Communication methods, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to communication methods, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. A communication method is executed by a first access network device, and comprises: sending a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message is used for requesting establishment or modification of a first session of a terminal, the terminal supports dual connectivity, and the dual connectivity comprises a connection between the terminal and a first access network device and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device, the first access network device being located on a first satellite, and the second access network device being located on a second satellite. The solution of the present disclosure can realize dual connectivity in an NTN.

Description

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

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), as non-terrestrial communication infrastructure, can greatly extend the coverage of communication networks. As an important component of NTNs, the access network and even the core network in the communication system may be deployed on satellites. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a first access network device. The method includes: sending a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message is used to request the establishment or modification of a first session of a terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is executed by a first network element. The method includes: receiving a first message sent by a first access network device, wherein the first message is used to request the establishment or modification of a first session of a terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a second access network device. The method includes: receiving a third message sent by a first access network device, wherein the third message instructs the second access network device to establish or modify a first session related to a terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a terminal. The method includes: sending first information; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: session information indicating that a first session is a dual-connectivity-based session; capability information indicating the terminal's support capability for dual connectivity; and status information indicating the connection status of the terminal; wherein the dual connectivity includes a connection between the terminal and a first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. This communication device is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a terminal, a first access network device, a second access network device, and a first network element. The first access network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in the first aspect. The first network element is configured to implement the communication method as described in the second aspect. The second access network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in the third aspect. The terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided. The program product includes at least one of a program and instructions. When executed by a communication device, the program or instructions implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0013] According to a tenth aspect of this disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0014] According to embodiments of this disclosure, dual connectivity in NTN can be achieved.

[0015] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a dual-connection scenario provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figures 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams of a dual-connection architecture provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5C is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5D is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 6A is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 6B is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0032] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a first access network device. The method includes: sending a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message is used to request the establishment or modification of a first session of a terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0033] In the above embodiments, the first access network device can send a first message to the first network element to request the establishment of a first session. Based on dual-connectivity technology, the terminal can establish or modify the first session with the core network. This dual connection includes a connection between the terminal and the first access network device located on the first satellite, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device located on the second satellite. Therefore, the first message can request the establishment or modification of the first session on such dual connections, thereby realizing a first session based on NTN dual connections. Thus, in an NTN scenario, dual-connectivity can still be used to improve the transmission efficiency and reliability between the terminal and the network.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the connection between the terminal and the first access network device can be used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device can be used to transmit data.

[0035] In the above embodiments, in the dual-connectivity configuration, the connection between the terminal and the first access network device is used for control, while the connection between the terminal and the second access network device is used for data transmission. Thus, under the control of the first access network device, the second access network device can realize data transmission between the terminal and the network, thereby achieving data transfer for the first session. Because signaling control and data transmission are separated, a suitable second access network device can be determined for data transmission in the first session while ensuring the continuity of signaling control, improving the transmission efficiency and reliability between the terminal and the network.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message can be used to request the establishment of a first session, and the first message includes first information; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection based session; capability information, used to indicate the terminal's support capability for dual connections; and status information, used to indicate the connection status of the terminal.

[0037] In the above embodiments, the first message used to request the establishment of a first session may include session information, capability information, and status information. The session information indicates the characteristics of the session, the capability information indicates the terminal's support for dual connectivity, and the status information indicates whether the terminal has already established connections with multiple access network devices. Therefore, based on this information, the corresponding first session can be established for the terminal more effectively, ensuring that the established first session meets the requirements.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the capability information may indicate at least one of the following: the terminal supports dual connectivity; the type of a first connection supported by the terminal, wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a first access network device; and the type of a second connection supported by the terminal, wherein the second connection is a connection between the terminal and a second access network device.

[0039] In the above embodiments, capability information can indicate whether the terminal supports dual connectivity and the types of connections supported. Based on the capability information, it can be ensured that a corresponding first session is established for terminals that support dual connectivity, thereby improving the communication efficiency between the terminal and the network.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the status information may indicate at least one of the following: the terminal only accesses the first access network device; the terminal accesses both the first and second access network devices; the identification information of the second access network device; or the identification information of the second satellite.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the status information can indicate that the terminal has established connections with multiple access network devices, and may include the identification information of the connected access network devices and / or the satellites they reside on. Thus, the network side can prioritize establishing a first session through the already connected access network devices based on the status information. On the one hand, the communication quality between the terminal and the already connected access network devices can be guaranteed. On the other hand, since a connection has been established, the terminal and the access network device can directly conduct data communication for the first session without the terminal needing to perform a random access procedure, reducing signaling overhead.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving second information sent by a terminal, wherein the second information includes at least a portion of the content of the first information.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message can be used to request modification of the first session, and the modification of the first session includes at least one of the following: modification of parameter information of the first session; modification of the second access network device.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the first message can be used to request parameter modification or access network device switching for an existing first session. Thus, through operations such as parameter modification and access network device switching, data transmission within the first session can be ensured, improving transmission quality.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device; identification information of the second satellite; wherein the second access network device is a modified access network device.

[0046] In the above embodiments, the first message for requesting modification of the first session may include the identification information of the second access network device and / or the identification information of the second satellite. Thus, particularly in the case of changing the access network device, the core network can directly determine the access network device to which it is switched, thereby eliminating the need for access network device discovery and selection, reducing the latency of modifying the first session, and reducing system overhead.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, modification of the first session may be triggered by movement of the terminal and / or the second satellite.

[0048] In the above embodiments, modifications to the first session can be triggered in the event of terminal movement and / or second satellite movement. This avoids disruption or even interruption of data communication in the first session due to the movement of the terminal and / or second satellite.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the identification information of the second access network device and / or the identification information of the second satellite may be determined by the first access network device.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending a second message to a terminal, wherein the second message is used to instruct the terminal to establish or modify a first session; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of a second access network device; identification information of a second satellite.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending a third message to a second access network device, wherein the third message is used to instruct the second access network device to establish or modify a first session; wherein the third message includes parameter information of the first session.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving a fourth message sent by a first network element, wherein the fourth message is used to indicate acceptance of the establishment or modification of the first session; wherein the fourth message includes at least one of the following: identification information of a second access network device; identification information of a second satellite; and parameter information of the first session.

[0053] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is executed by a first network element. The method includes: receiving a first message sent by a first access network device, wherein the first message is used to request the establishment or modification of a first session of a terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0054] In the above embodiments, the first access network device can send a first message to the first network element to request the establishment of a first session. Based on dual-connectivity technology, the terminal can establish or modify the first session with the core network. This dual connection includes a connection between the terminal and the first access network device located on the first satellite, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device located on the second satellite. Therefore, the first network element can establish or modify the first session on such dual connections according to the first message, thereby realizing a first session based on NTN dual connections. Thus, in an NTN scenario, dual-connectivity can still be used to improve the transmission efficiency and reliability between the terminal and the network.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the connection between the terminal and the first access network device can be used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device can be used to transmit data.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message can be used to request the establishment of a first session, and the first message includes first information; wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following: session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection based session; capability information, used to indicate the terminal's support capability for dual connections; and status information, used to indicate the connection status of the terminal.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the capability information may indicate at least one of the following: whether the terminal supports dual connectivity; the type of a first connection supported by the terminal, wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a first access network device; and the type of a second connection supported by the terminal, wherein the second connection is a connection between the terminal and a second access network device.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the status information may indicate at least one of the following: the terminal only accesses the first access network device; the terminal accesses both the first and second access network devices; the identification information of the second access network device; or the identification information of the second satellite.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message is used to request modification of the first session, and the modification of the first session includes at least one of the following: modification of parameter information of the first session; modification of the second access network device.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device; identification information of the second satellite; wherein the second access network device is a modified access network device.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, modification of the first session may be triggered by the movement of the terminal and / or the second satellite.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending a fourth message to a first access network device, wherein the fourth message is used to indicate acceptance of the establishment or modification of the first session; wherein the fourth message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device; identification information of the second satellite; and parameter information of the first session.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message can be used to request the establishment of a first session; wherein, the above method may further include: determining that the terminal is authorized to use dual connections based on the terminal's subscription information.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending a fifth message to a second network element, wherein the fifth message is used to request the establishment or modification of the context of the first session; wherein the fifth message includes at least one of the following: session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connectivity-based session; identification information of the second access network device; and identification information of the second satellite.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving a sixth message sent by a second network element, wherein the sixth message includes at least one of the following: authorization indication information, which indicates that the terminal is authorized to use dual connectivity; session information, which indicates that the first session is a dual connectivity-based session; identification information of the second access network device; and identification information of the second satellite.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, both the first network element and the second network element can support dual connectivity.

[0067] In a third aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a second access network device. The method includes: receiving a third message sent by a first access network device, wherein the third message instructs the second access network device to establish or modify a first session related to a terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0068] In the above embodiments, the first access network device can send a third message to the second access network device to instruct the second access network device to establish or modify a first session related to the terminal. Based on dual-connectivity technology, the terminal can establish or modify a first session with the core network. This dual connection includes a connection between the terminal and the first access network device located on a first satellite, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device located on a second satellite. Therefore, the second access network device can establish or modify the first session on such a dual connection according to the third message, thereby managing the first session based on NTN dual-connectivity. Thus, in an NTN scenario, dual-connectivity can still be used to improve the transmission efficiency and reliability between the terminal and the network.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the connection between the terminal and the first access network device can be used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device can be used to transmit data.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: establishing or modifying a first session according to a third message, wherein the third message includes parameter information of the first session.

