Service connection methods for non-terrestrial network, storage medium, electronic apparatus and computer program product

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are service connection methods for a non-terrestrial network, a storage medium, an electronic apparatus and a computer program product. A method comprises: on the basis of trajectory information during movement and preset satellite cell geographic information, a satellite-mounted base station sending a satellite cell service connection request to a core network, the satellite cell geographic information comprising a satellite cell ID; and receiving a request acknowledgement message sent by the core network, and establishing a service connection with a satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID, wherein the satellite cell is a geographic area of a preset range size.

Description

Non-terrestrial network service connection methods, storage media, electronic devices, and computer program products

[0001] Relevant publicly available cross-references

[0002] This disclosure is based on Chinese Patent Application No. 202510124771X, filed on January 26, 2025, entitled “Service Connection Method, Storage Medium, Electronic Device and Computer Program Product for Non-Terrestrial Networks”, and claims priority to that patent disclosure, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a service connection method for a non-terrestrial network, a storage medium, an electronic device, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0004] A space-ground integrated network refers to a global communication network in which space-based and ground-based network elements work seamlessly together to provide continuous coverage for users. A space-ground integrated network consists of a user segment, a ground segment, and a space segment. The user segment includes terminal devices such as mobile phones, vehicle-mounted and ship-mounted sensors, UAV communication modules, and IoT devices. The ground segment consists of ground gateway stations and a core network, enabling traditional terrestrial network communication as well as high-speed connections between the sky and the ground. The space segment consists of high, medium, and low orbit satellites, which, depending on the type of equipment they carry, can be divided into relay satellites, onboard base stations, and onboard core networks, forming a space-based network that works in conjunction with the ground network, including space-ground coordination and high, medium, and low orbit coordination, to achieve integrated space-ground communication.

[0005] In traditional space-ground integrated networks, the movement of satellites causes the cells they cover to move rapidly. When the cells covered by satellite base stations on the ground move rapidly, problems arise such as large overlapping areas and numerous overlapping cells, leading to mobility management issues such as signaling storms and frequent cell handovers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a service connection method, storage medium, electronic device, and computer program product for a non-terrestrial network.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a service connection method for a non-terrestrial network is provided, comprising:

[0008] The satellite-borne base station sends a satellite cell service connection request to the core network based on trajectory information during movement and preset satellite cell geographical information; the satellite cell geographical information includes a satellite cell ID; the satellite-borne base station receives a request confirmation message sent by the core network and establishes a service connection with the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID; wherein, the satellite cell is a geographical area of ​​a preset size.

[0009] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a service connection method for a non-terrestrial network is provided, comprising:

[0010] The core network receives a satellite cell service connection request sent by a satellite-borne base station during its movement; the satellite cell service connection request is sent by the satellite-borne base station based on its trajectory information during movement and preset satellite cell geographic information; the satellite cell service connection request carries the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID;

[0011] The core network authenticates the satellite-borne base station based on the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID;

[0012] If the verification is successful, the core network will identify the satellite base station as the serving base station of the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID, and send a request confirmation message to the satellite base station; the satellite cell is a geographical area of ​​a preset size.

[0013] According to yet another embodiment of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, wherein a computer program is stored therein, wherein the computer program is configured to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments when it is run.

[0014] According to yet another embodiment of this disclosure, an electronic device is also provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program and the processor is configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0015] According to yet another embodiment of this disclosure, a computer program product is also provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in any of the above method embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 is a hardware structure block diagram of the mobile terminal operating in the embodiments of the method disclosed herein;

[0017] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a service connection method for a non-terrestrial network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of satellite cell division according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the connection process of a space-ground integrated network satellite cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the disconnection process of a satellite cell in a space-ground integrated network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of service handover of a satellite cell serving base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a terminal moving and switching between satellite cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a service connection method for a non-terrestrial network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 9 is a structural block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0027] Mobility management is a process of selecting and reselecting base station-covered cells and triggering cell handover to ensure that mobile terminals can obtain a seamless service experience.

[0028] In a space-ground integrated network, because the satellite base stations are deployed on low-Earth orbit satellites, which are generally 150 to 2000 kilometers above the ground and take only 1.5 to 2 hours to orbit the Earth, the coverage cells of the satellite base stations on the ground are moving at high speed. Meanwhile, the satellite core network is deployed on high-Earth orbit satellites, which are about 36,000 kilometers above the ground and remain relatively stationary. At the same time, ground terminals and low-altitude aircraft terminals are also moving uncertainly, causing the topology of the space-ground integrated network to change continuously and dynamically. This poses a great challenge to existing mobility management.

[0029] In existing terrestrial networks, because base station locations are fixed and coverage areas are relatively fixed, mobility management mainly focuses on terminal mobility processing, triggering cell handover based on signal strength and cell load. However, in integrated terrestrial-satellite networks, base stations move, and coverage areas also move. Therefore, mobility management must consider not only terminal mobility processing but also base station mobility processing. The conditions for triggering cell handover must be based not only on signal strength and cell load but also on factors such as remaining satellite service time and elevation angle.

[0030] To address the mobility management challenges faced by integrated space-ground networks due to continuous dynamic changes in network topology, 3GPP recommends supporting fixed-earth cells and semi-fixed-earth cells. Fixed-earth cells are provided by signal beams that consistently cover the same geographical area, such as high-orbit geostationary satellite base stations. Semi-fixed-earth cells are low-orbit satellite base stations that continuously adjust their signal beam direction during movement, ensuring that the cell's coverage location remains constant for a period of time. Fixed-earth cells and semi-fixed-earth cells help alleviate mobility management problems such as frequent handovers and signaling storms caused by the rapid movement of spaceborne base stations.

[0031] Currently, mobility management schemes for communication networks are based on a unified binding relationship between cells and base stations. The effective area of ​​the base station's radio frequency signal transmission is the coverage area of ​​the cell. The coverage radius of a 5G base station is generally 0.5 to 1 kilometer. This fixed relationship is suitable for terrestrial communication networks, where the location of base stations is fixed, and therefore the cell range is also fixed. Moreover, through network optimization design and deployment, the coverage area of ​​a cell can be controlled within a smaller range compared to the overlapping area of ​​other cells, and the number of overlapping cells is relatively small. Therefore, terminal mobility management is relatively simple. By measuring the signal strength of the source base station cell and the candidate target base station cell within the overlapping area, it can be determined whether a handover is possible.

[0032] However, existing mobility management schemes are not suitable for space-ground integrated networks. Since the spaceborne base stations of space-ground integrated networks are constantly in flight, the cell range is not fixed and is constantly moving. Moreover, spaceborne base stations are deployed in space, and their cell coverage area is much larger than that of ground base stations, with a coverage radius of 100 to 1000 kilometers. Furthermore, due to the deployment of a large number of spaceborne base stations, the overlap area between cells is large, sometimes even the entire cell range overlaps, and often dozens of cells overlap. If existing mobility management schemes are still used for space-ground integrated networks, it will lead to increased signaling overhead for cell signal measurement and cell selection, which can easily cause signaling storms. At the same time, because the topology of space-ground integrated networks is constantly changing dynamically, the existing mobility management strategy based on optimal selection is more likely to lead to ping-pong handover and frequent handover, which will reduce system performance.

