Communication methods and apparatuses

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are communication methods and apparatuses. A communication method, executed by a terminal, comprises: determining a first access node on the basis of first information, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select from among a plurality of available satellite access networks a first satellite access network for access. Thus, a terminal can determine from among accessible nodes deployed in a plurality of satellite access networks a first access node in a first satellite access network selected for access, so that frequent switching of access nodes during communication can be reduced, thereby improving the communication performance.

Description

Communication methods and devices Technical Field

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

[0002] In Dual Connectivity (DC) mode, a terminal can be configured to establish a connection for data interaction using resources provided by two different access network nodes, where one access network node is the master node (MN) and the other access network node is the secondary node (SN). Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus for a terminal to determine, based on first information, a first access node in a first satellite access network from among accessible nodes deployed in multiple satellite access networks. This reduces the frequency of access node switching during communication and improves communication performance.

[0004] This disclosure presents a communication method and apparatus.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by a terminal, comprising: determining a first access node based on first information, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from a plurality of available satellite access networks, and the first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0006] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the first access node in the first satellite access network from the accessible nodes deployed in multiple satellite access networks, which can reduce the frequent switching of access nodes during communication and improve communication performance.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by a core network device, comprising: sending first information to a terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from a plurality of available satellite access networks, a first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network, and the first information is used by the terminal to determine the first access node.

[0008] In the above embodiments, the core network device can send first information to the terminal, providing the terminal with a selection strategy for determining the first access node in the first satellite access network from among the accessible nodes deployed in multiple satellite access networks. This can reduce the frequent switching of access nodes during communication and improve communication performance.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, comprising: a core network device sending first information to a terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, the first information is used by the terminal to determine a first access node, the first access node being deployed in the first satellite access network; the terminal receiving the first information sent by the core network device; and the terminal determining the first access node based on the first information.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: a processing module, configured to determine a first access node based on first information, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from a plurality of available satellite access networks, and the first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for sending first information to a terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, a first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network, and the first information is used by the terminal to determine the first access node.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: one or more processors, wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, comprising: one or more processors, wherein the core network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0014] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; and a memory coupled to the processors, the memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processors, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in at least one of the first and second aspects.

[0015] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a terminal and a core network device; the terminal performs the method as described in the first aspect embodiment, and the core network device performs the method as described in the second aspect.

[0016] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer storage medium is provided, wherein the computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions; after being executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions are capable of implementing the method described in at least one aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0017] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, wherein the computer program product stores a computer program; after being executed by a processor, the computer program is able to implement the method described in at least one aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2A is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3A is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3B is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a dual connection provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4B is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4C is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5A is a structural diagram of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5B is a structural diagram of a core network device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 6A is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6B is a structural diagram of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This disclosure presents a communication method and apparatus.

[0032] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a terminal, comprising: determining a first access node based on first information, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, and the first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0033] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the first access node in the first satellite access network from the accessible nodes deployed in multiple satellite access networks, which can reduce the frequent switching of access nodes during communication and improve communication performance.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

[0035] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the first access node in the first satellite access network to be accessed when using dual connectivity from among the accessible nodes deployed in multiple satellite access networks, which can reduce the frequent switching of access nodes during communication and improve communication performance.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is further used for the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. The method further includes: the terminal determining a second access node based on the first information, wherein the second access node is deployed in the second satellite access network.

[0037] In the above embodiments, the terminal can also determine the second access node in the second satellite access network to be accessed when using dual connectivity from the accessible nodes deployed in multiple satellite access networks, so as to establish dual connectivity using the determined first access node and second access node. This can reduce the frequent switching of access nodes during communication, and achieve high reliability and wide coverage, as well as lower latency and higher transmission speed, thereby improving communication performance.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first access node is a master node, used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a secondary node, used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network; or

[0039] The first access node is a secondary node used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a primary node used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

[0040] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the primary node and / or secondary node to be accessed when using dual connectivity from the accessible nodes deployed in the satellite access network, so as to establish dual connectivity using the determined primary node and secondary node. This can reduce the frequent switching of access nodes during communication, and achieve high reliability, wide coverage, lower latency, and higher transmission speed, thereby improving communication performance.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: priority information of the satellite access network; coverage priority information of the satellite access network.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the terminal can select at least one access node based on the priority information of the satellite access network or the coverage priority information of the satellite access network, and determine the first access node and / or the second access node to be selected when using dual connectivity, so as to establish dual connectivity using the determined first access node and the second access node, which can reduce the frequent switching of access nodes during communication and improve communication performance.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal determines the first access node based on the first information, including:

[0044] Based on the first information, determine the access node in the satellite access network with the highest or lowest priority from the priority information of the satellite access network as the first access node; or

[0045] Based on the first information, the access node in the satellite access network with the highest or lowest coverage priority among the coverage priority information of the selected satellite access network is determined as the first access node.