[0071] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is executed by a terminal. The method includes: sending first information; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: session information indicating that the first session is a dual-connectivity-based session; capability information indicating the terminal's support capability for dual connectivity; and status information indicating the connection status of the terminal; wherein the dual connectivity includes a connection between the terminal and a first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the terminal can send a first message to the first network element through the first access network device to request the establishment of a first session. Based on dual-connectivity technology, the terminal can establish or modify the first session with the core network. This dual connection includes a connection between the terminal and the first access network device located on the first satellite, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device located on the second satellite. Therefore, the first message can request the establishment of a first session on such dual connections, thereby realizing a first session based on NTN dual connections. Thus, in an NTN scenario, dual-connectivity can still be used to improve the transmission efficiency and reliability between the terminal and the network.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the connection between the terminal and the first access network device can be used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device can be used to transmit data.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the type information may indicate at least one of the following: the terminal supports dual connectivity; the type of a first connection supported by the terminal, wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a first access network device; and the type of a second connection supported by the terminal, wherein the second connection is a connection between the terminal and a second access network device.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the status information may indicate at least one of the following: the terminal only accesses the first access network device; the terminal accesses both the first and second access network devices; the identification information of the second access network device; or the identification information of the second satellite.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving a second message sent by a first access network device, wherein the second message is used to instruct the terminal to establish or modify a first session.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, there may be no connection between the terminal and the second access network device; wherein, the above method may further include: establishing a connection with the second access network device according to a second message; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device; identification information of the second satellite.

[0078] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is executed by a communication system. The communication system includes a first access network device and a first network element. The method includes: the first access network device sending a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message is used to request the establishment or modification of a first session of a terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the communication system further includes a second access network device. The method may also include: the first access network device sending a third message to the second access network device, wherein the third message instructs the second access network device to establish or modify a first session related to the terminal.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the communication system further includes a terminal. The method may further include: sending first information; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: session information indicating that the first session is a dual-connectivity-based session; capability information indicating the terminal's support capability for dual connectivity; and status information indicating the connection status of the terminal; wherein the dual connectivity includes a connection between the terminal and a first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0081] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is a first access network device. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message is used to request the establishment or modification of a first session of a terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the connection between the terminal and the first access network device can be used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device can be used to transmit data.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first message can be used to request the establishment of a first session, the first message including first information; wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following: session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection based session; capability information, used to indicate the terminal's support capability for dual connections; status information, used to indicate the connection status of the terminal.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the capability information may indicate at least one of the following: the terminal supports dual connectivity; the type of a first connection supported by the terminal, wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a first access network device; and the type of a second connection supported by the terminal, wherein the second connection is a connection between the terminal and a second access network device.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the status information may indicate at least one of the following: the terminal only accesses the first access network device; the terminal accesses both the first and second access network devices; the identification information of the second access network device; or the identification information of the second satellite.

[0086] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: receive second information sent by the terminal, wherein the second information includes at least a portion of the content of the first information.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first message can be used to request modification of the first session, and the modification of the first session includes at least one of the following: modification of parameter information of the first session; modification of the second access network device.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device; identification information of the second satellite; wherein the second access network device is a modified access network device.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, modification of the first session may be triggered by movement of the terminal and / or the second satellite.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the identification information of the second access network device and / or the identification information of the second satellite may be determined by the first access network device.

[0091] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send a second message to the terminal, wherein the second message is used to instruct the terminal to establish or modify the first session; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device; identification information of the second satellite.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send a third message to the second access network device, wherein the third message is used to instruct the second access network device to establish or modify the first session; wherein the third message includes parameter information of the first session.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: receive a fourth message sent by the first network element, wherein the fourth message is used to indicate acceptance of the establishment or modification of the first session; wherein the fourth message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device; identification information of the second satellite; parameter information of the first session.

[0094] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is a first network element. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive a first message sent by a first access network device, wherein the first message is used to request the establishment or modification of a first session of a terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the connection between the terminal and the first access network device can be used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device can be used to transmit data.

[0096] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first message can be used to request the establishment of a first session, the first message including first information; wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following: session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection based session; capability information, used to indicate the terminal's support capability for dual connections; status information, used to indicate the connection status of the terminal.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the capability information may indicate at least one of the following: whether the terminal supports dual connectivity; the type of a first connection supported by the terminal, wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a first access network device; and the type of a second connection supported by the terminal, wherein the second connection is a connection between the terminal and a second access network device.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the status information may indicate at least one of the following: the terminal only accesses the first access network device; the terminal accesses both the first and second access network devices; the identification information of the second access network device; or the identification information of the second satellite.

[0099] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first message is used to request modification of the first session, and the modification of the first session includes at least one of the following: modification of parameter information of the first session; modification of the second access network device.

[0100] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device; identification information of the second satellite; wherein the second access network device is a modified access network device.

[0101] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, modification of the first session may be triggered by movement of the terminal and / or the second satellite.

[0102] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send a fourth message to the first access network device, wherein the fourth message is used to indicate acceptance of the establishment or modification of the first session; wherein the fourth message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device; identification information of the second satellite; parameter information of the first session.

[0103] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first message can be used to request the establishment of a first session; wherein, the aforementioned communication device may further include a processing module configured to: determine, based on the terminal's subscription information, that the terminal is authorized to use dual connections.

[0104] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send a fifth message to the second network element, wherein the fifth message is used to request the establishment or modification of the context of the first session; wherein the fifth message includes at least one of the following: session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connectivity-based session; identification information of the second access network device; and identification information of the second satellite.

[0105] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: receive a sixth message sent by the second network element, wherein the sixth message includes at least one of the following: authorization indication information, which indicates that the terminal is authorized to use dual connectivity; session information, which indicates that the first session is a dual connectivity-based session; identification information of the second access network device; and identification information of the second satellite.

[0106] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, both the first network element and the second network element can support dual connectivity.

[0107] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is a second access network device. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive a third message sent by a first access network device, wherein the third message is used to instruct the second access network device to establish or modify a first session related to a terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0108] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the connection between the terminal and the first access network device can be used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device can be used to transmit data.

[0109] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the communication device described above may further include a processing module. The processing module is configured to: establish or modify a first session based on a third message, wherein the third message includes parameter information of the first session.

[0110] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is a terminal. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: transmit first information; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: session information, indicating that the first session is a dual-connectivity-based session; capability information, indicating the terminal's support capability for dual connectivity; and status information, indicating the connection status of the terminal; wherein the dual connectivity includes a connection between the terminal and a first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite.

[0111] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the connection between the terminal and the first access network device can be used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device can be used to transmit data.

[0112] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the type information may indicate at least one of the following: the terminal supports dual connectivity; the type of a first connection supported by the terminal, wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a first access network device; and the type of a second connection supported by the terminal, wherein the second connection is a connection between the terminal and a second access network device.

[0113] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the status information may indicate at least one of the following: the terminal only accesses the first access network device; the terminal accesses both the first and second access network devices; the identification information of the second access network device; or the identification information of the second satellite.

[0114] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: receive a second message sent by the first access network device, wherein the second message is used to instruct the terminal to establish or modify the first session.

[0115] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, there may be no connection between the terminal and the second access network device; wherein, the aforementioned communication device may further include a processing module; the processing module is configured to: establish a connection with the second access network device according to a second message; wherein, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device; identification information of the second satellite.

[0116] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. This communication device is used to perform the communication methods described in any of the first to fourth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0117] In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes a terminal, a first access network device, a second access network device, and a first network element. The first access network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in any of the first aspect and its possible embodiments. The first network element is configured to implement the communication method as described in any of the second aspect and its possible embodiments. The second access network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in any of the third aspect and its possible embodiments. The terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in any of the fourth aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0118] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any of the first to fourth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0119] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product. The program product includes at least one of a program and instructions. When executed by a communication device, the program or instructions implement the steps of the communication method as described in any of the first to fourth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0120] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program. When run on a computer, the computer program causes the computer to perform the communication methods described in any of the first to fourth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0121] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication methods described in any of the first to fourth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0122] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, and chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0123] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method, information processing method, and information transmission method can be used interchangeably; terms such as communication device, communication equipment, network equipment, network function, and network entity can be used interchangeably; and terms such as communication system and information processing system can be used interchangeably.

[0124] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0125] In the embodiments disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0126] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0127] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0128] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0129] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0130] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0131] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0132] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0133] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0134] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0135] In some embodiments, terms such as “greater than,” “more than,” “higher than,” and “exceeding” can be used interchangeably; terms such as “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably; terms such as “less than,” “less than,” and “lower than” can be used interchangeably; and terms such as “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below” can be used interchangeably.

[0136] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0137] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0138] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0139] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0140] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0141] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0142] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0143] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0144] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0145] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network 103.

[0146] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0147] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be a node or device that connects the terminal 101 to the wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0148] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0149] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0150] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may include a first access network device 1021 and a second access network device 1022.

[0151] In some embodiments, access network device 102 may be a spaceborne device. In one example, both the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022 are deployed on a satellite.

[0152] In some embodiments, the core network 103 may be a single device, including a first network element 1031, a second network element 1032, a third network element 1033, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, the third network element 1033, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), Next Generation Core (NGC), and 6G Core Network (6GCN).

[0153] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can be used to be responsible for user registration, connection and reachability management, and to provide authentication and authorization functions, etc., and its name is not limited.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0155] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can be used to be responsible for establishing, modifying and releasing sessions, implementing policies and quality of service (QoS) control, etc., and its name is not limited.

[0156] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be, for example, a session management function (SMF).

[0157] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can be used to be responsible for packet routing and forwarding, and its name is not limited.

[0158] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be, for example, a user plane function (UPF).

[0159] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0160] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or some of the main components in the communication system 100, but are not limited thereto. The main components shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system 100 may include all or some of the main components in FIG1, or may include other main components other than those in FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main component are arbitrary. Each main component may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main components is illustrative. The main components may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0161] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0162] As a more general form of cross-E-UTRA (evolved universal terrestrial radio access) dual connectivity, multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) has been proposed. In MR-DC, a UE with multiple transceivers can be configured to use resources provided by two different nodes connected via a non-ideal backhaul. One node can provide NR access. The other node can provide either E-UTRA or NR access. Of these two nodes, one can act as the master node (MN), and the other as the secondary node (SN). The master and secondary nodes can be connected via a network interface, and at least the master node is connected to the core network.