[0033] Moreover, fixed Earth cells require satellite base stations to be deployed in high geosynchronous orbit (e.g., at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers, with an air interface latency greater than 100ms), making them unsuitable for providing access services to terminals. While semi-fixed Earth cells can remain active for a period of time, the duration is short (e.g., at a satellite orbit altitude of 600 kilometers and a minimum elevation angle of 10°, the duration of a semi-fixed Earth cell is only a few minutes), after which a switch to a new cell is still required, involving the process of cell deletion and re-establishment.

[0034] Therefore, integrated space-ground networks urgently need a suitable mobility management method to avoid signaling storms and frequent handover issues caused by large overlapping cell areas and numerous overlapping cells, thus ensuring the performance and efficiency of integrated space-ground networks.

[0035] Based on this, this disclosure proposes a service connection method for non-terrestrial networks. The technical concept involves defining a dynamic connection relationship where the satellite cell range is fixed and the onboard base station is mobile. This separates the connection and service relationship between the onboard base station and the satellite cell, ensuring that the geographical range of the satellite cell remains constant, thus avoiding frequent handover issues caused by rapid cell movement. Based on this dynamic connection relationship, where the satellite cell range is fixed and the onboard base station is mobile, the terminal can establish a service connection with a specific satellite cell, reducing signal measurement and signaling interaction in overlapping coverage areas, thereby avoiding signaling storms. By changing the connection and service relationship between the onboard base station and the satellite cell, new features of fixed satellite cells, controllable overlapping areas, and controllable overlapping cells are achieved, effectively avoiding mobility management problems such as signaling storms and frequent handovers, ensuring the performance and efficiency of the integrated space-ground network, and significantly improving the performance and user experience of the integrated space-ground network.

[0036] The method embodiments provided in this disclosure can be executed in a mobile terminal, computer terminal, or similar computing device. Taking running on a mobile terminal as an example, FIG1 is a hardware structure block diagram of a mobile terminal running in the method embodiments of this disclosure. As shown in FIG1, the mobile terminal may include one or more (only one is shown in FIG1) processors 102 (processor 102 may include, but is not limited to, processing devices such as microprocessors MCUs or programmable logic devices FPGAs) and a memory 104 configured to store data. The mobile terminal may also include a transmission device 106 configured for communication functions and an input / output device 108. Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure shown in FIG1 is only illustrative and does not limit the structure of the mobile terminal. For example, the mobile terminal may also include more or fewer components than shown in FIG1, or have a different configuration than shown in FIG1.

[0037] The memory 104 may be configured to store computer programs, such as application software programs and modules, like the computer program corresponding to the non-terrestrial network service connection method in this embodiment of the present disclosure. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer program stored in the memory 104, thereby implementing the above-described method. The memory 104 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some instances, the memory 104 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories can be connected to the mobile terminal via a network. Examples of the above-described networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0038] The transmission device 106 is configured to receive or send data via a network. Specific examples of the network described above may include a wireless network provided by the mobile terminal's communication provider. In one example, the transmission device 106 includes a Network Interface Controller (NIC), which can connect to other network devices via a base station to communicate with the Internet. In another example, the transmission device 106 may be a Radio Frequency (RF) module configured to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0039] This embodiment provides a service connection method for a non-terrestrial network running on the aforementioned mobile terminal. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the service connection method for a non-terrestrial network according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the process includes the following steps:

[0040] Step S201: The satellite-borne base station sends a satellite cell service connection request to the core network based on the trajectory information during the movement and the preset satellite cell geographical information; the satellite cell geographical information includes the satellite cell ID.

[0041] For example, a satellite base station (SBS) refers to a base station deployed on a satellite, configured to provide wireless communication services to ground users. The satellite base station can move along with the satellite in orbit, and its geographical coverage area changes accordingly. In this embodiment of the disclosure, the satellite base station can dynamically establish or disconnect service connections with ground-based satellite cells based on its movement trajectory and preset satellite cell geographical information.

[0042] The core network (CN) is responsible for managing and controlling network resources, and processing data and control signaling within the network. In an integrated space-ground network, the core network not only handles control and data for the terrestrial network but also manages the connection between the satellite and the ground. When a satellite-based base station sends a service connection request to the core network, the core network is responsible for verifying the base station's identity and status, confirming the request, and coordinating the service connection between the satellite-based base station and the satellite cell.

[0043] As an example, trajectory information can be the movement path and time information of the satellite-borne base station following the satellite's orbit. Trajectory information includes parameters such as the satellite's speed, direction, and orbital altitude, as well as the changing position information of the satellite's ground vertical point (i.e., the point on the ground vertically projected by the satellite-borne base station or the ground point directly below the satellite-borne base station) over time. The satellite-borne base station can predict its future position based on the trajectory information, and thus determine when to approach or leave a specific satellite cell. In this embodiment of the disclosure, the range and location of the satellite cell do not change with the movement of the satellite-borne base station or the satellite, but are fixed as a specific geographical area on the ground. This pre-defined geographical information allows the satellite-borne base station to determine when it needs to establish service connections with which satellite cells based on its movement trajectory, thereby avoiding the problems of cell signal overlap and frequent handover caused by satellite movement.

[0044] As an example, the satellite-borne base station can determine its own vertically projected geographical location information on the ground (i.e., the geographical location information of the satellite ground vertical point) based on its trajectory information during its movement, and can send a satellite cell service connection request to the core network based on its current satellite ground vertical point geographical location information and the preset satellite cell geographical information.

[0045] As an example, satellite cell geographic information can be information generated in advance by the core network based on a preset Global Satellite Cell Service Plan (GSCSP) and synchronized to each satellite-based base station. The GSCSP records the period of a satellite's orbit around the Earth, and can record the time when a satellite-based base station becomes a candidate serving cell for each satellite cell, used to initiate connection services with the satellite cell.

[0046] Satellite cell geographic information can include the range and location information of a pre-defined satellite cell on the ground. For example, satellite cell geographic information may include, but is not limited to, satellite cell ID, onboard base station ID, geographic location information of the point of entry into the satellite cell, geographic location information of the point of entry into the satellite cell service, geographic location information of the point of departure from the satellite cell service, the central geographic location information of the satellite cell, and the geographic location information of the edge points of the satellite cell. Satellite cell geographic information can be used to guide onboard base stations on when and how to establish service connections with specific satellite cells.

[0047] A satellite cell ID can be a number used to uniquely identify a satellite cell. In this embodiment of the disclosure, the onboard base station can obtain the satellite cell ID in order to request the core network to establish a service connection with a specific satellite cell. The use of the satellite cell ID ensures accurate communication and coordination between the onboard base station and the terrestrial network.

[0048] As an example, the satellite cell service connection request sent by the satellite base station to the core network can carry the satellite cell ID and the satellite base station ID. The core network can receive the satellite cell service connection request and verify the identity of the satellite base station based on the satellite cell ID and the satellite base station ID in the satellite cell service connection request. If the verification is successful, the core network can send a request confirmation message to the satellite base station.

[0049] In step S202, the satellite-borne base station receives the request confirmation message sent by the core network and establishes a service connection with the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID; wherein, the satellite cell is a geographical area of ​​a preset size.

