of the terminal device, and the second user plane function is a user plane function that interfaces with the access network device to which the terminal device is connected. The logic circuit 902 is used to process the data of the terminal device based on the third information.

[0316] The logic circuit 902 and the input / output interface 901 can execute the method executed by any of the communication devices in the aforementioned method embodiments and achieve the corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0317] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 801 shown in FIG8 can be the logic circuit 902 in FIG9.

[0318] Optionally, the logic circuit 902 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0319] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0320] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0321] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0322] Please refer to Figure 10, which shows the communication device 1000 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 1000 can be any of the communication devices in the above embodiments.

[0323] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1000, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1001 and a communication interface 1002.

[0324] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1003 and a bus 1004. In the embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1001 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1000.

[0325] Furthermore, the processor 1001 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly 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.

[0326] It should be noted that the communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the terminal device. The specific implementation of the communication device shown in Figure 10 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0327] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 1100 can specifically be a network device in the above embodiments, and the structure of the communication device can be referred to the structure shown in Figure 11.

[0328] The communication device 1100 includes at least one processor 1111 and at least one network interface 1114.

[0329] Optionally, the communication device 1100 further includes at least one memory 1112, at least one transceiver 1113, and one or more antennas 1115. The processor 1111, memory 1112, transceiver 1113, and network interface 1114 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1115 is connected to the transceiver 1113. The network interface 1114 is used to enable the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1114 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface. The network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network equipment), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0330] The processor 1111 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs, for example, to support the actions described in the embodiments of the communication device. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. The processor 1111 in Figure 11 can integrate the functions of both a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. Various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0331] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1112 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1111. Optionally, the memory 1112 can be integrated with the processor 1111, for example, integrated into a single chip. The memory 1112 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1111. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1111.

[0332] Figure 11 shows only one memory and one processor. In actual terminal devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; this application does not limit this.

[0333] Transceiver 1113 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1113 can be connected to antenna 1115. Transceiver 1113 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1115 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1113 is used to receive the radio frequency signals from the antennas, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to processor 1111 so that processor 1111 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1113 is also used to receive the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals from processor 1111, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals into radio frequency signals, and transmit the radio frequency signals through one or more antennas 1115. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0334] The transceiver 1113 can also be called an interface unit, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, interface module, etc. Optionally, the device in the interface unit that implements the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the interface unit that implements the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the interface unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0335] It should be noted that the communication device shown in Figure 11 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. The specific implementation of the communication device shown in Figure 11 can be referred to the descriptions in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0336] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a computer, the processor performs the method as described in any possible implementation of any of the communication devices (e.g., a first communication device, a second communication device, a third communication device, or a fourth communication device) in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0337] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) including instructions. When the instructions in the computer program product are executed by a processor, the processor performs a method that may be implemented by any of the communication devices (e.g., a first communication device, a second communication device, a third communication device, or a fourth communication device) in the above method embodiments.

[0338] This application also provides a chip system, which includes at least one processor for implementing the functions involved in any possible implementation of the communication device (e.g., the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, or the fourth communication device) in the above method embodiments.

[0339] Optionally, the chip system further includes interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the terminal device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0340] In one possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for any of the communication devices described in the above method embodiments. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0341] This application also provides a communication system, the network system architecture of which includes the first communication device and the second communication device in any of the above embodiments. Optionally, the communication system further includes a third communication device and / or a fourth communication device.

[0342] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are illustrative; for instance, the division of units is a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0343] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0344] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated units can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contribution of the technical solution of this application, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0345] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the embodiments of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

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