[0163] In some embodiments, if onboard entities on different satellites can collaborate to provide services to the UE via dual connectivity, the service experience can be improved and transmission latency can be reduced. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a dual connectivity scenario provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the UE can establish a control plane (CP) connection with geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites to achieve high reliability and wide coverage, and simultaneously establish a user plane (UP) connection or a data plane (DP) connection with low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to achieve low latency and high transmission speed.

[0164] Current communication protocols do not yet support dual connections established based on satellites in multiple orbits. Therefore, how to achieve dual connections based on satellites in multiple orbits is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0165] This disclosure proposes a dual-connectivity architecture. In this architecture, the UE can establish connections with RAN nodes deployed on a first satellite and RAN nodes deployed on a second satellite. Figures 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams of the dual-connectivity architecture provided according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0166] As shown in Figure 3A, the RAN node deployed on the first satellite and the RAN node deployed on the second satellite can be different functional parts of the same RAN node, or they can be different RAN nodes. The RAN node on the first satellite is used to implement control plane functions. The RAN node on the second satellite is used to implement user plane functions and / or data plane functions. It is understood that the RAN node deployed on the first satellite and the RAN node deployed on the second satellite can be only some functions of the RAN node.

[0167] In some embodiments, when MR-DC is activated, the UE can simultaneously establish connections with RAN nodes on a first satellite and RAN nodes on a second satellite. The connection between the UE and the RAN node on the first satellite can be used to transmit control plane signaling. The connection between the UE and the RAN node on the second satellite can be used to transmit user plane data and / or data plane data. In this case, the RAN node on the first satellite can act as the primary node of the terminal, and the RAN node on the second satellite can act as the secondary node of the terminal.

[0168] In some embodiments, an inter-satellite link (ISL) can be supported between the first satellite and the second satellite. The first satellite and the second satellite can communicate via the ISL. In some embodiments, the RAN node on the first satellite can interact with the RAN node on the second satellite via the ISL for signaling.

[0169] In some embodiments, the core network can be deployed on the ground and / or on a satellite. For example, all network elements in the core network can be deployed on the ground. For example, all network elements in the core network can be deployed on a satellite. For example, some network elements in the core network can be deployed on the ground and some network elements can be deployed on a satellite.

[0170] In some embodiments, the RAN node on the second satellite can communicate with user plane network elements in the core network. For example, the RAN node on the second satellite can communicate with the UPF in the core network. In some embodiments, the RAN node on the first satellite can communicate with control plane network elements in the core network. For example, the RAN node on the first satellite can communicate with the control plane network elements in the core network.

[0171] In some embodiments, the core network to which the RAN node on the first satellite is connected and the core network to which the UPF connected to the RAN node on the second satellite is located can be the same core network. In some embodiments, the core network to which the RAN node on the first satellite is connected and the core network to which the UPF connected to the RAN node on the second satellite is located can be different core networks.

[0172] As shown in Figure 3B, the RAN node deployed on the first satellite and the RAN node deployed on the second satellite can be different functional parts of the same RAN node, or they can be different RAN nodes. The RAN node on the first satellite is used to implement control plane functions. The RAN node on the second satellite is used to implement user plane functions and / or data plane functions. It is understood that the RAN node deployed on the first satellite and the RAN node deployed on the second satellite can be only a portion of the functions of the RAN node.

[0173] In some embodiments, when MR-DC is activated, the UE can simultaneously establish connections with RAN nodes on a first satellite and RAN nodes on a second satellite. The connection between the UE and the RAN node on the first satellite can be used to transmit control plane signaling. The connection between the UE and the RAN node on the second satellite can be used to transmit user plane data and / or data plane data. In this case, the RAN node on the first satellite can act as the primary node of the terminal, and the RAN node on the second satellite can act as the secondary node of the terminal.

[0174] In some embodiments, ISL (Independent Signalling) can be supported between the first satellite and the second satellite. The first satellite and the second satellite can communicate via ISL. In some embodiments, the RAN node on the first satellite can interact with the RAN node on the second satellite via ISL for signaling.

[0175] In some embodiments, the core network can be deployed on the ground and / or on a satellite. For example, all network elements in the core network can be deployed on the ground. For example, all network elements in the core network can be deployed on a satellite. For example, some network elements in the core network can be deployed on the ground and some network elements can be deployed on a satellite.

[0176] In some embodiments, the RAN node on the first satellite can communicate with the core network. In some embodiments, the RAN node and UPF on the second satellite can communicate with the core network.

[0177] In some embodiments, the RAN node on the first satellite can interact with the RAN node and / or UPF on the second satellite via the core network.

[0178] In some embodiments, the core network to which the RAN node on the first satellite is connected and the core network to which the RAN node on the second satellite is connected can be the same core network. In some embodiments, the core network to which the RAN node on the first satellite is connected and the core network to which the RAN node on the second satellite is connected can be different core networks.

[0179] As shown in Figure 3C, the RAN nodes on the first satellite are used to implement control plane functions, and the RAN nodes on the second satellite are used to implement user plane functions and / or data plane functions. It can be understood that each of the RAN nodes on the first and second satellites is an independent RAN node and has the full functionality of a RAN node.

[0180] In some embodiments, when MR-DC is activated, the UE can simultaneously establish connections with RAN nodes on a first satellite and RAN nodes on a second satellite. The connection between the UE and the RAN node on the first satellite can be used to transmit control plane signaling. The connection between the UE and the RAN node on the second satellite can be used to transmit user plane data and / or data plane data. In this case, the RAN node on the first satellite can act as the primary node of the terminal, and the RAN node on the second satellite can act as the secondary node of the terminal.

[0181] In some embodiments, ISL (Independent Signalling) can be supported between the first satellite and the second satellite. The first satellite and the second satellite can communicate via ISL. In some embodiments, the RAN node on the first satellite can interact with the RAN node on the second satellite via ISL for signaling.

[0182] In some embodiments, the core network can be deployed on the ground and / or on a satellite. For example, all network elements in the core network can be deployed on the ground. For example, all network elements in the core network can be deployed on a satellite. For example, some network elements in the core network can be deployed on the ground and some network elements can be deployed on a satellite.

[0183] In some embodiments, the RAN node on the first satellite can communicate with the core network. In some embodiments, the RAN node and UPF on the second satellite can communicate with the core network.

[0184] In some embodiments, the RAN node on the first satellite can interact with the RAN node and / or UPF on the second satellite via the core network.

[0185] In some embodiments, the core network to which the RAN node on the first satellite is connected and the core network to which the RAN node on the second satellite is connected can be the same core network. In some embodiments, the core network to which the RAN node on the first satellite is connected and the core network to which the RAN node on the second satellite is connected can be different core networks.

[0186] Figure 4A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in this embodiment can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 4A, the communication method of this embodiment includes steps S4101 to S4113.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may be located on a first satellite. In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 may be located on a second satellite. In some embodiments, the first satellite and the second satellite may be in different orbits. In some embodiments, the orbits of the first satellite and the second satellite may be at different altitudes. In one example, the orbit of the first satellite may be higher than the orbit of the second satellite, such that the coverage area of ​​the first satellite may be greater than the coverage area of ​​the second satellite. For example, the first satellite may be a GEO satellite. For example, the second satellite may be a LEO satellite.

[0188] In some embodiments, the type of connection between terminal 101 and first access network device 1021 may be related to the access method. In some embodiments, the access method for terminal 101 to access the first access network device 1021 may include 6G access, NR access, E-UTRA access, and other access methods. In some embodiments, the type of connection between terminal 101 and second access network device 1022 may be related to the access method. In some embodiments, the access method for terminal 101 to access the second access network device 1022 may include 6G access, NR access, E-UTRA access, and other access methods. In some embodiments, the access type between terminal 101 and first access network device 1021 may be the same as or different from the access type between terminal 101 and second access network device 1022.

[0189] In step S4101, terminal 101 sends a first message to first network element 1031.

[0190] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may send a first message. In some embodiments, the first message may be sent by terminal 101, but is not limited to this, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive the first message. In some embodiments, the first message can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0192] In some embodiments, when sending the first message or before sending the first message, terminal 101 may connect only to the first access network device 1021, or it may connect to both the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022. In one example, the connection established by terminal 101 with the first access network device 1021 and / or the second access network device 1022 at this time may be an access stratum (AS) connection.

[0193] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may support dual connectivity. The dual connectivity may include a connection between terminal 101 and a first access network device 1021, and a connection between terminal 101 and a second access network device 1022.

[0194] In some embodiments, the connection between terminal 101 and first access network device 1021 in dual connectivity can be referred to as the first connection. In some embodiments, the first connection can be used to transmit control plane signaling. Therefore, the first connection can also be referred to as a control plane connection.

[0195] In some embodiments, the connection between terminal 101 and the second access network device 1022 in a dual-connection scheme can be referred to as a second connection. In some embodiments, the second connection can be used to transmit data. Therefore, the second connection can also be referred to as a data connection. In one example, data transmission can be performed on the user plane, in which case the second connection can be referred to as a user plane connection. It is understood that if data transmission can be performed on the data plane, then the second connection can be referred to as a data plane connection.