[0050] For example, the core network can authenticate the satellite base station based on the satellite cell service connection request sent by the satellite base station. If the authentication is successful, that is, if it is confirmed that the satellite base station can establish a connection or service relationship with a specific satellite cell, the core network sends a request confirmation message to the satellite base station.

[0051] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the satellite cell is a geographical area of ​​a preset size or a pre-defined geographical interval. Once the satellite cell is defined, its location and range are fixed.

[0052] As an example, a satellite-borne base station continuously operates in its preset orbit, while a satellite cell is a fixed geographical area on the ground. The satellite-borne base station, through its built-in positioning system (such as GPS) and trajectory prediction algorithms, can accurately calculate the position of the satellite's ground vertical point and its relationship to the geographical boundary of the satellite cell. When the satellite-borne base station's ground vertical point approaches the satellite cell's ingress service point (i.e., a preset geographical location, upon which the satellite-borne base station can initiate a service connection request), the satellite-borne base station can establish a service connection with that satellite cell.

[0053] In an integrated space-ground network, the satellite ground vertical point is the center point of the ground area covered by the satellite base station. As the satellite moves, the geographical location of the satellite ground vertical point on the ground will continue to change.

[0054] As an example, the size of a satellite cell can be determined based on factors such as population density, commercial prosperity, and business concentration. For instance, a satellite cell can be smaller if the population density is high, and a satellite cell can be larger if the population density is high.

[0055] As an example, the range of a satellite cell can be smaller than the line-of-sight range of the satellite base station. The satellite cell is generally the line-of-sight range directly above the satellite base station. For example, if the line-of-sight range of the satellite base station is 1,000 square kilometers, the range of the satellite cell is divided into 100 square kilometers.

[0056] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the satellite cell is defined as a geographical area of ​​a preset size, thereby separating the binding relationship between the satellite base station and the cell and changing it to a fixed geographical range of the satellite cell. The satellite cell does not rely on the signal beam of the satellite base station to determine the cell range, but sets the cell range according to ground population density, commercial prosperity, enterprise concentration, etc. At the same time, the cell range can be intelligently adjusted according to tidal effects, traffic volume change patterns, etc.

[0057] For example, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of satellite cell division according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Assuming that the satellite moves from right to left, that is, the satellite base station moves from right to left, as shown in Figure 3, the center position of the satellite cell can be called the center point, the edge position where the satellite moves into the satellite cell is called the right edge point, and the edge position where the satellite moves away from the satellite cell is called the left edge point.

[0058] The location can be set as the entry point of the satellite cell, with a length of A, the location can be set as the entry point of the satellite cell, with a length of B, the location can be set as the entry point of the satellite cell, with a length of C, the location can be set as the exit point of the satellite cell, and the location can be set as the exit point of the satellite cell, with a length of D, the location can be set as the exit point of the satellite cell. The lengths of A, B, C, and D can be configured according to actual needs, and this embodiment of the disclosure does not impose any restrictions.

[0059] Satellite-borne base stations can establish connections and service relationships with satellite cells based on their operational trajectory. For example, when a satellite ground vertical point reaches the point of entry into the satellite cell (i.e., the geographical location of the point of entry into the satellite cell), it initiates a satellite cell connection request. Once the connection request is granted, the satellite-borne base station becomes a candidate serving base station for the satellite cell. When a satellite ground vertical point reaches the point of entry into the satellite cell service (i.e., the geographical location of the point of entry into the satellite cell service), it initiates a service request. Once the service request is granted, the candidate serving base station can become a secondary serving base station and become the primary serving base station through the satellite cell service handover process. When a satellite ground vertical point reaches the point of departure from the satellite cell, it initiates a disconnection request, and the satellite-borne base station disconnects from the service and connection with the satellite cell.

[0060] As an example, upon receiving a request confirmation message, the satellite-based base station can establish a service connection with the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID. The satellite-based base station can then officially become the serving base station for that satellite cell and begin providing wireless communication services to users within the satellite cell. The establishment of the service connection initiates the service cycle of the satellite-based base station, which can terminate the service relationship with the satellite cell by requesting to leave the service area at the end of the service cycle.

[0061] In this embodiment, the connection and service relationship between the spaceborne base station and a specific satellite cell is controlled through interaction with the core network, which acts as a bridge and management mechanism. By sending confirmation requests, the core network ensures that the connection between the spaceborne base station and the satellite cell is established under conditions of legality and network resource availability, thus guaranteeing the efficient and stable operation of the integrated space-ground network. The establishment of service connections between the spaceborne base station and the satellite cell allows the spaceborne base station to selectively establish service connections with ground-based satellite cells based on its movement trajectory, thereby avoiding signaling storms and frequent handovers, and ensuring network performance and efficiency.

[0062] In one exemplary embodiment, the satellite-borne base station sends a satellite cell service connection request to the core network based on trajectory information during movement and preset satellite cell geographical information, including:

[0063] The satellite-borne base station determines its own satellite ground vertical point location information in the satellite cell based on trajectory information during movement and preset satellite cell geographical information; the satellite cell geographical information includes the geographical location of the satellite cell service point.

[0064] The satellite-borne base station determines its own satellite ground vertical point's location to the satellite cell service point based on the location information of its own satellite ground vertical point in the satellite cell and the geographical location of the satellite cell service point, and sends a satellite cell service connection request to the core network.

[0065] As an example, the satellite cell geographic information includes the geographic location of the satellite cell service point, which is a specific geographic location within a preset satellite cell, used to trigger the onboard base station to establish a service connection with the satellite cell during its movement.

[0066] As an example, during its movement, a satellite-based base station can continuously monitor the geographical location of its satellite ground vertical point to determine whether the satellite ground vertical point is located within a preset satellite cell. When the satellite ground vertical point reaches the service point location of the satellite cell, that is, when the satellite-based base station is about to enter the service range of the satellite cell, it can provide services to users within the satellite cell, and the satellite-based base station can trigger the establishment of a service connection with the satellite cell.

[0067] As an example, after a satellite-based base station determines that its satellite ground vertical point has reached the service point of a satellite cell, it can send a service connection request to the core network. The service connection request includes the satellite cell ID and the satellite-based base station's own identifier, indicating that the satellite-based base station requests to become the serving base station for that satellite cell. Upon receiving the request, the core network verifies the identity and status of the satellite-based base station, confirms the legitimacy of its request, and replies with a confirmation message, allowing the satellite-based base station to establish a service connection with the satellite cell.

[0068] Through the above embodiments, the spaceborne base station can proactively and precisely control the service connection with the satellite cell, avoiding frequent handovers and signaling storms caused by the rapid movement and wide coverage of satellites, effectively improving the performance and user experience of the integrated space-ground network. Simultaneously, it ensures the coordinated operation between the spaceborne base station and the terrestrial network; that is, when the satellite's ground vertical point approaches or reaches the satellite cell service point, the spaceborne base station can communicate with the core network in a timely manner to ensure that the establishment or disconnection of the service connection meets the network's optimization requirements.

[0069] In one exemplary embodiment, the satellite cell geographic information further includes the geographic location of the point entering the satellite cell; before sending the satellite cell service connection request to the core network, it also includes:

[0070] During its movement, the satellite-borne base station determines the arrival point of its satellite ground vertical point in the satellite cell based on the location information of its own satellite ground vertical point in the satellite cell and the geographical location of the point where it enters the satellite cell, and sends a satellite cell candidate connection request to the core network.