[0046] In the above embodiments, the terminal can select an access node with different priorities in the satellite access network priority information as the first access node, which can support the terminal to select a base station access node with different priorities in the satellite access network for dual connection. Alternatively, the terminal can select an access node with different priorities in the satellite access network coverage priority information as the first access node, which can support the terminal to select a base station access node with different priorities in the satellite access network for dual connection, thereby reducing the frequent switching of access nodes during communication.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when determining the second access node based on the first information, the priority of the satellite access network of the determined second access node is different from the priority of the satellite access network of the first access node; or, the coverage priority of the satellite access network where the determined second access node is located is different from the coverage priority of the satellite access network where the first access node is located.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the terminal can select access nodes with different priorities in the satellite access network priority information as the first access node and the second access node, which can support the terminal to select base station access nodes with different priorities in the satellite access network for dual connection; or the terminal can select access nodes with different priorities in the satellite access network coverage priority information as the first access node and the second access node, which can support the terminal to select base station access nodes with different priorities in the satellite access network for dual connection, and can reduce the frequent switching of access nodes during communication.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: the priority corresponding to the type to which the satellite access network belongs; and the priority corresponding to the orbital altitude of the satellite to which the satellite access network belongs.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the type of satellite access network includes at least one of the following: geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite network; medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite network; and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the terminal can select access nodes in satellite access networks with different priorities corresponding to the type of satellite access network as the first access node and the second access node. This enables the terminal to select base station access nodes in satellite access networks of multiple orbits for dual connection, thereby reducing the frequent switching of access nodes during communication.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the coverage priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network; the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage duration range in the satellite access network; and the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage interruption duration range in the satellite access network.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes: the terminal receiving first information sent by the core network device.

[0054] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine the first access node and / or the second access node based on the first information sent by the core network device, so as to determine the access node in the satellite access network to be accessed when using dual connectivity based on the instruction of the core network device, thereby reducing the frequent switching of access nodes during communication.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal receives first information sent by the core network device, including:

[0056] Receive the first information sent by the core network device through the initial registration process; or receive the first information sent by the core network device through the registration update process; or receive the first information sent by the core network device through the terminal configuration update process; or receive the first information sent by the core network device through the service request process.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes: the terminal sending second information to the core network device, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the terminal supports the use of dual connectivity.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the terminal can send an indication to the core network device that it supports the use of dual connectivity in order to negotiate with the core network device whether to support the dual connectivity capability.

[0059] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the above method further includes: the terminal receiving third information sent by the core network device, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the core network device supports the use of dual connectivity.

[0060] In the above embodiments, the terminal can receive an indication from the core network device that supports the use of dual connectivity, so as to realize the ability of both the terminal and the core network device to negotiate and support dual connectivity.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes: a terminal receiving fourth information broadcast by an access node in a satellite access network, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the type to which the satellite access network belongs; the orbital altitude to which the satellite access network belongs; and ephemeris information of the satellite access network, wherein the ephemeris information is used to determine the satellite coverage range of the satellite access network, and the satellite coverage range includes at least one of the following: satellite coverage area range, satellite coverage duration range, and satellite coverage interruption duration range.

[0062] In the above embodiments, the terminal can obtain at least one of the following from the access node in the satellite access network: the type of the satellite access network, the orbital altitude, and the ephemeris information. Based on the ephemeris information, the terminal can determine at least one of the following: the satellite coverage area, the satellite coverage duration, and the satellite coverage interruption duration. Then, based on the determined information, the terminal can select the node when using dual connectivity, thereby reducing the frequent switching of access nodes during communication.

[0063] Secondly, this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a core network device, comprising: sending first information to a terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, and a first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the core network device can send first information to the terminal, instructing the terminal to select a first access node in the first satellite access network from among the accessible nodes deployed in multiple satellite access networks, which can reduce the frequent switching of access nodes during communication and improve communication performance.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

[0066] In the above embodiments, the core network device can send first information to the terminal, instructing the terminal to determine the first access node in the first satellite access network to be accessed when using dual connectivity from among the accessible nodes deployed in multiple satellite access networks. This can reduce the frequent switching of access nodes during communication and improve communication performance.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is further used for the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity, and the first information is further used for the terminal to determine a second access node based on the first information, wherein the second access node is deployed in the second satellite access network.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first access node is a master node, used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a secondary node, used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network; or

[0069] The first access node is a secondary node used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a primary node used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: priority information of the satellite access network; coverage priority information of the satellite access network.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: the priority corresponding to the type to which the satellite access network belongs; and the priority corresponding to the orbital altitude of the satellite to which the satellite access network belongs.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the type of satellite access network includes at least one of the following: geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite network; medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite network; and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the coverage priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network; the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage duration range in the satellite access network; and the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage interruption duration range in the satellite access network.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the core network device sends first information to the terminal, including: sending first information to the terminal through an initial registration process; or sending first information to the terminal through a registration update process; or sending first information to the terminal through a terminal configuration update process; or sending first information to the terminal through a service request process.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes: the core network device receiving second information sent by the terminal, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the terminal supports the use of dual connectivity.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes: the core network device sending third information to the terminal, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the core network device supports the use of dual connectivity.

[0077] Thirdly, this disclosure provides a communication method, including: a core network device sending first information to a terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, and the first information is used by the terminal to determine a first access node, the first access node being deployed in the first satellite access network; the terminal receiving the first information sent by the core network device; and the terminal determining the first access node based on the first information.

[0078] Fourthly, this disclosure provides a terminal, including: a processing module, configured to determine a first access node based on first information, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, and the first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0079] Fifthly, this disclosure provides a core network device, including: a transceiver module, used to send first information to a terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, and the first information is used by the terminal to determine a first access node, the first access node being deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0080] In a sixth aspect, a terminal is proposed, comprising: one or more processors, wherein the terminal is used to execute the method described in the first aspect.