[0196] In some embodiments, terminal 101 can send a first message to first network element 1031 through first access network device 1021. In one example, first access network device 1021 can transmit the first message from terminal 101 to first network element 1031 through transparent transmission. In another example, first access network device 1021 can transmit the first message from terminal 101 to first network element 1031 through forwarding. In some embodiments, step S4101 may include: terminal 101 sending a first message to first access network device 1021; first access network device 1021 sending a first message to first network element 1031. In some embodiments, step S4101 may include: terminal 101 sending first information to first access network device 1021; first access network device 1021 carrying the received first information in the first message to send to first network element 1031. In some embodiments, step S4101 may include: terminal 101 sending second information to first access network device 1021; first access network device 1021 determining first information based on the second information and carrying it in a first message to send to first network element 1031.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first message may be used to request the establishment of a first session for terminal 101. In some embodiments, the first message may be used to request the establishment of a first session for terminal 101. In some embodiments, the first message may be used to trigger the establishment of the first session.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first message may be a PDU session establishment request message.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first message may include first information.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to instruct terminal 101 to access the network in a dual-connection mode. In some embodiments, the first information may be used to instruct the establishment of a first session based on dual connectivity.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: session information, capability information, and status information.

[0202] In some embodiments, session information may be used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection-based session. In some embodiments, session information may be used to indicate the establishment of a dual-connection-based NTN PDU session.

[0203] In some embodiments, session information may be included in the request type field of the first message. Thus, the session information can be used to indicate that the first session requested by the first message is a dual-connection session. For example, the request type field may be set to "DC-NTN PDU session".

[0204] In some embodiments, capability information may be used to indicate the terminal 101's support capability for dual connectivity. In some embodiments, capability information may be used to indicate at least one of the following: whether the terminal 101 supports dual connectivity, the type of the first connection supported by the terminal 101, and the type of the second connection supported by the terminal 101.

[0205] In some embodiments, capability information may indicate whether terminal 101 supports dual connectivity. In one example, capability information may include a field. This field may be used to indicate whether terminal 101 supports dual connectivity. For example, if the field has a first value, it indicates that terminal 101 supports dual connectivity; if the field has a second value, it indicates that terminal 101 does not support dual connectivity.

[0206] In some embodiments, capability information may indicate the types of dual connectivity supported by terminal 101, including the type of a first connection supported by terminal 101 and / or the type of a second connection supported by terminal 101. In one example, capability information may indicate that the type of the first connection supported by terminal 101 is a 6G connection and / or an NR connection and / or an E-UTRA connection. In one example, capability information may indicate that the type of the second connection supported by terminal 101 is a 6G connection and / or an NR connection and / or an E-UTRA connection.

[0207] In some embodiments, capability information may indicate whether the types of the first connection and the second connection supported by terminal 101 are the same. In one example, capability information may include a field. This field may be used to indicate whether terminal 101 supports different types of the first connection and the second connection. For example, if the field has a first value, it indicates that terminal 101 supports the first connection and the second connection of the same type; if the field has a second value, it indicates that terminal 101 supports different types of the first connection and the second connection.

[0208] In some embodiments, status information can be used to indicate the connection status of terminal 101. In some embodiments, terminal 101 may be connected only to the first access network device 1021, in which case the status information can indicate that terminal 101 is only connected to the first access network device 1021. In some embodiments, terminal 101 may be connected to both the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022, in which case the status information can indicate that terminal 101 is connected to both the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022. In one example, the status information may include a field. This field can be used to indicate whether terminal 101 is connected to one access network device or both access network devices. For example, if the field has a first value, it indicates that terminal 101 is only connected to the first access network device 1021; if the field has a second value, it indicates that terminal 101 is connected to both the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, if the field has a first value, it indicates that terminal 101 has established a connection with the second access network device 1022; if the field has a second value, it indicates that terminal 101 has not established a connection with the second access network device 1022.

[0209] In some embodiments, when terminal 101 is connected to both the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022, the status information may also indicate at least one of the following: the identification information of the second access network device 1022, and the identification information of the second satellite. For example, the status information may include the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first message sent by the first access network device 1021 to the first network element 1031 may include first information.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first message sent by terminal 101 to first access network device 1021 may include second information. In some embodiments, the second information may include a portion of the first information. In one example, the first information may instruct terminal 101 to access both first access network device 1021 and second access network device 1022, and indicate the identification information of second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of a second satellite. Meanwhile, the second information may only instruct terminal 101 to access both first access network device 1021 and second access network device 1022. In this case, first access network device 1021 may know in advance that the connection state of terminal 101 is simultaneous access to both first access network device 1021 and second access network device 1022, and has already stored the identification information of second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite locally; therefore, terminal 101 does not need to repeatedly send the identification information of second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite. After receiving the first message from the terminal 101, the first access network device 1021 can add the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite to the first network element 1031 and send it. In one example, the second information may include all the contents of the first information. In this case, the second information is the same as the first information.

[0212] In some embodiments, terminal 101 establishes a connection only with first access network device 1021. In some embodiments, the second information sent by terminal 101 to first access network device 1021 may only include status information. In this case, the identification information of second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite may be determined by first access network device 1021 and added to the first information. First access network device 1021 may carry the first information containing the identification information of second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite in the first message and send it to first network element 1031.

[0213] In some embodiments, when the first access network device 1021 determines the second access network device 1022, it may consider at least one of the following: satellite mobility, protocols between RAN nodes, cooperation protocols within and between operators, local configuration, etc.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first message may further include identification information of the first session. In some embodiments, in order to establish the first session, the terminal 101 may determine identification information for the first session. For example, the terminal 101 may generate a PDU session identifier for the first session. It is understood that the first message may also include other information, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this information.

[0215] In step S4102, the first network element 1031 sends a fifth message to the second network element 1032.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send a fifth message. In some embodiments, the fifth message may be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0217] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may receive the fifth message. In some embodiments, the fifth message may be received by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0218] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first message, the first network element 1031 may determine the second network element 1032 and send a fifth message to the second network element 1032.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may select the second network element 1032. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may determine the second network element 1032 through a discovery and selection process. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may determine the second network element 1032 based on operator policies and / or local configuration and / or OAM configuration. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 determined by the first network element 1031 may have the capability to support dual connectivity. In one example, the second network element 1032 may support a DC-NTN PDU session based on dual connectivity NTN.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may support dual connectivity. In one example, the first network element 1031 may support PDU sessions based on dual connectivity NTN.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can perform authorization checks on the terminal 101. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can verify the authorization of the terminal 101 based on the subscription data of the terminal 101. For example, the first network element 1031 can verify the authorization of the terminal 101 based on the subscription data of the terminal 101 stored locally. For example, the first network element 1031 can interact with unified data management (UDM) and / or unified data repository (UDR) to verify the authorization of the terminal 101 based on the subscription data of the terminal 101. In some embodiments, if the terminal 101 is not authorized to use dual connectivity, the first network element 1031 can reject requests from the terminal 101. For example, the first network element 1031 can send a response message to the terminal 101 to indicate that the establishment of a first session is refused.

[0222] In some embodiments, the fifth message may be sent when terminal 101 is authorized to use dual connectivity. In some embodiments, authorization may not be performed by the first network element 1031. In this case, the first network element 1031 can send the fifth message to the second network element 1032 after determining the second network element 1032.

[0223] In some embodiments, the fifth message can be used to request the establishment or modification of the context of the first session. In some embodiments, the fifth message can be a request message to create an SM (session management) context. For example, the fifth message can be an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request message. In some embodiments, the fifth message can be a request message to update the SM context. For example, the fifth message can be an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request message.

[0224] In some embodiments, the fifth message may include at least one of the following: session information, identification information of the second access network device 1022, and identification information of the second satellite.

[0225] In some embodiments, session information may be included in the request type field of the fifth message.

[0226] In some embodiments, the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite carried in the fifth message may be obtained from the first message. In some embodiments, the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite carried in the fifth message may be determined by the first network element 1031.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first message may not include the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and the identification information of the second satellite. In this case, the first network element 1031 can determine the second access network device 102 corresponding to the second connection in the dual connection for the terminal 101. Thus, the first network element 1031 can determine the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can carry the first information of the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite in the fifth message and send it to the second network element 1032.

[0228] In some embodiments, when the first access network device 1021 determines the second access network device 1022, it may consider at least one of the following: satellite mobility, protocols between RAN nodes, cooperation protocols within and between operators, local configuration, etc.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first message may include identification information of the second access network device 1022 and identification information of the second satellite. In this case, the first network element 1031 can determine the second access network device 102 corresponding to the second connection in the dual connectivity for the terminal 101, taking into account the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite in the first message. Thus, the first network element 1031 can determine the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite. For example, the first network element 1031 can determine that the terminal 101 is about to leave the coverage area of ​​the second satellite associated with the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite carried in the first message (e.g., due to the second satellite moving according to the satellite's ephemeris). At this time, the first network element 1031 can determine a different second access network device 102.

[0230] In some embodiments, the fifth message may further include at least one of the following: identification information of the second network element 1032, and identification information of the first session. It is understood that the fifth message may also include other information, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this information.

[0231] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can authorize the terminal 101. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can verify the authorization of the terminal 101 based on the subscription data of the terminal 101. For example, the second network element 1032 can verify the authorization of the terminal 101 based on the subscription data of the terminal 101 stored locally. For example, the second network element 1032 can interact with a UDM and / or a UDR to verify the authorization of the terminal 101 based on the subscription data of the terminal 101. In some embodiments, if the terminal 101 is not authorized to use dual connectivity, the second network element 1032 can reject requests from the first network element 1031.

[0232] In step S4103, the second network element 1032 obtains the policy information of the first session.

[0233] In some embodiments, upon receiving a fifth message, the second network element 1032 may perform at least one of the following: secondary authentication / authorization, policy control function (PCF) selection, or obtaining policy information.

[0234] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can perform secondary authentication / authorization on the terminal 101.

[0235] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may select a PCF. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may determine the PCF through a discovery and selection process. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may determine the PCF based on operator policies and / or local configurations and / or OAM configurations. The PCF can be used to provide policy information for the first session. It is understood that the second network element 1032 may apply local policy information, in which case the second network element 1032 may not need to determine the PCF.