[0071] The satellite-borne base station receives a cell candidate connection confirmation message sent by the core network, identifying the candidate connection relationship with the satellite cell.

[0072] As an example, the geographical location of the entry point into the satellite cell can be a pre-defined geographical location within the satellite cell where the onboard base station begins to establish a connection with the satellite cell. As shown in Figure 3, the entry point into the satellite cell can be located within a certain distance of the edge of the satellite cell. When the satellite ground vertical point of the onboard base station reaches this point, it indicates that the onboard base station is about to enter the service range of the satellite cell and can begin to establish a connection with the cell.

[0073] As an example, when the ground vertical point of a satellite-based base station reaches the point of entry into a satellite cell, it can send a candidate connection request to the core network to establish a candidate connection relationship with the satellite cell. This step occurs before the satellite-based base station becomes the serving base station (secondary serving base station or primary serving base station) of the satellite cell and is a preparatory stage for establishing a service connection.

[0074] As an example, after receiving a satellite cell candidate connection request from a satellite-based base station, the core network can perform authentication and status verification. If the satellite-based base station's request is deemed legitimate, it is allowed to establish a candidate connection with the satellite cell. The core network can then send a cell candidate connection confirmation message to the satellite-based base station, formally confirming the candidate connection relationship between the satellite-based base station and the satellite cell. Upon receiving the candidate connection confirmation message, the satellite-based base station identifies that a candidate connection relationship has been established with the satellite cell and becomes the candidate serving base station (CSBS) for that cell.

[0075] In the candidate connection phase of this embodiment, a preliminary communication channel is established between the satellite-borne base station and the core network, preparing for subsequent service connections and data exchange. This ensures that the satellite-borne base station can smoothly enter and exit satellite cell service states in the integrated space-ground network, avoiding network instability and frequent handover issues caused by satellite movement. Through predefined satellite cell entry points and candidate connection requests, the satellite-borne base station can proactively negotiate with the core network to establish candidate connections in advance, further optimizing the timing and process of service connection establishment, and improving network efficiency and user experience.

[0076] In this embodiment, the satellite-borne base station sends a satellite cell service connection request to the core network based on its trajectory information during movement and preset satellite cell geographical information. The satellite cell geographical information includes a satellite cell ID. The base station receives a request confirmation message from the core network and establishes a service connection with the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID. The satellite cell is a geographical area of ​​a preset size. This solves the signaling storms and frequent handover problems caused by large overlapping cell areas and numerous overlapping cells in integrated space-ground network scenarios in related technologies. Based on the dynamic connection relationship of fixed satellite cell range and mobile satellite-borne base station, it effectively avoids signaling storms and frequent handover mobility management problems, ensuring the performance and efficiency of the integrated space-ground network.

[0077] The following example further illustrates the process by which a spaceborne base station establishes a connection with a satellite cell according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0078] Example 1

[0079] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the connection process of a satellite cell in a space-ground integrated network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. During the movement of the satellite base station, it can be arranged to become a serving base station or a backup base station of the satellite cell according to the movement trajectory. As shown in Figure 4, the specific steps may include:

[0080] Step 401: The satellite-borne base station moves and operates. When the satellite ground vertical point reaches the satellite cell entry point, the satellite-borne base station obtains the satellite cell identifier and base station identifier (i.e., satellite-borne base station ID) from the satellite cell geographic information.

[0081] Step 402: The satellite base station sends a candidate connection request message for the satellite cell to the core network. The candidate connection request message carries the satellite cell identifier and the base station identifier (i.e., the identifier of the satellite base station that arrives at the point of entering the satellite cell).

[0082] Step 403: The core network verifies the identity of the satellite base station based on the satellite cell identifier and the base station identifier. After verifying the legitimacy of the satellite base station's identity, it allows the satellite base station to connect to the satellite cell and returns a satellite base station candidate connection confirmation message.

[0083] Step 404: After receiving the candidate connection confirmation message, the satellite base station identifies the connection relationship with the satellite cell and becomes a candidate base station for the satellite cell.

[0084] Step 405: When the satellite ground vertical point of the onboard candidate base station reaches the entry cell service point of the satellite cell, the candidate base station sends a service connection request message for the satellite cell to the core network. The service connection request message carries the satellite cell identifier and the candidate base station identifier (i.e., the identifier of the onboard candidate base station).

[0085] Step 406: The core network verifies the identity of the satellite base station based on the satellite cell identifier and the candidate base station identifier. After verifying the legality of the candidate base station's identity, it allows the candidate base station to become the secondary serving base station of the satellite cell and returns a service connection confirmation message to the candidate base station.

[0086] Step 407: After receiving the service connection confirmation message, the candidate base station identifies its secondary service relationship with the satellite cell and becomes the secondary service base station of the satellite cell.

[0087] As an example, if the satellite cell has no serving base station at this time, the satellite-borne base station can directly become the master serving base station (MSBS) of the satellite cell.

[0088] In Example 1 above, the satellite base station is arranged into a candidate base station or serving base station for the satellite cell according to the mobile trajectory, giving the satellite cell the characteristics of being fixed, the overlapping area being controllable, and the overlapping cell being controllable. This can effectively avoid signaling storms and mobility management problems caused by frequent handovers, and ensure the performance and efficiency of the space-ground integrated network.

[0089] In one exemplary embodiment, the satellite cell geographic information further includes the geographic location of the satellite cell service point; after establishing a service connection with the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID, it also includes:

[0090] During its movement, the satellite-borne base station determines that its satellite ground vertical point has reached the service point of the departing satellite cell based on the location information of its own satellite ground vertical point in the satellite cell and the geographical location of the service point of the departing satellite cell, and sends a satellite cell deservice request to the core network.

[0091] The satellite-borne base station receives a disconnect service request confirmation message sent by the core network, disconnects from the satellite cell, and updates itself as a candidate base station.

[0092] As an example, after establishing a service connection with a satellite cell, the satellite-based base station can continuously monitor the location information of its satellite ground vertical point during its movement. When the satellite ground vertical point moves to a preset geographical location in the satellite cell's geographic information indicating a departure from the satellite cell's service point, the satellite-based base station is triggered to transition from a serving state to a candidate state, indicating that it is about to terminate its service to the satellite cell.

[0093] As an example, when a satellite-based base station determines that its satellite ground vertical point has reached the point of leaving the satellite cell service point, it can send a satellite cell disservice request to the core network to request termination as the serving base station for the satellite cell. The satellite cell disservice request is initiated by the satellite-based base station and can carry the satellite cell ID and the satellite-based base station's own identifier to notify the core network that the satellite-based base station will no longer provide services to the satellite cell.

[0094] As an example, after receiving a deservice request from a satellite-borne base station, the core network can authenticate and confirm the status of the satellite-borne base station to ensure that the satellite-borne base station can safely withdraw from the current satellite cell service. At the same time, the core network can send a deservice request confirmation message to instruct the satellite-borne base station to start the service disconnection process.

[0095] As an example, after receiving a detach service request confirmation message, the satellite-based base station can disconnect from the satellite cell. For instance, it can transfer all terminal connections in service to the next secondary serving base station or candidate base station to ensure service continuity. After disconnecting, the satellite-based base station will update its status to candidate base station and wait for the start of the next service cycle.