[0081] In a seventh aspect, a core network device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors, wherein the core network device is used to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0082] Eighthly, this disclosure provides a communication device comprising: one or more processors; and a memory coupled to the processors, the memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processors, cause the communication device to perform the method described in at least one of the first and second aspects.

[0083] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a terminal and a core network device; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method as described in the first aspect, and the core network device is configured to perform the method as described in the second aspect.

[0084] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in at least one of the first and second aspects.

[0085] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in at least one of the first and second aspects.

[0086] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in at least one of the first and second aspects.

[0087] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in at least one of the first and second aspects described above.

[0088] It is understood that the aforementioned communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, program product, etc., are all used to execute the methods proposed 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.

[0089] This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" can be used interchangeably.

[0090] 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. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0091] 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.

[0092] In this 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 or a plural expression.

[0093] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0099] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0100] 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.

[0101] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0102] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0103] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0109] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0110] 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.

[0111] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] Figure 1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0113] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, a core network device 102, and an access network device 103.

[0114] 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, augmented reality (AR) terminal, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, and wireless terminal in smart home.

[0115] In some embodiments, the core network device 102 may be a single device, or multiple devices or a group of devices, including all or part of a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0116] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element.

[0117] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, a Location Management Function (LMF) network element.

[0118] In some embodiments, the third network element is, for example, a sensing function (SF) network element.

[0119] In some embodiments, the fourth network element is, for example, a network repository function (NRF) network element.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first network element is used to implement terminal access management and mobility management. It is responsible for terminal state maintenance, terminal reachability management, mobility management (MM), forwarding of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, and forwarding of session management (SM) N2 messages.

[0121] In some embodiments, the second network element is used to coordinate and schedule the resources required for the location of the terminal.

[0122] In some embodiments, the third network element is used to perform wireless sensing using access network equipment or terminals to realize sensing services.

[0123] In some embodiments, the fourth network element is used for dynamic registration of network function service capabilities and network function discovery.

[0124] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the second network element, and the third network element can be independent of the core network equipment.

[0125] In some embodiments, at least one of the first network element, the second network element, and the third network element may be part of the core network equipment.

[0126] In some embodiments, the access network device 103 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, 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.

[0127] In some embodiments, the access network device 103 may be a satellite.

[0128] 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.

[0129] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0130] 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. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0131] In related technologies, how a terminal selects an access node from multiple access nodes deployed in a satellite access network is a problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0132] Based on this, this disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus, wherein the method executed by a terminal includes: determining a first access node based on first information, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, and the first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network. Thus, the terminal can determine the first access node to access from among the available access nodes deployed in the satellite access network based on the first information, which can reduce frequent switching of access nodes during communication and improve communication performance.

[0133] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0134] S201, the access node in the satellite access network sends the fourth information to the terminal.

[0135] In some embodiments, a satellite access network can be understood as an access network that includes satellites, or a network in which access nodes are deployed on satellites, or a network in which satellites serve as access nodes, etc.

[0136] In some embodiments, the access node in the satellite access network can be understood as a base station functional node deployed on a satellite, or a node in the satellite access network used for access terminals, etc.

[0137] In some embodiments, the terminal receives fourth information sent by an access node in the satellite access network, but is not limited thereto. The terminal may also receive fourth information sent by other entities other than the access node in the satellite access network, in which case S201 can be omitted.

[0138] In some embodiments, the terminal obtains the fourth information specified by the protocol, in which case S201 can be omitted.

[0139] In some embodiments, the terminal obtains the fourth information from the upper layer(s), in which case S201 can be omitted.

[0140] In some embodiments, the terminal processes the information to obtain the fourth information, in which case S201 can be omitted.

[0141] In some embodiments, the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the fourth information, or the above function is a default or default setting, in which case S201 can be omitted.

[0142] In some embodiments, one or more access nodes in a satellite access network send fourth information to the terminal.

[0143] In some embodiments, one or more access nodes in one or more satellite access networks send fourth information to the terminal.

[0144] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0145] The type of satellite access network;

[0146] The orbital altitude of the satellite access network;

[0147] The ephemeris information of the satellite access network can be used to determine the satellite coverage of the satellite access network. The satellite coverage includes, for example, at least one of the following: the satellite coverage area, the duration of satellite coverage, and the duration of satellite coverage interruption.

[0148] In some embodiments, the fourth information includes an identifier of the satellite access network, wherein different identifiers correspond to different satellite access network types.

[0149] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used by the terminal to determine the type of satellite access network to which the access node belongs.

[0150] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used by the terminal to determine the orbital altitude of the satellite access network to which the access node belongs.

[0151] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used by the terminal to determine the ephemeris information of the satellite access network where the access node is located. The terminal can determine at least one of the following based on the ephemeris information of the satellite access network: the satellite coverage area range, the satellite coverage duration range, and the satellite coverage interruption duration range.

[0152] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the satellite coverage area of ​​the satellite access network based on the ephemeris information of the satellite access network, which can be understood as the network coverage area that the access nodes in the satellite access network can provide. Optionally, the satellite coverage area of ​​the satellite access network can be the real-time satellite coverage area that at least one access node in the satellite access network can provide. The real-time satellite coverage area may include the location of the terminal, or it may not.