[0236] In some embodiments, after determining the PCF, the second network element 1032 can perform the SM policy association establishment process to establish SM policy management with the PCF and obtain policy information for the first session from the PCF.

[0237] In step S4104, the second network element 1032 and the third network element 1033 establish an N4 connection.

[0238] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can determine the third network element 1033 and interact with the third network element 1033.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may select a third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may determine the third network element 1033 based on policy information. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may determine the third network element 1033 through a discovery and selection process. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may determine the second network element 1032 based on operator policies and / or local configuration and / or OAM configuration.

[0240] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be located on the ground or in a second satellite. In one example, the third network element 1033 may be located in the core network connected to the first access network device 1021. In another example, the third network element 1033 may be located in the core network connected to the second access network device 1022.

[0241] In some embodiments, the number of third network elements 1033 can be one or more.

[0242] In some embodiments, after the third network element 1033 is determined, the second network element 1032 may establish an N4 connection with the third network element 1033 for the first session.

[0243] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may initiate an N4 session establishment process with the third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send an N4 session establishment request message or an N4 session modification request message to the third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the N4 session establishment request message or the N4 session modification request message may carry packet detection, execution, and reporting rules for the first session. In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send an N4 session establishment response message or an N4 session modification response message to the second network element 1032.

[0244] In step S4105, the second network element 1032 sends a sixth message to the first network element 1031.

[0245] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can send a sixth message. In some embodiments, the sixth message can be sent by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive the sixth message. In some embodiments, the sixth message can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0247] In some embodiments, the sixth message may be a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

[0248] In some embodiments, the sixth message may include at least one of the following: authorization instruction information, session information, identification information of the second access network device 1022, and identification information of the second satellite.

[0249] In some embodiments, the authorization indication information may be used to indicate that terminal 101 is authorized to use dual connectivity. In some embodiments, the authorization indication information may be used to indicate that terminal 101 is allowed to use dual connectivity. In some embodiments, the authorization indication information may be used to indicate that dual connectivity support is provided for the first session.

[0250] In some embodiments, the sixth message may further include at least one of the following: parameter information of the first session and the N1 SM container. In one example, the parameter information of the first session may include N2 SM information. In some embodiments, the session management information may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first session, QoS rules, QoS flow identifier (QFI), and QoS profile. In some embodiments, the N1 SM container may include PDU session establishment acceptance. It is understood that the sixth message may also include other information, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this information.

[0251] In some embodiments, the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite may be included in the parameter information of the first session. For example, the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite may be included in the N2 SM information. In some embodiments, the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite may be independent of the parameter information of the first session.

[0252] In step S4106, the first network element 1031 sends a fourth message to the first access network device 1021.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send a fourth message. In some embodiments, the fourth message may be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may receive a fourth message. In some embodiments, the fourth message may be received by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0255] In some embodiments, the fourth message may be used to indicate acceptance of the establishment of the first session.

[0256] In some embodiments, the fourth message may be an N2 PDU session request message.

[0257] In some embodiments, the fourth message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device 1022, identification information of the second satellite, and parameter information of the first session.

[0258] In some embodiments, the fourth message may further include a non-access stratum (NAS) message. In some embodiments, the NAS message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first session, and an N1 SM container.

[0259] In step S4107, the first access network device 1021 sends a third message to the second access network device 1022.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send a third message. In some embodiments, the third message may be sent by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0261] In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 may receive a third message. In some embodiments, the third message may be received by the second access network device 1022, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0262] In some embodiments, if the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite are obtained from the fourth message, the first access network device 1021 may send a third message to the second access network device 1022 related to the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite.

[0263] In some embodiments, if the fourth message does not contain the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and the identification information of the second satellite, the first access network device 1021 may send a third message to the second access network device 1022 related to the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite provided by the terminal 101.

[0264] In some embodiments, if the fourth message does not contain the identification information of the second access network device 1022 or the identification information of the second satellite, or if neither the first network element 1031 nor the terminal 101 provides the identification information of the second access network device 1022 or the identification information of the second satellite, the first access network device 1021 may determine the second access network device 1022 itself. For example, the first access network device 1021 may determine the second access network device 1022 based on the location information, ephemeris information, etc. of the terminal 101.

[0265] In some embodiments, the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite can be determined by the first access network device 1021 and added to a third message. The first access network device 1021 can send the third message containing the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite to the first network element 1031.

[0266] In some embodiments, when the first access network device 1021 determines the second access network device 1022, it may consider at least one of the following: satellite mobility, protocols between RAN nodes, cooperation protocols within and between operators, local configuration, etc.

[0267] In some embodiments, the third message may be used to instruct the second access network device 1022 to establish a first session. In some embodiments, the third message may be used to trigger the second access network device 1022 to establish a first session with the terminal 101.

[0268] In some embodiments, the third message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device 1022, identification information of the second satellite, parameter information of the first session, and terminal information.

[0269] In some embodiments, the third message may also include one or more QFIs assigned by the first access network device 1021 for a first session via the second access network device 1022.

[0270] In some embodiments, the third message may include AN tunnel information. The AN tunnel information may include the tunnel endpoint and the QFI assigned to the tunnel endpoint. In one example, the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite may be included in the AN tunnel information. For example, the tunnel endpoint indicated by the AN tunnel information is the second access network device 1022.

[0271] It should be noted that AN tunnel information can also be called RAN tunnel information.

[0272] In some embodiments, the third message may be an N2 PDU session request message.

[0273] In step S4108, the first access network device 1021 sends a second message to the terminal 101.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send a second message. In some embodiments, the second message may be sent by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0275] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive a second message. In some embodiments, the second message may be received by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0276] In some embodiments, the second message may be used to instruct terminal 101 to establish a first session. In some embodiments, the second message may be used to trigger terminal 101 to establish a first session.

[0277] In some embodiments, the second message may be an AN-specific signaling interaction between the first access network device 1021 and the terminal 101.

[0278] In some embodiments, the second message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the second access network device 1022 and identification information of the second satellite.

[0279] In some embodiments, the second message may include AN tunnel information. The AN tunnel information may include the tunnel endpoint and the QFI assigned to the tunnel endpoint. In one example, the identification information of the second access network device 1022 and / or the identification information of the second satellite may be included in the AN tunnel information. For example, the tunnel endpoint indicated by the AN tunnel information is the second access network device 1022.

[0280] In some embodiments, the second message may further include at least one of the following: identification information of the first session, and the N1 SM container.

[0281] In step S4109, terminal 101 establishes a connection with second access network device 1022.

[0282] In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 may initiate a paging message to the terminal 101 to establish a connection with the terminal.

[0283] In some embodiments, based on a third message obtained from the first access network device 1021, the second access network device 1022 can allocate resources for the first session and determine tunnel information.

[0284] In some embodiments, tunnel information may be determined by the second access network device 1022 based on parameter information of the first session and / or the QFI assigned by the first access network device 1021.

[0285] In some embodiments, after establishing a connection between the second access network device 1022 and the terminal 101, access network signaling interaction is performed. The second access network device 1022 sends the determined tunnel information to the terminal 101.

[0286] In some embodiments, if the terminal 101 initially only accesses the first access network device 1021, the terminal 101 may initiate a random access procedure to the second access network device 1022 after receiving the second message, thereby establishing an AS connection with the second access network device 1022.

[0287] In some embodiments, if the terminal 101 initially only accesses the first access network device 1021, the second access network device 1022 may initiate a paging process before the terminal 101 after receiving the third message, thereby establishing a connection with the terminal 101.

[0288] In step S4110, the second access network device 1022 sends a response message to the first access network device 1021.

[0289] In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 may send a response message. In some embodiments, the response message may be sent by the second access network device 1022, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may receive a response message. In some embodiments, the response message may be received by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0291] In some embodiments, the response message may be sent by the second access network device 1022 in response to a third message.

[0292] In some embodiments, the response message may be an N2 PDU session response message.

[0293] In some embodiments, the response message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first session and parameter information of the first session.

[0294] In some embodiments, the parameter information of the first session in the response message may be updated parameter information. In some embodiments, the updated parameter information may be determined by the second access network device 1022.

[0295] In some embodiments, the updated parameter information of the first session may include at least one of the following: AN tunnel information allocated by the second access network device 1022 for the first session, and QFI allocated by the first access network device 1021. It is understood that the updated parameter information of the first session may also include other information, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this information.

[0296] In step S4111, the first access network device 1021 sends updated parameter information to the first network element 1031.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send updated parameter information. In some embodiments, the updated parameter information may be sent by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited to this, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0298] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive updated parameter information. In some embodiments, the updated parameter information can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited to this, and can also be received by other entities.

[0299] In some embodiments, the updated parameter information of the first session can be carried in the N2 PDU session response message. In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 can send an N2 PDU session response message to the first network element 1031, which includes the updated parameter information.

[0300] In step S4112, the first network element 1031 sends updated parameter information to the second network element 1032.

[0301] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send updated parameter information. In some embodiments, the updated parameter information may be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited to this, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0302] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may receive updated parameter information. In some embodiments, the updated parameter information may be received by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0303] In some embodiments, the updated parameter information of the first session can be carried in the update SM context request message. In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send an update SM context request message to the second network element 1032, which contains the updated parameter information.

[0304] In step S4113, the second network element 1032 and the third network element 1033 modify the N4 connection.

[0305] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can interact with the third network element 1033 to modify the N4 connection between the second network element 1032 and the third network element 1033.

[0306] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may modify the N4 connection between the second network element 1032 and the third network element 1033 based on the updated parameter information obtained.

[0307] The communication method of this embodiment can be implemented through steps S4101 to S4113.