[0096] For example, as shown in Figure 3, after the satellite cell connection handover is completed, the onboard base station (which is now the secondary serving base station) continues to move. When the ground vertical point of the secondary serving base station moves away from the center of the satellite cell by more than a preset distance threshold C (as shown in Figure 3, the distance C between the center point of the satellite cell and the service point of the satellite cell), the secondary serving base station can send a service-to-service message to the core network. After confirmation by the core network, the secondary serving base station becomes a candidate base station for the satellite cell.

[0097] This disclosure ensures orderly service transitions between spaceborne base stations and satellite cells in an integrated space-ground network, avoiding signaling storms and frequent handovers. Spaceborne base stations can proactively manage their service cycles at the network layer, while the core network coordinates service handover and terminal connection transfers, thereby improving network stability and efficiency. It also enables customized and flexible management of satellite cells, better adapting to changes in ground population density, commercial prosperity, and enterprise concentration, as well as traffic flow patterns.

[0098] In one exemplary embodiment, the satellite cell geographic information further includes the geographic location of the satellite cell point; after establishing a service connection with the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID, it also includes:

[0099] During its movement, the satellite-borne base station determines that its satellite ground vertical point has reached the point of departure from the satellite cell based on the location information of its own satellite ground vertical point in the satellite cell and the geographical location of the point of departure from the satellite cell, and sends a satellite cell disconnection request to the core network.

[0100] The satellite-borne base station receives the disconnection request confirmation message sent by the core network, disconnects from the satellite cell, and is updated to an idle base station.

[0101] As an example, after the satellite-based base station establishes a service connection with the satellite cell, it can continuously monitor the location information of its satellite ground vertical point during its movement. When the satellite ground vertical point moves and approaches a preset departure point from the satellite cell in the satellite cell's geographic information, the satellite-based base station determines that it is about to leave the service area of ​​the satellite cell or is about to disconnect from the satellite cell.

[0102] As an example, after determining that its satellite ground vertical point has reached the point of departure from the satellite cell, the satellite-based base station can send a satellite cell disconnection request to the core network to request the termination of its service connection with that satellite cell. This satellite cell disconnection request is initiated proactively by the satellite-based base station and can carry the satellite cell ID and the satellite-based base station's own identifier to inform the core network that the satellite-based base station will no longer provide service to users within the satellite cell.

[0103] As an example, after the core network receives a disconnection request from the satellite base station, it can authenticate the satellite base station to ensure that the service connection between the satellite base station and the satellite cell can be safely and orderly disconnected. If the authentication is successful, the core network can send a disconnection request confirmation message to the satellite base station and instruct the satellite base station to start the disconnection process.

[0104] As an example, the disconnection process can be such that after receiving a disconnection request confirmation message, the satellite base station disconnects from the satellite cell. After disconnection, the satellite base station's status is updated to idle base station, and the satellite base station no longer provides services to any users in the satellite cell until the satellite base station approaches or enters the service range of the satellite cell again.

[0105] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the satellite base station (which is now a candidate base station) continues to move. When the ground vertical point of the candidate base station leaves the left edge of the satellite cell or exceeds the preset distance threshold D, the candidate base station can send a disconnect message to the core network. After confirmation by the core network, the candidate base station disconnects from the satellite cell and becomes an idle base station.

[0106] It should be noted that a satellite-borne base station orbits the Earth periodically in its satellite orbit. For a satellite cell with a fixed location relative to the Earth's surface, if the satellite-borne base station is not within the satellite cell's range or has not established a connection with a satellite cell, it can be called an idle base station for that satellite cell. If the satellite-borne base station reaches the satellite access point of that satellite cell, and the core network verifies its identity and allows the connection, it can be called a candidate base station for that satellite cell. If the satellite-borne base station reaches the satellite cell service point, and the core network verifies its identity and allows the service connection, it can be called a secondary serving base station for that satellite cell. If the satellite-borne base station completes a service handover as both a secondary and primary serving base station, it can be called the primary serving base station for that satellite cell.

[0107] This disclosure effectively manages the service lifecycle of spaceborne base stations in an integrated space-ground network, forming a closed-loop management process from connection establishment and service provision to connection termination. The spaceborne base station can proactively communicate with the core network based on its movement trajectory and key locations in the satellite cell's geographic information, ensuring that the establishment and termination of service connections are carried out in an orderly manner under network control, avoiding resource waste and network instability caused by rapid satellite movement. This improves the resource utilization efficiency of the integrated space-ground network, ensures network stability and service quality, and also provides a more flexible and efficient management method for the operation of spaceborne base stations.

[0108] The following example further illustrates the process of establishing a connection between a satellite base station and a satellite cell in accordance with the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0109] Example 2

[0110] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the disconnection process of a satellite cell in a space-ground integrated network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. During the movement of the satellite base station, it can be arranged into an idle base station of the satellite cell according to the movement trajectory, as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, it may include the following steps:

[0111] Step 501: The satellite-borne base station moves and operates. When the satellite ground vertical point reaches the departure point of the satellite cell, the satellite-borne base station can obtain the satellite cell identifier and the base station identifier (i.e., the identifier of the satellite-borne base station that has reached the departure point of the satellite cell) from the satellite cell geographic information.

[0112] Step 502: The satellite-borne base station can send a disconnection request message for the satellite cell to the core network. The disconnection request message can carry the satellite cell identifier and the base station identifier.

[0113] Step 503: The core network can authenticate the satellite base station based on the satellite cell identifier and the base station identifier. After verifying the legitimacy of the satellite base station's identity, it disconnects from the satellite cell and returns a connection confirmation message to the satellite base station.

[0114] In step 504, after receiving the disconnection confirmation message, the satellite base station can sever its connection with the satellite cell and become an idle base station.

[0115] The above Example 2 is based on the dynamic connection relationship of fixed satellite cell range and mobile satellite base station. According to the movement trajectory of satellite base station, satellite base station can be arranged into idle base station of satellite cell. This achieves the effect of controllable overlapping area and controllable overlapping cell. It can effectively avoid signaling storm and mobility management problems of frequent handover, and ensure the performance and efficiency of space-ground integrated network.

[0116] In one exemplary embodiment, it further includes:

[0117] The satellite-borne base station receives a service switching message sent by the core network and determines that the primary serving base station currently connected to the satellite cell is another satellite-borne base station.

[0118] The satellite-borne base station establishes a service connection with the terminal corresponding to the other satellite-borne base stations, wherein the terminal is a terminal that has disconnected its service connection with the other satellite-borne base stations.

[0119] In response to the handover completion confirmation message sent by the core network, the satellite-borne base station switches to the primary serving base station currently connected to the satellite cell.

[0120] For example, when a satellite-borne base station (i.e., a secondary serving base station, SSBS) arrives at the entry point into a satellite cell during its movement, it can send a service connection request to the core network. Upon receiving the service connection request and confirming that the satellite-borne base station can become the serving base station for the satellite cell, the core network can initiate a service handover process.

[0121] As an example, during the service handover process, the core network can send a service handover message to the satellite base station. The service handover message can carry the identity information of the current master serving base station (MSBS) of the satellite cell and the service handover instruction, so that the satellite base station can take over the role of the current master serving base station and provide services to users in the satellite cell.