[0153] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the satellite coverage duration range of the satellite access network based on the ephemeris information of the satellite access network, which can be understood as the duration of network coverage that the access nodes in the satellite access network can provide. Optionally, the satellite coverage duration range of the satellite access network is the duration for which the access nodes in the satellite access network can provide network coverage to the terminal's location. Wherein, the access nodes in the satellite access network can continuously provide network coverage to the terminal's location. If an interruption occurs, resulting in multiple durations, and there is an interruption period between two adjacent durations during which the access nodes in the satellite access network cannot provide network coverage to the terminal's location, then the network coverage duration range is the longest or shortest of the multiple durations.

[0154] For example, the access node in the satellite access network can continuously provide network coverage for the location of the terminal during a first duration, cannot provide network coverage for the location of the terminal during a second duration, and can continuously provide network coverage for the location of the terminal during a subsequent third duration, wherein the first duration is longer than the third duration, and the terminal can determine that the duration of satellite coverage of the satellite access network is either the first duration or the third duration.

[0155] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the duration range of satellite coverage interruption in the satellite access network based on the ephemeris information of the satellite access network. This can be understood as the duration of network coverage interruption that the access nodes in the satellite access network can provide. Optionally, the duration range of satellite coverage interruption in the satellite access network is the duration of network coverage interruption that the access nodes in the satellite access network can provide for the terminal's location. Wherein, if an access node in the satellite access network provides network coverage for the terminal's location for more than one interruption duration, and during one of these interruption durations the access node cannot provide network coverage for the terminal's location, then the duration range of network coverage interruption is the longest or shortest of the multiple interruption durations.

[0156] For example, if an access node in a satellite access network is unable to provide network coverage for the location of the terminal for a first duration, is able to continuously provide network coverage for the location of the terminal for a second duration, and is unable to provide network coverage for the location of the terminal for a third duration, wherein the first duration is longer than the third duration, the terminal can determine that the duration of the network coverage interruption in the satellite access network is either the first duration or the third duration.

[0157] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal receives fourth information sent by one or more access nodes in one or more satellite access networks to determine the type of satellite access network to which the one or more access nodes belong. Based on the type of satellite access network to which the one or more access nodes belong, the terminal can determine different priorities corresponding to different types of satellite access networks. Optionally, the terminal determines different priorities corresponding to different types of satellite access networks based on protocol agreements, instructions from core network equipment, or implementation details.

[0158] For example, the types of satellite access networks include GEO satellite networks, MEO satellite networks, and LEO satellite networks. The terminal can determine that the GEO satellite network has the highest priority, the MEO satellite network has the second highest priority, and the LEO satellite network has the lowest priority. Of course, this example is only for illustration and is not intended to limit the specific embodiments of this disclosure. It could also be that the GEO satellite network has the lowest priority, the MEO satellite network has the second highest priority, and the LEO satellite network has the highest priority, etc.

[0159] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal receives fourth information sent by one or more access nodes in one or more satellite access networks, determines the orbital altitude of the satellite access network to which the one or more access nodes belong, and can determine different priorities corresponding to different orbital altitudes of different satellite access networks based on the orbital altitudes of the satellite access networks to which the one or more access nodes belong. Optionally, the terminal determines different priorities corresponding to different orbital altitudes of different satellite access networks based on protocol agreements, or based on instructions from core network equipment, or based on implementation details.

[0160] For example, regarding the orbital altitude of a satellite access network, higher orbital altitude corresponds to higher priority, or vice versa.

[0161] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal receives fourth information sent by one or more access nodes in one or more satellite access networks to determine the satellite coverage area of ​​the satellite access network to which the one or more access nodes belong. Based on the satellite coverage area of ​​the satellite access network to which the one or more access nodes belong, the terminal can determine different priorities corresponding to the satellite coverage areas of different satellite access networks. Optionally, the terminal determines different priorities corresponding to the satellite coverage areas of different satellite access networks based on protocol agreements, or based on instructions from the core network equipment, or based on implementation details.

[0162] For example, for the satellite coverage area of ​​a satellite access network, the larger the satellite coverage area, the higher the priority, or the larger the satellite coverage area, the lower the priority.

[0163] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal receives fourth information sent by one or more access nodes in one or more satellite access networks to determine the satellite coverage area of ​​the satellite access network to which the one or more access nodes belong. Based on the satellite coverage area of ​​the satellite access network to which the one or more access nodes belong, the terminal can determine different priorities corresponding to the satellite coverage areas of different satellite access networks. Optionally, the terminal determines different priorities corresponding to the satellite coverage areas of different satellite access networks based on protocol agreements, or based on instructions from the core network equipment, or based on implementation details.

[0164] For example, for the satellite coverage area of ​​a satellite access network, the larger the satellite coverage area, the higher the priority, or the larger the satellite coverage area, the lower the priority.

[0165] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal receives fourth information sent by one or more access nodes in one or more satellite access networks to determine the satellite coverage duration range of the satellite access networks to which the one or more access nodes belong. Based on the satellite coverage duration range of the satellite access networks to which the one or more access nodes belong, the terminal can determine different priorities corresponding to different satellite coverage duration ranges of different satellite access networks. Optionally, the terminal determines different priorities corresponding to different satellite coverage duration ranges of different satellite access networks based on protocol agreements, or based on instructions from core network equipment, or based on implementation details.