[0308] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4113. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4107 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S4101 and S4102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S4106 and S4107 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and a combination of steps S4101, S4106, and S4107 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0309] In some embodiments, steps S4107 and S4108 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0310] In some embodiments, steps S4102 to S4113 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S4101 to S4106 and steps S4108 to S4113 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0311] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0312] Figure 4B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in this embodiment can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 4B, the communication method of this embodiment includes steps S4201 to S4206.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may be located on a first satellite. In some embodiments, the second access network device 1022 may be located on a second satellite. In some embodiments, the first satellite and the second satellite may be in different orbits. In some embodiments, the orbits of the first satellite and the second satellite may be at different altitudes. In one example, the orbit of the first satellite may be higher than the orbit of the second satellite, such that the coverage area of ​​the first satellite may be greater than the coverage area of ​​the second satellite. For example, the first satellite may be a GEO satellite. For example, the second satellite may be a LEO satellite.

[0314] In some embodiments, the type of connection between terminal 101 and first access network device 1021 may be related to the access method. In some embodiments, the access method for terminal 101 to access the first access network device 1021 may include 6G access, NR access, E-UTRA access, and other access methods. In some embodiments, the type of connection between terminal 101 and second access network device 1022 may be related to the access method. In some embodiments, the access method for terminal 101 to access the second access network device 1022 may include 6G access, NR access, E-UTRA access, and other access methods. In some embodiments, the access type between terminal 101 and first access network device 1021 may be the same as or different from the access type between terminal 101 and second access network device 1022.

[0315] In step S4201, the first access network device 1021 sends a first message to the first network element 1031.

[0316] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send a first message. In some embodiments, the first message may be sent by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0317] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive the first message. In some embodiments, the first message can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0318] In some embodiments, when the first access network device 1021 sends the first message or before sending the first message, the terminal 101 may be connected to the first access network device 1021 and the second access network device 1022, and the data of the first session may reach the terminal 101 through the second access network device 1022.

[0319] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may support dual connectivity. The dual connectivity may include a connection between terminal 101 and a first access network device 1021, and a connection between terminal 101 and a second access network device 1022.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may determine that the first session needs to be modified. For example, as the second satellite moves and / or the terminal 101 moves, the relative positions between the second access network device 1022 and the terminal 101 located on the second satellite may change. This may cause the terminal 101 to leave the coverage area of ​​the second access network device 1022, or the link state of the communication link between the second access network device 1022 and the terminal 101 to change.

[0321] In some embodiments, modifications to the first session may include at least one of the following: changes to the parameter information of the first session, or changes to the second access network device 1022.

[0322] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may determine that the parameter information of the first session between the second access network device 1022 and the terminal 101 needs to be changed. In one example, the first access network device 1021 determines to adjust the parameter information of the first session based on ephemeris information of a second satellite. In another example, the first access network device 1021 determines to adjust the parameter information of the first session based on information from the core network.

[0323] In some embodiments, changes to the parameter information of the first session may include changes to the QoS flow of the first session. For example, changes to the QoS flow may include at least one of the following: adding a QoS flow, deleting a QoS flow, or modifying a QoS flow. It is understood that changes to the QoS flow mean changes to the QoS-related parameters of the first session. For example, the QFI may change.

[0324] In some embodiments, if the first access network device 1021 determines that the terminal 101 is about to leave the coverage area of ​​the second access network device 1022 (i.e., the communication link will be disconnected), then the first access network device 1021 can determine that the second access network device 1022 needs to be changed for the first session.

[0325] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the second access network device 1022 will be changed, the first access network device 1021 may determine the changed second access network device 1022, i.e., the new second access network device. It should be noted that, for ease of distinction, the new second access network device may be referred to as the third access network device in the following text, and the satellite on which the third access network device resides may be referred to as the third satellite. It is understood that the relationship between the third access network device and the third satellite is the same as the relationship between the second access network device and the second satellite.

[0326] In some embodiments, if it is determined that the first session needs to be modified, the first access network device 1021 may determine the modified QFI of the first session.

[0327] In some embodiments, if it is determined that the first session needs to be modified, the first access network device 1021 may send a first message.

[0328] In some embodiments, the first message may be used to indicate a change to the first session of terminal 101. In some embodiments, the first message may be used to request modification of the first session.

[0329] In some embodiments, the first message may include at least one of the following: session information, identification information of a third access network device, and identification information of a third satellite.

[0330] In some embodiments, session information may be used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection-based session. In some embodiments, session information may be used to indicate the establishment of a dual-connection-based NTN PDU session.

[0331] In some embodiments, the first message may include updated tunnel information. Identification information of the third access network device and / or the third satellite may be included in the updated tunnel information. The tunnel endpoint indicated by this tunnel information is the third access network device.

[0332] In some embodiments, the first message may be an N2 QoS flow mobility indication message.

[0333] In some embodiments, the first message may further include at least one of the following: identification information of the first session and QFI. In one example, QFI may be included in the AN tunnel information. It is understood that the first message may also include other information, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0334] In step S4202, the first network element 1031 sends a fifth message to the second network element 1032.

[0335] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send a fifth message. In some embodiments, the fifth message may be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0336] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may receive the fifth message. In some embodiments, the fifth message may be received by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0337] In some embodiments, the fifth message may be used to request modification of the context of the first session.

[0338] In some embodiments, the fifth message may be an update SM context request message. For example, the fifth message may be an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request message.

[0339] In some embodiments, the fifth message may include at least one of the following: the first message and the identification information of the first session. In some embodiments, the fifth message may include at least one of the following: session information, the identification information of the third access network device, the identification information of the third satellite, the identification information of the first session, and QFI.

[0340] In some embodiments, the identification information of the third access network device and / or the identification information of the third satellite and / or QFI may be carried in the tunnel information of the first message.

[0341] In step S4203, the second network element 1032 and the third network element 1033 modify the N4 connection.

[0342] In some embodiments, based on AN tunnel information, the second network element 1032 can initiate N4 session modification.

[0343] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send an N4 session modification request message to the third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the N4 session modification request message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first session and AN tunnel information. For example, the AN tunnel information may be used for the downlink user plane.

[0344] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send an N4 session modification response message to the second network element 1032. In some embodiments, the N4 session modification response message may include CN tunnel information. For example, the CN tunnel information may be used for uplink traffic.

[0345] In step S4204, the second network element 1032 sends the sixth information to the first network element 1031.

[0346] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can send a sixth message. In some embodiments, the sixth message can be sent by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive the sixth message. In some embodiments, the sixth message can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0348] In some embodiments, the sixth message may be an update SM context response message. For example, the fifth message may be an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContex response message.

[0349] In some embodiments, the sixth message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the third access network device, identification information of the third satellite, and parameter information of the first session.

[0350] In some embodiments, the parameter information of the first session may include N2 SM information. In some embodiments, the N2 SM information may include CN tunnel information.

[0351] In step S4205, the first network element 1031 sends the fourth information to the first access network device 1021.

[0352] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send a fourth message. In some embodiments, the fourth message may be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may receive a fourth message. In some embodiments, the fourth message may be received by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0354] In some embodiments, a fourth message may be used to indicate acceptance of modifications to the first session.

[0355] In some embodiments, the fourth message may be a QoS flow mobility confirmation message.

[0356] In some embodiments, the content of the fourth message may be the same as the content of the sixth message. In some embodiments, the fourth message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the third access network device, identification information of the third satellite, and parameter information of the first session.

[0357] In some embodiments, the parameter information of the first session may include N2 SM information. In some embodiments, the N2 SM information may include CN tunnel information.

[0358] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send a third message to the third access network device.

[0359] In some embodiments, if the identification information of the third access network device and / or the identification information of the second satellite are obtained from the fourth message, the first access network device 1021 may send a third message to the third access network device related to the identification information of the third access network device and / or the identification information of the second satellite.

[0360] In some embodiments, if the fourth message does not contain the identification information of the third access network device or the identification information of the second satellite, or if the first network element 1031 does not provide the identification information of the third access network device or the identification information of the second satellite, the first access network device 1021 may determine the third access network device itself. For example, the first access network device 1021 may determine the third access network device based on the location information, ephemeris information, etc. of the terminal 101.

[0361] In some embodiments, the identification information of the third access network device and / or the identification information of the second satellite may be determined by the first access network device 1021 and added to the third message. The first access network device 1021 may send the third message containing the identification information of the third access network device and / or the identification information of the second satellite to the first network element 1031.

[0362] In some embodiments, when the first access network device 1021 determines the third access network device, it may consider at least one of the following: satellite mobility, protocols between RAN nodes, cooperation protocols within and between operators, local configuration, etc.

[0363] In some embodiments, a third message may be used to instruct a third access network device to process the first session.

[0364] In some embodiments, the third message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the third access network device, identification information of the second satellite, parameter information of the first session, and terminal information.

[0365] In some embodiments, the third message may further include one or more QFIs assigned by the first access network device 1021 for the first session via the third access network device.

[0366] In some embodiments, the third message may include AN tunnel information. The AN tunnel information may include the tunnel endpoint and the QFI assigned to the tunnel endpoint. In one example, the identification information of the third access network device and / or the identification information of the second satellite may be included in the AN tunnel information. For example, the tunnel endpoint indicated by the AN tunnel information is the third access network device.

[0367] In step S4206, the first access network device 1021 sends a second message to the terminal 101.

[0368] In some embodiments, the first access network device 1021 may send a second message. In some embodiments, the second message may be sent by the first access network device 1021, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0369] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive a second message. In some embodiments, the second message may be received by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0370] In some embodiments, the second message may be used to instruct terminal 101 to modify the first session.

[0371] In some embodiments, the second message may be an AN-specific resource modification message.

[0372] In some embodiments, the second message may include at least one of the following: identification information of a third access network device, identification information of a third satellite, and parameter information of the first session.