[0122] As an example, upon receiving a service handover message, a satellite-based base station can determine that it is a secondary serving base station, and the primary serving base station of the current satellite cell is another satellite-based base station. That is, the satellite-based base station is about to transition from a secondary serving base station to the primary serving base station of the satellite cell.

[0123] As an example, once a secondary serving base station determines that it will become the primary serving base station for a satellite cell, it can begin establishing service connections with terminals corresponding to the current primary serving base station (i.e., other satellite-based base stations). The secondary serving base station can interact with the terminals through the core network, sequentially transferring terminal connections to its own base station to ensure service continuity.

[0124] As an example, once the secondary serving base station successfully establishes service connections with all transferred terminals, the core network can send handover completion confirmation messages to both the original primary serving base station (i.e., other satellite-based base stations) and the secondary serving base station to confirm that the service handover has been completed. Upon receiving the handover completion confirmation message, the secondary serving base station officially switches over to become the primary serving base station for the satellite cell and begins providing communication services to all terminals in that cell. Simultaneously, the original primary serving base station will become a secondary serving base station or a candidate serving base station, eventually becoming an idle base station.

[0125] The above steps ensure that, in an integrated space-ground network, satellite cell service can smoothly transition from one satellite base station to another as the satellite base station moves, avoiding signaling storms and frequent handover issues. The service handover mechanism is the core of this embodiment. Through advance planning and orderly execution, it enables the satellite base station to seamlessly become the primary serving base station for the satellite cell during its orbital operation, providing stable and uninterrupted service to the terminal. This mechanism not only improves the utilization efficiency of network resources but also ensures the efficiency of mobility management and the continuity of user experience, making it a crucial component of mobility management solutions in integrated space-ground networks.

[0126] The following example further illustrates the service handover process of the satellite base station in this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] Example 3

[0128] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of service handover of a satellite cell serving base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the service relationship transition between the satellite-borne base station as the primary serving base station and the secondary serving base station of the satellite cell during its orbital operation may include the following steps:

[0129] Step 601: The core network sends service handover messages to the primary serving base station and the secondary serving base station of the satellite cell, respectively;

[0130] For example, the core network can be a spaceborne core network or a terrestrial core network. The core network can determine the role of the spaceborne base station currently connected to the satellite cell, namely the primary serving base station and the secondary serving base station, based on the current spaceborne base station connected to the satellite cell and the global satellite cell service plan, and then send service handover messages to the primary serving base station and the secondary serving base station respectively;

[0131] Step 602: The primary serving base station and the secondary serving base station respond to the service handover message and enter the service handover state respectively;

[0132] Step 603: In the service handover state, new terminal access requests in the satellite cell are handled by the secondary serving base station;

[0133] Step 604: The primary serving base station can transfer the existing terminal connections of the primary serving base station to the secondary serving base station in sequence.

[0134] Step 605: After all existing terminal connections of the primary serving base station in the satellite cell have been transferred to the secondary serving base station, the primary serving base station can send a service handover completion message to the core network.

[0135] Step 606: The core network sends a handover completion confirmation message to the primary serving base station and the secondary serving base station;

[0136] Step 607: The original primary serving base station is changed to the secondary serving base station, and the original secondary serving base station is changed to the primary serving base station. The service switchover of the satellite cell serving base station is completed.

[0137] The service handover process of the satellite cell serving base station in Example 3 above is a process in which the satellite cell confirms its own identity and role and actively initiates service handover based on its own location information of the satellite ground vertical point in the satellite cell during its movement. Compared with the passive handover process of the existing technology based on the user terminal detecting the target base station signal and triggering cell handover when the target base station signal exceeds the source base station signal or reaches a certain threshold, resources can be planned in advance and the handover process can be carried out in an orderly manner according to priority, traffic volume and other dimensions. This can effectively avoid signaling congestion caused by multiple terminals triggering at the same time.

[0138] Furthermore, the service connection method for non-terrestrial networks in this disclosure can also maintain compatibility with existing mobility management schemes, and the handover process of the terminal between satellite cells is consistent with the cell handover process of existing terrestrial networks.

[0139] For example, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a terminal moving and handing over between satellite cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 7:

[0140] Step 701: The mobile terminal detects that the signal strength of the target primary serving base station and the source primary serving base station meets the handover conditions, and sends a handover measurement report to the source primary serving base station;

[0141] Step 702: The source primary serving base station receives the handover measurement report, confirms the handover based on the handover measurement report, and sends a handover request message to the core network;

[0142] Step 703: The core network sends a handover request message to the target primary serving base station;

[0143] Step 704: The target primary serving base station sends and receives core network handover request messages, performs admission control, configures resources for the mobile terminal, and replies with a handover request confirmation message to the core network. This message carries the resource configuration information of the target primary serving base station for the mobile terminal.

[0144] Step 705: The core network sends a handover command to the source primary serving base station, carrying the resource configuration information of the target primary serving base station for the mobile terminal;

[0145] Step 706: The source primary serving base station forwards the resource configuration message of the target primary serving base station to the mobile terminal, and at the same time sends an uplink status transmission message to the core network. After receiving the message, the core network sends a downlink status transmission message to the target primary serving base station.

[0146] Step 707: After the mobile terminal accesses the target primary serving base station according to the resource configuration, it sends a handover completion message to the target primary serving base station.

[0147] Step 708: The target primary serving base station sends a handover completion message to the core network;

[0148] Step 709: The core network sends a mobile terminal release command message to the source primary serving base station, and the source primary serving base station replies with a mobile terminal release command completion message.

[0149] In other words, under the dynamic connection relationship of fixed satellite cell range and mobile satellite base station in this embodiment, the cell handover process of the existing terrestrial network can be compatible.

[0150] This embodiment also provides a service connection method for a non-terrestrial network. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the service connection method for a non-terrestrial network according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the process includes the following steps:

[0151] Step S801: The core network receives a satellite cell service connection request sent by the satellite-borne base station during its movement; the satellite cell service connection request is sent by the satellite-borne base station based on its trajectory information during movement and preset satellite cell geographical information; the satellite cell service connection request carries the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID.

[0152] For example, when a satellite-borne base station (e.g., a base station on a low-orbit satellite) approaches a preset geographical area of ​​a satellite cell based on its movement trajectory and reaches a preset entry point for the cell service, it can send a satellite cell service connection request to the core network.

[0153] For example, after receiving a satellite cell service connection request, the core network can parse the information carried in the request. The information carried in the request may include, but is not limited to, the satellite cell ID and the onboard base station ID. The satellite cell ID can be used to identify satellite cells in a specific geographical area, and the onboard base station ID can be used to identify the onboard base station that sent the service connection request.

[0154] As an example, the core network can authenticate satellite base stations based on satellite cell IDs and satellite base station IDs. This includes verifying the validity of the satellite base station ID, checking if the satellite base station is in a legitimate base station database, and ensuring that the satellite base station has the authority to provide services to the satellite cell.

[0155] As an example, after successful authentication, the core network can assess the current network status, including but not limited to network load, resource allocation, and the feasibility of connection requests. The core network can check whether the satellite cell already has a primary and secondary serving base station, and whether network resources are sufficient, to determine whether to allow the service connection request.