[0166] For example, for the satellite coverage duration range of a satellite access network, the higher the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage duration range, or the larger the satellite coverage duration range, the lower the priority. The satellite coverage duration range can be the longest duration among all satellite coverage durations, or the shortest duration, or the difference between the longest and shortest durations, or the sum of all durations.

[0167] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal receives fourth information sent by one or more access nodes in one or more satellite access networks, determines the duration range of satellite coverage interruption for the satellite access networks to which the one or more access nodes belong, and can determine different priorities corresponding to different satellite coverage interruption duration ranges for different satellite access networks based on the duration range of satellite coverage interruption for the satellite access networks to which the one or more access nodes belong. Optionally, the terminal determines different priorities corresponding to different satellite coverage interruption duration ranges for different satellite access networks based on protocol agreements, or based on instructions from core network equipment, or based on implementation. The satellite coverage interruption duration range can be the longest interruption duration, the shortest interruption duration, the difference between the longest and shortest interruption durations, or the sum of all interruption durations.

[0168] For example, for the duration of satellite coverage in a satellite access network, the higher the duration of satellite coverage interruption, the lower the priority; or the larger the duration of satellite coverage interruption, the lower the priority.

[0169] In some embodiments, the access node in the satellite access network determines to send the fourth information to the terminal on its own, or determines to send the fourth information to the terminal based on the terminal's request, or determines to send the fourth information to the terminal based on the protocol agreement.

[0170] For example, if the access node in the satellite access network determines on its own or based on the agreement that the terminal needs to access the access node in the satellite access network, it can send fourth information to the terminal.

[0171] For example, when an access node in a satellite access network receives a request from a terminal requesting at least one of the following: the type of satellite access network, its orbital altitude, and ephemeris information, it sends a fourth piece of information to the terminal.

[0172] In some embodiments, access nodes in a satellite access network send fourth information to terminals via broadcast or unicast.

[0173] In some embodiments, the access node in the satellite access network may reuse existing signaling or messages to send fourth information to the terminal, or send fourth information to the terminal using new signaling or messages.

[0174] For example, an access node in a satellite access network sends a system information block (SIB) to a terminal, wherein the SIB includes fourth information.

[0175] S202, the terminal sends the second information to the core network equipment.

[0176] In some embodiments, the core network device receives second information sent by the terminal, but is not limited thereto. The terminal may also receive second information sent by other entities other than the terminal, in which case S202 can be omitted.

[0177] In some embodiments, the core network device obtains the second information specified by the protocol, in which case S202 can be omitted.

[0178] In some embodiments, the core network device obtains the second information from the upper layer(s), in which case S202 can be omitted.

[0179] In some embodiments, the core network device processes the information to obtain the second information, in which case S202 can be omitted.

[0180] In some embodiments, the core network device autonomously implements the function indicated by the second information, or the above function is a default or default value, in which case S202 can be omitted.

[0181] In some embodiments, S202 and S201 can be executed simultaneously or in reverse order, for example, S202 can be executed first and S201 can be executed later.

[0182] In some embodiments, the core network device is a single device.

[0183] In some embodiments, the core network equipment is used to implement terminal access management and mobility management. It is responsible for terminal state maintenance, terminal reachability management, mobility management (MM), forwarding of Non-access stratum (NAS) messages, and forwarding of Session Management (SM) N2 messages.

[0184] In some embodiments, the core network device is an AMF.

[0185] In some embodiments, the terminal sends second information to the core network device through the access network device.

[0186] In some embodiments, the terminal sends second information to the core network equipment through an access node in the satellite access network it has accessed.

[0187] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate that the terminal supports the use of dual connectivity.

[0188] Understandably, when a terminal supports dual connectivity, it can choose to use multiple access nodes to access the network. At least one access node serves as the primary node, supporting signaling interaction between the terminal and core network equipment (i.e., establishing a control plane connection and a data connection, i.e., a user plane connection). At least one access node serves as a secondary node, supporting data interaction between the terminal and core network equipment (i.e., establishing a data plane (user plane) connection). These access nodes can be base station functional nodes within the satellite access network.

[0189] In some embodiments, the second information is used to request the core network device to confirm whether dual connectivity is supported.

[0190] In some embodiments, the second information includes a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate that the terminal supports the use of dual connectivity.

[0191] In some embodiments, the terminal determines to send the second information to the core network device on its own, or determines to send the second information to the core network device based on the instruction of the core network device, or determines to send the second information to the core network device based on the agreement.

[0192] For example, when a terminal determines on its own or based on a protocol agreement that it needs to use dual connectivity, it sends a second message to the core network device.

[0193] For example, when the core network device determines that the terminal needs to use dual connectivity, it sends an indication message to the terminal, instructing the terminal to send a message to the core network device asking whether dual connectivity is supported. Upon receiving the indication message from the core network device, the terminal determines to send a second message to the core network device.

[0194] In some embodiments, the terminal may reuse existing signaling or messages to send second information to the core network equipment, or send second information to the core network equipment using new signaling or messages.

[0195] For example, the terminal sends a registration request message to the core network device, the registration request message including second information. The registration request message is sent by the terminal during the initial registration process or the registration update process.

[0196] S203, core network equipment sends third-party information to the terminal.

[0197] In some embodiments, the terminal receives third information sent by the core network device, but is not limited thereto. The terminal may also receive third information sent by other entities other than the core network device, in which case S203 can be omitted.