[0373] In some embodiments, the parameter information of the first session may include tunnel information. In some embodiments, at least one of the identification information of the third access network device, the identification information of the third satellite, and QFI may be included in the tunnel information.

[0374] In some embodiments, the identification information of the third access network device and / or the identification information of the third satellite in the tunnel information received by terminal 101 is the same as the original identification information of the second access network device and / or the identification information of the second satellite. In this case, terminal 101 can determine that the modification to the first session is a change in the parameter information of the first session. In this situation, terminal 101 can use the QFI in the second message to perform transmission for the first session.

[0375] In some embodiments, the identification information of the third access network device and / or the identification information of the third satellite in the tunnel information received by terminal 101 is different from the identification information of the original second access network device and / or the identification information of the second satellite. In this case, terminal 101 can determine that the modification to the first session is a change to the second access network device 1022. For example, terminal 101 can determine that the first session has been switched from the original second access network device 1022 to a new second access network device (also referred to as the third access network device). In this case, terminal 101 can establish an RRC connection with the third access network device and use the QFI in the second message to perform data transmission for the first session with the third access network device.

[0376] The communication method of this embodiment can be implemented through steps S4201 to S4206.

[0377] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4206. For example, step S4201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, the combination of steps S4201 and S4202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, the combination of steps S4201 and S4205 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and the combination of steps S4201, S4205 and S4206 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0378] In some embodiments, steps S4202 to S4206 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0379] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0380] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0381] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0382] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0383] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0384] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0385] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0386] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0387] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0388] Figure 5A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 5A, the method includes steps S5101 to S5105.

[0389] In step S5101, terminal 101 sends a first message to first network element 1031 through first access network device 1021.

[0390] The optional implementation of step S5101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4101 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0391] In step S5102, the first network element 1031 sends a fifth message to the second network element 1032.

[0392] The optional implementation of step S5102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4102 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0393] In step S5103, the second network element 1032 sends a sixth message to the first network element 1031.

[0394] The optional implementation of step S5103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4105 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0395] In step S5104, the first network element 1031 sends a fourth message to the first access network device 1021.

[0396] The optional implementation of step S5104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4106 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0397] In step S5105, the first access network device 1021 sends a third message to the second access network device 1022.

[0398] The optional implementation of step S5105 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4107 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0399] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0400] Figure 5B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 5B, the method includes steps S5201 to S5205.

[0401] In step S5201, the first access network device 1021 sends a first message to the first network element 1031.

[0402] The optional implementation of step S5201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4201 in Figure 4B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 4B, which will not be repeated here.

[0403] In step S5202, the first network element 1031 sends a fifth message to the second network element 1032.

[0404] The optional implementation of step S5202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4202 in Figure 4B, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4B, which will not be repeated here.

[0405] In step S5203, the second network element 1032 sends a sixth message to the first network element 1031.

[0406] The optional implementation of step S5203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4204 in Figure 4B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 4B, which will not be repeated here.

[0407] In step S5204, the first network element 1031 sends a fourth message to the first access network device 1021.

[0408] The optional implementation of step S5204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4205 in Figure 4B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 4B, which will not be repeated here.

[0409] In step S5205, the first access network device 1021 sends a second message to the terminal 101.

[0410] The optional implementation of step S5205 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4206 in Figure 4B, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 4B, which will not be repeated here.

[0411] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0412] Figure 5C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 5C, the method includes steps S5301 and S5302.

[0413] In step S5301, terminal 101 sends a first message to first access network device 1021.

[0414] The optional implementation of step S5301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4101 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0415] In step S5302, the first access network device 1021 sends a first message to the first network element 1031.

[0416] The optional implementation of step S5302 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4101 in Figure 4A, step S4201 in Figure 4B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 4A and 4B, which will not be repeated here.

[0417] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0418] Figure 5D is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 5D, the method includes step S5401.

[0419] In step S5401, the first access network device 1021 sends a third message to the second access network device 1022.

[0420] The optional implementation of step S5401 can be found in the optional implementation of step S4107 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0421] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0422] In the following, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described by way of specific implementation.

[0423] The main objectives of this disclosure are as follows: (1) to provide an architecture to support dual connectivity via multi-orbit satellites; and (2) to coordinate the primary and secondary nodes to manage PDU sessions.

[0424] In some embodiments, the architecture includes three options.

[0425] Option 1:

[0426] In some embodiments, the functions of RAN nodes reside on different satellites. For example, the RAN CP (i.e., the first access network device) is located on SAT1 (i.e., the first satellite), and the RAN UP (i.e., the second access network device) is located on SAT2 (i.e., the second satellite). The RAN CP and RAN UP can be considered as different RAN nodes.

[0427] In some embodiments, MR-DC is activated, meaning the UE simultaneously has a connection to the onboard RAN CP of SAT1 and a connection to the onboard RAN UP of SAT2. The RAN CP acts as the primary node, and the RAN UP acts as the secondary node.

[0428] In some embodiments, ISL is supported between SAT1 and SAT2.

[0429] In some embodiments, all CN entities may be located on a terrestrial network or on a satellite.

[0430] Option 2:

[0431] In some embodiments, the functions of RAN nodes reside on different satellites; for example, RAN CP resides on SAT1 and RAN UP resides on SAT2. RAN CP and RAN UP can be considered as different RAN nodes.

[0432] In some embodiments, MR-DC is activated, meaning the UE simultaneously has a connection to the onboard RAN CP of SAT1 and a connection to the onboard RAN UP of SAT2. The RAN CP acts as the primary node, and the RAN UP acts as the secondary node.

[0433] In some embodiments, ISL is supported between SAT1 and SAT2.

[0434] In some embodiments, the UPF collaborates with a RAN UP located on a satellite. Other CN entities may be located on a terrestrial network or on a satellite.

[0435] Option 3:

[0436] In some embodiments, the complete RAN nodes are located on satellites; for example, RAN node 1 (i.e., the first access network device) is located on SAT1, and RAN node 2 (i.e., the second access network device) is located on SAT2.

[0437] In some embodiments, MR-DC is activated, meaning the UE simultaneously has a CP connection with RAN node 1 and an UP connection with RAN node 2. RAN node 1 acts as the primary node, and RAN node 2 acts as the secondary node.

[0438] In some embodiments, ISL is supported between SAT1 and SAT2.

[0439] In some embodiments, the UPF collaborates with RAN node 2 located on a satellite. Other CN entities may be located on a terrestrial network or on a satellite.

[0440] Figure 6A is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This communication method is related to the PDU session establishment process. As shown in Figure 6A, the communication method includes steps S6101 to S6113.

[0441] In some embodiments, the prerequisite may be that the UE has already established an AS connection with the primary RAN node.

[0442] In step S6101, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF through the primary RAN node. The request type can be set to "DC-NTN PDU session". The UE can also provide its own DC capabilities to the AMF. If the UE has an AS connection with the secondary RAN node, the UE includes the connection status, as well as the secondary RAN node identifier and / or satellite identifier in the PDU session establishment request.

[0443] In step S6102, the AMF selects an SMF that supports DC-NTN PDU sessions. The AMF sends a Create SM Context Request to the selected SMF, which includes a "DC-NTN PDU Request" indication and indicates whether the UE is connected to two RAN nodes. If the UE has an AS connection to a secondary RAN node, the AMF can also provide the SMF with the secondary RAN node identifier and / or satellite identifier.

[0444] In some embodiments, once a request to create an SM context is received, the SMF can verify the UE authorization by using the UE subscription data.

[0445] In some embodiments, the AMF can verify UE authorization using UE subscription data. If the UE is authorized to use DC-NTN, the AMF sends a rejection response to the UE.

[0446] In step S6103, a first communication process is executed, which may include at least one of the following processes: PDU session authentication / authorization, PCF selection, SM policy association establishment or modification.

[0447] In step S6104, the SMF selects one or more UPFs and establishes an N4 connection for the DC-NTN PDU session.

[0448] In step S6105, the SMF provides N2 SM information to the AMF. In addition to the parameters involved in the first communication process described above, it may also include the secondary RAN node identifier and / or satellite identifier, as well as a "DC-NTN PDU session" indication.

[0449] In some embodiments, the secondary RAN node identifier and / or satellite identifier may be provided by the UE in step S6101 or selected by the AMF in step S6102.

[0450] In step S6106, the AMF sends the NAS message (PDU session establishment acceptance) pointing to the UE and the N2 SM information from the SMF to the primary RAN node in the N2 PDU session message.

[0451] In step S6107, if the secondary RAN node identifier and / or satellite identifier are provided in the N2 SM information, the primary RAN node sends an N2 PDU session request to the selected secondary RAN node to provide the N2 SM information and allocate some pending QFIs to the secondary RAN node. In some embodiments, the primary RAN node selects a secondary RAN node and sends the N2 SM information and QFIs to the secondary RAN node.

[0452] In step S6108, the primary RAN node forwards the NAS message (PDU session establishment acceptance) to the UE, and may provide the secondary RAN node identifier and / or satellite identifier to the UE.

[0453] In step S6109, based on the N2 SM information and the QFI allocated by the primary RAN node, the secondary RAN node allocates RAN tunnel information for the PDU session. The secondary RAN node can exchange AN-specific signaling with the UE, which is associated with information received from the SMF.

[0454] In step S6110, the secondary RAN node replies to the primary RAN node with an N2 PDU session response, which includes updated N2 SM information.

[0455] In step S6111, the primary RAN node sends an N2 PDU session message to the AMF, indicating updated N2 SM information.

[0456] In step S6112, the AMF forwards the N2 SM information received from the secondary RAN node to the SMF.

[0457] In step S6113, the SMF can modify the N4 connection with the UPF.

[0458] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0459] Figure 6B is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. This communication method is related to a QoS flow modification process. As shown in Figure 6B, the communication method includes steps S6201 to S6205.