[0156] As an example, the core network can determine whether to allow the onboard base station to establish a service connection with the satellite cell based on the verification and / or evaluation results. If a service connection is established, the core network can send a service connection confirmation message to the onboard base station, confirming that it can become a secondary serving base station for the satellite cell and begin providing additional service capabilities to users within the satellite cell. If a service connection is rejected, the core network can send a corresponding rejection message.

[0157] As an example, when the satellite-based base station is confirmed as a secondary serving base station, the core network can be configured to coordinate the establishment of service connections. For instance, sending relevant configuration information, such as frequency bands and channels, to the core network via the satellite-based base station, and sending service handover messages to the current primary serving base station, can prepare for subsequent transitions in service relationships between primary and secondary serving base stations.

[0158] As an example, after a service connection is established, the core network can continuously monitor the service status between the onboard base station and the satellite cell. This includes monitoring network load, signal quality, and service performance metrics to ensure the stability and efficiency of the service connection.

[0159] In this embodiment, the core network plays a crucial role in receiving and processing satellite cell service connection requests sent by satellite base stations during their movement, encompassing network resource allocation, service connection decisions, and network status monitoring. The efficient and orderly execution of this process is essential for mobility management, network performance, and user experience in the integrated space-ground network. Through proactive satellite base station management and dynamic service connection mechanisms, the core network ensures the continuity of satellite cell coverage and consistency of service quality within the integrated space-ground network, while effectively avoiding issues such as signaling storms and frequent handovers.

[0160] In one exemplary embodiment, before the core network receives the satellite cell service connection request sent by the satellite-borne base station during movement, the method further includes:

[0161] The core network generates satellite cell geographic information for each satellite base station based on the geographical location range information of satellite cells in the preset global satellite cell service plan, the trajectory information of multiple satellite base stations during their movement, and the time information corresponding to the trajectory information, and synchronizes the satellite cell geographic information to the corresponding satellite base station.

[0162] The geographic information of each satellite cell includes at least one of the following: satellite cell ID, satellite base station ID, geographic location of entering the satellite cell service point, geographic location of entering the satellite cell point, geographic location of the satellite cell center point, geographic location of the satellite cell edge point, geographic location of leaving the satellite cell service point, and geographic location of leaving the satellite cell point.

[0163] In this embodiment of the disclosure, before the onboard base station establishes a service connection with the satellite cell, the core network can perform a series of planning and information synchronization tasks in advance, such as planning the geographical area of ​​the satellite cell and the time when the onboard base station becomes a candidate serving cell for each satellite cell, so as to ensure the efficient and orderly establishment of the service connection.

[0164] As an example, the core network can generate a satellite cell geographic information table for each satellite-borne base station based on information recorded in a pre-defined global satellite cell service schedule. The global satellite cell service schedule records the satellite cell boundary information, the time or geographic location information of a satellite-borne base station that can become a candidate serving base station, the time or geographic location information of a satellite-borne base station that can become a secondary or primary serving base station, and the time or geographic location information of leaving the satellite cell during its orbital period. The core network can use this information for intelligent planning to minimize signaling storms and frequent handover issues, thereby improving network performance and efficiency.

[0165] As an example, satellite cell geographic information can include the geographical locations of the satellite cell's boundaries, its center point, and other key points, such as the entry point to the cell service point, the entry point to the satellite cell, the exit point from the satellite cell service point, and the exit point from the satellite cell. The location and distance of these key points can be set based on factors such as ground population density, commercial prosperity, and enterprise concentration to optimize network coverage and resource allocation.

[0166] As an example, the core network can obtain the operational trajectory information of all satellite-borne base stations, including their direction of movement, speed, orbital altitude, and the timestamps corresponding to this information, in order to carry out effective network resource planning and management.

[0167] As an example, the core network can synchronize the generated satellite cell geographic information to each relevant satellite-based base station. This allows the satellite-based base station to know the satellite cell's geographic location in advance, and thus, based on its own trajectory information during movement, calculate when to send a satellite cell service connection request to the core network, when to become a serving base station for the satellite cell, and when to disconnect and become an idle base station awaiting the start of the next service cycle. This synchronization process ensures that the satellite-based base station can proactively and orderly establish and disconnect service connections with satellite cells without relying on signal detection and handover requests from terminal devices.

[0168] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the core network not only manages and allocates network resources in the integrated space-ground network, but also pre-plans the correspondence between the operating trajectory of the satellite base station and the service plan of the satellite cell, realizing intelligent scheduling and optimization at the network layer. By synchronizing the geographical information of the satellite cell to the satellite base station, it ensures that the satellite base station can actively establish a service connection with the satellite cell based on the planning information during movement, thereby becoming the serving base station of the satellite cell and providing stable and continuous communication services to the terminal. This mechanism avoids the problems of signaling storms and frequent handovers, improving the mobility management and user experience of the integrated space-ground network.

[0169] In one exemplary embodiment, before receiving the satellite cell service connection request sent by the satellite-borne base station during movement, the method further includes:

[0170] The core network receives a satellite cell candidate connection request sent by the satellite-borne base station during its movement. The satellite cell candidate connection request carries the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID.

[0171] The core network authenticates the satellite-borne base station based on the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID;

[0172] If the verification is successful, the core network will identify the satellite-borne base station as a candidate serving base station for the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID, and send a request confirmation message to the satellite-borne base station.

[0173] In step S802, the core network authenticates the satellite base station based on the satellite cell ID and the satellite base station ID.

[0174] In step S803, if the verification is successful, the core network determines the satellite base station as the serving base station of the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID, and sends a request confirmation message to the satellite base station; the satellite cell is a geographical area of ​​a preset size.

[0175] The process of the core network authenticating the satellite base station has been described in detail in steps S201 to S203 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0176] In one exemplary embodiment, after successful verification, the method further includes:

[0177] The core network identifies the primary serving base station currently connected to the satellite cell;

[0178] The core network determines that the primary serving base station currently connected to the satellite cell is another satellite base station besides the satellite base station.

[0179] The core network sends service switching messages to the satellite-borne base station and the other satellite-borne base stations respectively, so that the satellite-borne base station switches to the primary serving base station currently connected to the satellite cell;

[0180] In response to the handover completion message sent by the other satellite-based base stations, a handover completion confirmation message is sent to both the satellite-based base station and the other satellite-based base stations.

[0181] In one exemplary embodiment, after sending the request confirmation message to the satellite-borne base station, the method further includes:

[0182] The core network receives a satellite cell deservice request sent by the satellite-borne base station during its movement; the satellite cell deservice request carries the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID;

[0183] The core network authenticates the satellite-borne base station based on the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID;

[0184] If the verification is successful, the core network sends a deservice request confirmation message to the satellite-borne base station and confirms the satellite-borne base station as a candidate base station for the satellite cell.

[0185] In one exemplary embodiment, after sending the request confirmation message to the satellite-borne base station, the method further includes:

[0186] The core network receives a satellite cell disconnection request sent by the satellite-borne base station during its movement; the satellite cell disconnection request carries the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID;

[0187] The core network authenticates the satellite-borne base station based on the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID;

[0188] If the verification is successful, the core network sends a disconnection request confirmation message to the satellite base station and confirms the satellite base station as an idle base station of the satellite cell.