[0198] In some embodiments, the terminal obtains third information specified by the protocol, in which case S203 can be omitted.

[0199] In some embodiments, the terminal obtains third information from the upper layer(s), in which case S203 can be omitted.

[0200] In some embodiments, the terminal processes the information to obtain third information, in which case S203 can be omitted.

[0201] In some embodiments, the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the third information, or the above function is a default or default setting, in which case S203 can be omitted.

[0202] In some embodiments, S203 and S201 can be executed simultaneously or in reverse order, for example, S203 can be executed first and S201 can be executed later.

[0203] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate that the core network device supports the use of dual connectivity.

[0204] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to use dual connectivity.

[0205] In some embodiments, the third information is used to instruct the core network equipment to support the use of dual connectivity by the terminal.

[0206] In some embodiments, the third information is used to instruct the terminal to use dual connectivity.

[0207] In some embodiments, the third information includes a terminal identifier and a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate that the core network device supports the terminal corresponding to the terminal identifier to use dual connectivity.

[0208] In some embodiments, the core network device may independently determine to send third information to the terminal, or determine to send third information to the terminal based on the terminal's request, or determine to send third information to the terminal based on the protocol agreement.

[0209] For example, if the core network device determines on its own or based on the protocol agreement that the terminal can use dual connections, it may send third information to the terminal.

[0210] For example, when the core network device receives the second information sent by the terminal, it sends the third information to the terminal.

[0211] In some embodiments, the core network device may reuse existing signaling or messages to send third information to the terminal, or use new signaling or messages to send third information to the terminal.

[0212] For example, the core network device receives a registration request sent by the terminal and then sends a registration response to the terminal. The registration response includes third information and is sent by the core network device during the initial registration process or the registration update process of the terminal.

[0213] S204, the core network equipment sends the first information to the terminal.

[0214] In some embodiments, the terminal receives first information sent by the core network device, but is not limited thereto. The terminal may also receive first information sent by other entities other than the core network device, in which case S204 may be omitted.

[0215] In some embodiments, the terminal obtains the first information specified by the protocol, in which case S204 can be omitted.

[0216] In some embodiments, the terminal obtains the first information from the upper layer(s), in which case S204 can be omitted.

[0217] In some embodiments, the terminal processes the information to obtain the first information, in which case S204 can be omitted.

[0218] In some embodiments, the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the first information, or the above function is a default or default value, in which case S204 can be omitted.

[0219] In some embodiments, S204 and S201 can be executed simultaneously or in reverse order, for example, S204 can be executed first and S201 can be executed later.

[0220] In some embodiments, S204 and S203 can be executed simultaneously or in reverse order, for example, S204 can be executed first and S201 can be executed later.

[0221] In some embodiments, when S204 and S203 are executed simultaneously, the first information and the third information are the same.

[0222] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks. The available satellite access network is either the satellite access network from which the terminal can receive the fourth information in S201, or a satellite access network determined according to a protocol.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select one or more access nodes in a first satellite access network from among a plurality of available satellite access networks.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using single connection (or single access). Specifically, the terminal uses single connection to select an access node in the first satellite access network from the multiple available satellite access networks and establishes a communication connection with the selected access node.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select one or more access nodes in a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Specifically, the terminal uses dual connectivity to select access nodes in multiple available satellite access networks and establish communication connections with the selected access nodes.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first information is used for the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity, and also for the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

[0227] Understandably, when a terminal uses dual connectivity, it needs to select and access multiple access nodes in one or more satellite access networks and establish communication connections with these access nodes. Optionally, the terminal establishes a control plane connection with one of the multiple access nodes to enable signaling interaction with the core network equipment, and establishes data plane connections with the other access nodes to enable data interaction with the core network equipment.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select an access node when using dual connectivity.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first information is the selection strategy for choosing an access node when the terminal uses dual connectivity.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select an access node when selecting one satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first information is the selection strategy for selecting an access node when the terminal selects one satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: priority information of the satellite access network; coverage priority information of the satellite access network.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks based on the priority information of the satellite access network.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a second satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks based on the priority information of the satellite access network.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks based on the coverage priority information of the satellite access network.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks based on the coverage priority information of the satellite access network.

[0237] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first information is used to indicate the priority information of the satellite access network. The first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks. That is, the priority information of the satellite access network is used by the terminal to select the first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, so that the first terminal can select the first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks based on the priority information of the satellite access network. Optionally, the priority information of the satellite access network is also used by the terminal to select the first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Optionally, the priority information of the satellite access network is also used by the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity, so that the first terminal can also select the second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks based on the priority information of the satellite access network.

[0238] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first information is used to indicate the coverage priority information of the satellite access network. The first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks. That is, the coverage priority information of the satellite access network is used by the terminal to select the first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks. Thus, the first terminal can select the first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks based on the coverage priority information. Optionally, the coverage priority information of the satellite access network is also used by the terminal to select the first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Optionally, the coverage priority information of the satellite access network is also used by the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Thus, the first terminal can also select the second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks based on the coverage priority information.

[0239] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first information is used by the terminal to select at least one access node based on the priority information of the satellite access network. Thus, the first terminal can select an access node in the first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks to access the network when using dual connectivity, based on the priority information of the satellite access network. Optionally, the first terminal can also select an access node in the second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks to access the network when using dual connectivity, based on the priority information of the satellite access network.