[0460] In step S6201, based on the satellite's movement, the primary RAN node can decide to change the QoS flow. The primary RAN node sends an N2 QoS flow mobility message to the AMF, including AN tunnel information. The AN tunnel information includes the new RAN tunnel endpoint for the QFI that needs to be modified for its AN tunnel information.

[0461] In step S6202, the AMF sends an update SM context request to the SMF, indicating the AN tunnel information.

[0462] In step S6203, based on the AN tunnel information, the SMF can initiate the establishment and modification of the N4 connection.

[0463] In step S6204, the SMF replies to the AMF with an updated SM context response.

[0464] In some embodiments, if a new secondary RAN node is selected or the QFI is updated, the primary RAN node can send an AN dedicated resource modification message to the UE, indicating the updated AN tunnel information. Based on the receipt of this message, the UE can establish a connection with the newly selected secondary RAN node for data transmission.

[0465] In step S6205, the AMF replies to the primary RAN node with a QoS flow mobility confirmation message.

[0466] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0467] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure proposes an apparatus that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0468] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0469] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0470] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 701 and a processing module 702.

[0471] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may be a first access network device 1021. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to: send a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message is used to request the establishment or modification of a first session of the terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first access network device 1021 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S4101, S4106, S4107, S4108, S4110, S4111, S4201, S4205, S4206, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0472] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may be a second access network device 1022. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to: receive a third message sent by a first access network device, wherein the third message is used to instruct the second access network device to establish or modify a first session related to the terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S4107, S4109, S4110, but not limited thereto) performed by the second access network device 1022 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0473] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may be a first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to: receive a first message sent by a first access network device, wherein the first message is used to request the establishment or modification of a first session of the terminal; wherein the terminal supports dual connectivity, the dual connectivity including a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element 1031 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S4101, S4102, S4105, S4106, S4111, S4112, S4201, S4202, S4204, S4205, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0474] In some embodiments, the communication device 700 may be a terminal 101. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 may be configured to: send first information; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection-based session; capability information, used to indicate the terminal's support capability for dual connections; status information, used to indicate the connection status of the terminal; wherein the dual connection includes a connection between the terminal and a first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and a second access network device; wherein the first access network device is located on a first satellite, and the second access network device is located on a second satellite. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S4101, S4108, S4109, S4206, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0475] In some embodiments, the communication device shown in FIG7 can also be implemented as a communication equipment.

[0476] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting and receiving modules may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0477] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0478] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 8100 can be an MC device, a terminal (e.g., a user equipment), a network device (e.g., a core network device, an access network device), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the MC device in implementing any of the above methods, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0479] As shown in Figure 8A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 8100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 8101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0480] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8102. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8102, the transceivers 8102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S4101 to S4113, steps S4201 to S4206, but not limited thereto), and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0481] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8103 may be located outside the communication device 8100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuits 8104 are connected to the memories 8103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 8103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 8103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8104 can read data stored in the memories 8103 and send that data to the processor 8101.

[0482] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG8A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0483] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 8200 shown in Figure 8B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0484] Chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201. Chip 8200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0485] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8203 may be located outside of chip 8200. Optionally, interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive data from memory 8203 or other devices, and interface circuit 8202 can be used to send data to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 8202 can read data stored in memory 8203 and send the data to processor 8201.

[0486] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S4101 to S4113, steps S4201 to S4206, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 8202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 8202 performing data interaction between the processor 8201, the chip 8200, the memory 8203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0487] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0488] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 8100, cause the communication device 8100 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0489] This disclosure also proposes a program product that, when executed by a communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0490] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0491] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only.

[0492] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, performed by a first access network device, wherein, The method includes: Send a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message is used to request the establishment or modification of a first session of the terminal; The terminal supports dual connectivity, which includes a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device. The first access network device is located on the first satellite, and the second access network device is located on the second satellite.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The connection between the terminal and the first access network device is used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device is used to transmit data.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first message is used to request the establishment of the first session, and the first message includes first information; The first information includes at least one of the following: Session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection-based session; Capability information, used to indicate the terminal's support for dual connectivity; Status information, used to indicate the connection status of the terminal.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The capability information indicates at least one of the following: The terminal supports dual connections; The terminal supports a first type of connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the first access network device; The terminal supports a second type of connection, wherein the second connection is a connection between the terminal and the second access network device.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The status information indicates at least one of the following: The terminal only connects to the first access network device; The terminal connects to the first access network device and the second access network device; The identification information of the second access network device; The identification information of the second satellite.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal sends a second message, wherein the second message includes at least a portion of the content of the first message.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first message is used to request modification of the first session, and the modification of the first session includes at least one of the following: Changes in parameter information of the first session; Changes to the second access network equipment.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The first message includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the second access network device; The identification information of the second satellite; The second access network device is the modified access network device.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The modification of the first session is triggered by the movement of the terminal and / or the second satellite.

10. The method according to claim 5 or 8, wherein, The identification information of the second access network device and / or the identification information of the second satellite are determined by the first access network device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The method further includes: Send a second message to the terminal, wherein the second message is used to instruct the terminal to establish or modify the first session; The second message includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the second access network device; The identification information of the second satellite.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The method further includes: Send a third message to the second access network device, wherein the third message is used to instruct the second access network device to establish or modify the first session; The third message includes parameter information from the first session.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The method further includes: Receive a fourth message sent by the first network element, wherein the fourth message is used to indicate acceptance of the establishment or modification of the first session; The fourth message includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the second access network device; The identification information of the second satellite; The parameter information of the first session.

14. A communication method, executed by a first network element, wherein, The method includes: Receive a first message sent by a first access network device, wherein the first message is used to request the establishment or modification of a first session of the terminal; The terminal supports dual connectivity, which includes a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device. The first access network device is located on the first satellite, and the second access network device is located on the second satellite.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The connection between the terminal and the first access network device is used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device is used to transmit data.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The first message is used to request the establishment of the first session, and the first message includes first information; The first information includes at least one of the following: Session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection-based session; Capability information, used to indicate the terminal's support for dual connectivity; Status information, used to indicate the connection status of the terminal.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The capability information indicates at least one of the following: Does the terminal support dual connections? The terminal supports a first type of connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the first access network device; The terminal supports a second type of connection, wherein the second connection is a connection between the terminal and the second access network device.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The status information indicates at least one of the following: The terminal only connects to the first access network device; The terminal connects to the first access network device and the second access network device; The identification information of the second access network device; The identification information of the second satellite.

19. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The first message is used to request modification of the first session, and the modification of the first session includes at least one of the following: Changes in parameter information of the first session; Changes to the second access network equipment.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The first message includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the second access network device; The identification information of the second satellite; The second access network device is the modified access network device.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The modification of the first session is triggered by the movement of the terminal and / or the second satellite.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein, The method further includes: Send a fourth message to the first access network device, wherein the fourth message is used to indicate acceptance of the establishment or modification of the first session; The fourth message includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the second access network device; The identification information of the second satellite; The parameter information of the first session.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein, The first message is used to request the establishment of the first session; The method further includes: Based on the terminal's subscription information, it is determined that the terminal is authorized to use dual connections.

24. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein, The method further includes: Send a fifth message to the second network element, wherein the fifth message is used to request the establishment or modification of the context of the first session; The fifth message includes at least one of the following: Session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection-based session; The identification information of the second access network device; The identification information of the second satellite.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The method further includes: Receive a sixth message sent by the second network element, wherein the sixth message includes at least one of the following: Authorization instruction information, wherein the authorization instruction information is used to indicate that the terminal is authorized to use dual connectivity; Session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection-based session; The identification information of the second access network device; The identification information of the second satellite.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein, Both the first network element and the second network element support dual connectivity.

27. A communication method, performed by a second access network device, wherein, The method includes: Receive a third message sent by a first access network device, wherein the third message is used to instruct the second access network device to establish or modify a first session related to the terminal; The terminal supports dual connectivity, which includes a connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and a connection between the terminal and the second access network device. The first access network device is located on the first satellite, and the second access network device is located on the second satellite.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The connection between the terminal and the first access network device is used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device is used to transmit data.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the third message, the first session is established or modified, wherein the third message includes parameter information of the first session.

30. A communication method, executed by a terminal, wherein, The method includes: Send the first message; The first information includes at least one of the following: Session information, used to indicate that the first session is a dual-connection-based session; Capability information, used to indicate the terminal's support for dual connectivity; Status information, used to indicate the connection status of the terminal; The dual connectivity includes the connection between the terminal and the first access network device, and the connection between the terminal and the second access network device. The first access network device is located on the first satellite, and the second access network device is located on the second satellite.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, The connection between the terminal and the first access network device is used to transmit control plane signaling, and / or the connection between the terminal and the second access network device is used to transmit data.

32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein, The type information indicates at least one of the following: The terminal supports dual connections; The terminal supports a first type of connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the first access network device; The terminal supports a second type of connection, wherein the second connection is a connection between the terminal and the second access network device.

33. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein, The status information indicates at least one of the following: The terminal only connects to the first access network device; The terminal connects to the first access network device and the second access network device; The identification information of the second access network device; The identification information of the second satellite.

34. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal receives a second message sent by the first access network device, wherein the second message is used to instruct the terminal to establish or modify the first session.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein, There is no connection between the terminal and the second access network device; The method further includes: According to the second message, establish a connection with the second access network device; The second message includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the second access network device; The identification information of the second satellite.

36. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-13, 14-26, 27-29, and 30-35.

37. A communication system, comprising a terminal, a first access network device, a second access network device, and a first network element, wherein, The first access network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-13, the first network element is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 14-26, the second access network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 27-29, and the terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 30-35.

38. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-13, 14-26, 27-29, and 30-35.

39. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-13, 14-26, 27-29, and 30-35.

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