[0189] In this embodiment, the core network receives a satellite cell service connection request sent by a satellite-borne base station during its movement. The satellite cell service connection request is sent by the satellite-borne base station based on its trajectory information during movement and preset satellite cell geographical information. The satellite cell service connection request carries a satellite cell ID and a satellite-borne base station ID. The satellite-borne base station is authenticated based on the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID. If authentication is successful, the satellite-borne base station is identified as the serving base station for the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID, and a request confirmation message is sent to the satellite-borne base station. The satellite cell is a geographical area of ​​a preset size. Based on the dynamic connection relationship of a fixed satellite cell range and a moving satellite-borne base station, the connection and service relationship between the satellite-borne base station and the satellite cell are separated, ensuring that the geographical range of the satellite cell remains fixed. This solves the signaling storm and frequent handover problems caused by large overlapping cell areas and numerous overlapping cells in integrated space-ground network scenarios in related technologies.

[0190] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods according to the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this disclosure, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk), and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0191] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program configured to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments when executed.

[0192] In one exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, various media capable of storing computer programs, such as a USB flash drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard disk, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0193] Figure 9 is a structural block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, an embodiment of the present disclosure also provides an electronic device 90, including a memory 901 and a processor 902. The memory 901 stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0194] In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may further include a transmission device and an input / output device, wherein the transmission device is connected to the processor and the input / output device is connected to the processor.

[0195] Specific examples in this embodiment can be found in the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0196] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0197] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the modules or steps of this disclosure described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. They can be implemented using computer-executable program code, and thus can be stored in a storage device for execution by a computing device. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than those presented herein, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, this disclosure is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0198] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A service connection method for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: The satellite-borne base station sends a satellite cell service connection request to the core network based on the trajectory information during its movement and the preset satellite cell geographical information; The satellite cell geographic information includes the satellite cell ID; The satellite-borne base station receives a request confirmation message sent by the core network and establishes a service connection with the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID; wherein, the satellite cell is a geographical area of ​​a preset size.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The satellite-borne base station sends a satellite cell service connection request to the core network based on its trajectory information during movement and preset satellite cell geographic information, including: The satellite-borne base station determines its own satellite ground vertical point location information in the satellite cell based on trajectory information during movement and preset satellite cell geographical information; the satellite cell geographical information also includes the geographical location of the satellite cell service point. The satellite-borne base station determines its own satellite ground vertical point's location to the satellite cell service point based on the location information of its own satellite ground vertical point in the satellite cell and the geographical location of the satellite cell service point, and sends a satellite cell service connection request to the core network.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The satellite cell geographic information also includes the geographic location of the point entering the satellite cell; Before sending a satellite cell service connection request to the core network, the process also includes: During its movement, the satellite-borne base station determines the arrival point of its satellite ground vertical point in the satellite cell based on the location information of its own satellite ground vertical point in the satellite cell and the geographical location of the point where it enters the satellite cell, and sends a satellite cell candidate connection request to the core network. The satellite-borne base station receives a cell candidate connection confirmation message sent by the core network, identifying the candidate connection relationship with the satellite cell.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The satellite cell geographic information also includes the geographic location of the satellite cell service point; after establishing a service connection with the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID, it also includes: During its movement, the satellite-borne base station determines that its satellite ground vertical point has reached the service point of the departing satellite cell based on the location information of its own satellite ground vertical point in the satellite cell and the geographical location of the service point of the departing satellite cell, and sends a satellite cell deservice request to the core network. The satellite-borne base station receives a disconnect service request confirmation message sent by the core network, disconnects from the satellite cell, and updates itself as a candidate base station.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The satellite cell geographic information also includes the geographic location away from the satellite cell point; after establishing a service connection with the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID, it also includes: During its movement, the satellite-borne base station determines that its satellite ground vertical point has reached the point of departure from the satellite cell based on the location information of its own satellite ground vertical point in the satellite cell and the geographical location of the point of departure from the satellite cell, and sends a satellite cell disconnection request to the core network. The satellite-borne base station receives the disconnection request confirmation message sent by the core network, disconnects from the satellite cell, and is updated to an idle base station.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The satellite-borne base station receives a service switching message sent by the core network and determines that the primary serving base station currently connected to the satellite cell is another satellite-borne base station. The satellite-borne base station establishes a service connection with the terminal corresponding to the other satellite-borne base stations, wherein the terminal is a terminal that has disconnected its service connection with the other satellite-borne base stations. In response to the handover completion confirmation message sent by the core network, the satellite-borne base station switches to the primary serving base station currently connected to the satellite cell.

7. A service connection method for a non-terrestrial network, comprising: The core network receives satellite cell service connection requests sent by the satellite-borne base station during its movement; The satellite cell service connection request is sent by the onboard base station based on the trajectory information during the movement and the preset satellite cell geographical information; the satellite cell service connection request carries the satellite cell ID and the onboard base station ID; The core network authenticates the satellite-borne base station based on the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID; If the verification is successful, the core network will identify the satellite base station as the serving base station of the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID, and send a request confirmation message to the satellite base station; the satellite cell is a geographical area of ​​a preset size.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The satellite cell geographic information includes at least one of the following: satellite cell ID, satellite base station ID, geographic location of entering the satellite cell service point, geographic location of entering the satellite cell point, geographic location of the satellite cell center point, geographic location of the satellite cell edge point, geographic location of leaving the satellite cell service point, and geographic location of leaving the satellite cell point.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, After successful verification, the following is also included: The core network identifies the primary serving base station currently connected to the satellite cell; The core network determines that the primary serving base station currently connected to the satellite cell is another satellite base station besides the satellite base station. The core network sends service switching messages to the satellite-borne base station and the other satellite-borne base stations respectively, so that the satellite-borne base station switches to the primary serving base station currently connected to the satellite cell; In response to the handover completion message sent by the other satellite-based base stations, a handover completion confirmation message is sent to both the satellite-based base station and the other satellite-based base stations.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Before receiving satellite cell service connection requests sent by the satellite-borne base station during its movement, the process also includes: The core network receives a satellite cell candidate connection request sent by the satellite-borne base station during its movement. The satellite cell candidate connection request carries the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID. The core network authenticates the satellite-borne base station based on the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID; If the verification is successful, the core network will identify the satellite-borne base station as a candidate serving base station for the satellite cell corresponding to the satellite cell ID, and send a request confirmation message to the satellite-borne base station.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein, After sending a request confirmation message to the satellite-borne base station, the process also includes: The core network receives a satellite cell deservice request sent by the satellite-borne base station during its movement; the satellite cell deservice request carries the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID; The core network authenticates the satellite-borne base station based on the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID; If the verification is successful, the core network sends a deservice request confirmation message to the satellite-borne base station and confirms the satellite-borne base station as a candidate base station for the satellite cell.

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein, After sending a request confirmation message to the satellite-borne base station, the process also includes: The core network receives a satellite cell disconnection request sent by the satellite-borne base station during its movement; the satellite cell disconnection request carries the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID; The core network authenticates the satellite-borne base station based on the satellite cell ID and the satellite-borne base station ID; If the verification is successful, the core network sends a disconnection request confirmation message to the satellite base station and confirms the satellite base station as an idle base station of the satellite cell.

13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, performs the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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