[0240] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first information is used by the terminal to select at least one access node based on the coverage priority information of the satellite access network. Thus, the first terminal can select an access node in the first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks to access when using dual connectivity, based on the coverage priority information of the satellite access network. Optionally, the first terminal can also select an access node in the second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks to access when using dual connectivity, based on the coverage priority information of the satellite access network.

[0241] In some embodiments, the priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: the priority corresponding to the type to which the satellite access network belongs; and the priority corresponding to the orbital altitude of the satellite to which the satellite access network belongs.

[0242] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the priority information of the satellite access network includes the priority corresponding to the type to which the satellite access network belongs. The priority corresponding to the type to which the satellite access network belongs is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks. Optionally, the priority corresponding to the type to which the satellite access network belongs is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Optionally, the priority corresponding to the type to which the satellite access network belongs is used by the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

[0243] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the priority information of the satellite access network includes the priority corresponding to the satellite orbital altitude to which the satellite access network belongs. This priority is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks. Optionally, the priority corresponding to the satellite orbital altitude to which the satellite access network belongs is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Optionally, the priority corresponding to the satellite orbital altitude to which the satellite access network belongs is used by the terminal to select a second satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

[0244] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first information is used to select the access node according to the priority corresponding to the type of satellite access network when the terminal uses dual connectivity.

[0245] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first information is used by the terminal to select an access node according to the priority corresponding to the type of the satellite access network when selecting one satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks.

[0246] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first information is used by the terminal to select an access node based on the priority corresponding to the orbital altitude of the satellite to which the satellite access network belongs when selecting one satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks.

[0247] In some embodiments, the type of satellite access network includes at least one of the following: geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite network; medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite network; and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.

[0248] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the satellite access network includes at least one of GEO satellite network, MEO satellite network and LEO satellite network, wherein GEO satellite network has the highest priority, MEO satellite network has the second highest priority and LEO satellite network has the lowest priority; or GEO satellite network has the lowest priority, MEO satellite network has the second highest priority and LEO satellite network has the highest priority.

[0249] In some embodiments, the coverage priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network; the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage duration range in the satellite access network; and the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage interruption duration range in the satellite access network.

[0250] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the coverage priority information of the satellite access network includes the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network. This priority is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks. Optionally, the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Optionally, the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network is used by the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Wherein, a larger satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network corresponds to a higher priority; or a smaller satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network corresponds to a higher priority.

[0251] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the coverage priority information of the satellite access network includes the priority corresponding to the duration of satellite coverage in the satellite access network. This priority is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks. Optionally, the priority corresponding to the duration of satellite coverage in the satellite access network is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Optionally, the priority corresponding to the duration of satellite coverage in the satellite access network is used by the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Wherein, the longer the duration of satellite coverage in the satellite access network, the higher the priority; or the shorter the duration of satellite coverage in the satellite access network, the higher the priority.

[0252] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the coverage priority information of the satellite access network includes the priority corresponding to the duration range of satellite coverage interruption in the satellite access network. This priority is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks. Optionally, the priority corresponding to the duration range of satellite coverage interruption in the satellite access network is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Optionally, the priority corresponding to the duration range of satellite coverage interruption in the satellite access network is used by the terminal to select a second satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Wherein, the longer the duration of the satellite coverage interruption in the satellite access network, the higher the priority; or the shorter the duration of the satellite coverage interruption in the satellite access network, the higher the priority.

[0253] In some embodiments, the core network device determines to send the first information to the terminal on its own, or determines to send the first information to the terminal based on the terminal's request, or determines to send the first information to the terminal based on the protocol agreement.

[0254] For example, when the core network device determines, either independently or based on a protocol agreement, that the terminal needs to use dual connectivity, it sends first information to the terminal.

[0255] For example, when the core network device receives a request message from the terminal, the request message is used to request the core network device to configure the selection strategy for selecting the access node when using dual connectivity, or the request message is used to request the core network to support the terminal in using dual connectivity, and the request message is sent to the terminal.

[0256] In some embodiments, the core network device may reuse existing signaling or messages to send first information to the terminal, or use new signaling or messages to send first information to the terminal.

[0257] In some embodiments, the core network device sends first information to the terminal, including: sending first information to the terminal through an initial registration process; or sending first information to the terminal through a registration update process; or sending first information to the terminal through a terminal configuration update process; or sending first information to the terminal through a service request process.

[0258] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the core network device sends first information to the terminal through the initial registration process.

[0259] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the core network device sends first information to the terminal through a registration and update process.

[0260] For example, the core network device receives a registration request sent by the terminal, and then sends a registration response to the terminal. The registration response includes first information, and the registration response is sent by the core network device during the initial registration process or the registration update process of the terminal.

[0261] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the core network device sends first information to the terminal through the terminal configuration update process.

[0262] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the core network device sends first information to the terminal through a service request process.

[0263] S205, the terminal determines the first access node based on the first information.

[0264] In some embodiments, S205 and S202 can be executed simultaneously or in reverse order, for example, S205 can be executed first and S202 can be executed later.

[0265] In some embodiments, S205 and S203 can be executed simultaneously or in reverse order, for example, S205 can be executed first and S203 can be executed later.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select an access node when using dual connectivity.

[0267] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first information itself, or determines the first information by receiving relevant information sent by the core network equipment (as described in S204 above), or determines the first information by receiving relevant information sent by the access node in the satellite access network it accesses.

[0268] It should be noted that if the terminal determines the first information itself, S204 can be omitted.

[0269] The relevant description of the first information can be found in the relevant descriptions in the preceding steps, and will not be repeated here.

[0270] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks. The terminal can select the first satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks based on the first information.

[0271] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select one or more access nodes in a first satellite access network for dual-connectivity access from among multiple available satellite access networks. The terminal can select one or more access nodes in a first satellite access network for dual-connectivity access from among multiple available satellite access networks based on the first information.

[0272] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal determines first information. When the first information is used by the terminal to select an access node when using dual connectivity, the terminal can determine the first access node based on the first information, that is, determine the first access node to be selected for access.

[0273] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal determines the first information. When the first information is used by the terminal to select an access node when choosing to access a satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, the terminal can determine the first access node based on the first information, that is, determine the first access node to be accessed.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first access node is deployed in a first satellite access network.

[0275] In some embodiments, the first access node is an access node deployed in a first satellite access network.

[0276] In some embodiments, the first access node is a satellite node.

[0277] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the base station to which the first access node belongs is deployed on a satellite.

[0278] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first access node based on first information, including:

[0279] Based on the first information, determine the access node in the satellite access network with the highest or lowest priority from the priority information of the satellite access network as the first access node; or

[0280] Based on the first information, the access node in the satellite access network with the highest or lowest coverage priority among the coverage priority information of the selected satellite access network is determined as the first access node.

[0281] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the terminal uses the first information to select at least one access node based on the priority information of the satellite access network, it selects the access node in the satellite access network with higher or lower priority from the priority information of the satellite access network as the first access node, and determines the first access node as the access node in the satellite access network with higher or lower priority.

[0282] It should be noted that the priority information for satellite access networks can be found in the relevant descriptions in the preceding steps, and will not be repeated here.

[0283] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, when the terminal uses the first information to select at least one access node based on the coverage priority information of the satellite access network, it selects an access node in the satellite access network with high or low coverage priority from the coverage priority information of the satellite access network as the first access node, and determines the first access node as an access node in the satellite access network with high or low coverage priority.

[0284] It should be noted that the coverage priority information of the satellite access network can be found in the relevant descriptions in the preceding steps, and will not be repeated here.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first access node is the master node, used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, that is, to establish a control plane connection between the terminal and the core network equipment.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first access node is a secondary node used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, that is, to establish a data plane (user plane) connection between the terminal and the core network equipment.

[0287] S206, the terminal determines the second access node based on the first information.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select an access node when using dual connectivity.

[0289] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first information itself, or determines the first information by receiving relevant information sent by the core network equipment (as described in S204 above), or determines the first information by receiving relevant information sent by the access node in the satellite access network it accesses.

[0290] It should be noted that if the terminal determines the first information itself, S204 can be omitted.

[0291] The relevant description of the first information can be found in the relevant descriptions in the preceding steps, and will not be repeated here.

[0292] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal determines first information. When the first information is used by the terminal to select an access node when using dual connectivity, the terminal can determine the first access node and the second access node based on the first information, that is, determine the first access node and the second access node to be accessed.

[0293] In some embodiments, S206 and S205 may be executed simultaneously or in reverse order, for example, S206 may be executed first and S205 may be executed later.

[0294] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity, and also to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. The terminal can determine, based on the first information, which access node to access in the first and second satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. Optionally, the multiple access nodes selected by the terminal when using dual connectivity can each be responsible for different communication services. For example, one access node may be responsible for establishing a control plane connection between the terminal and the core network equipment, supporting signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, while another access node may be responsible for establishing a data plane connection between the terminal and the core network, supporting data interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment.

[0295] In some embodiments, the second access node is deployed in a second satellite access network.

[0296] In some embodiments, the second access node is an access node deployed in a second satellite access network.

[0297] In some embodiments, the second access node is a satellite node.

[0298] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the base station to which the second access node belongs is deployed on a satellite.

[0299] In some embodiments, when the terminal determines the second access node based on the first information, the priority of the satellite access network of the determined second access node is different from the priority of the satellite access network of the first access node; or, the coverage priority of the satellite access network where the determined second access node is located is different from the coverage priority of the satellite access network where the first access node is located.

[0300] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first access node and the second access node based on the first information, including:

[0301] Based on the first information, a first access node is selected from a satellite access network with a higher or lower priority in the priority information of the satellite access network, and a second access node is selected from a satellite access network with a priority different from that of the satellite access network to which the first access node is located; or

[0302] Based on the first information, an access node in a satellite access network with a high or low coverage priority in the coverage priority information of the satellite access network is selected as the first access node, and an access node in a satellite access network with a coverage priority other than that of the satellite access network to which the first access node is located is selected as the second access node.

[0303] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, as described in S201 above, the terminal is able to receive fourth information sent by at least one access node in one or more satellite access networks to determine at least one of the following: the type of satellite access network to which the access node belongs, the orbital altitude, and ephemeris information. The ephemeris information is used to determine at least one of the following: the satellite coverage area range, the satellite coverage duration range, and the satellite coverage interruption duration range of the satellite access network to which the access node belongs.

[0304] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, when the terminal uses the first information to select two access nodes based on the priority information of the satellite access network, it determines that the access node in the satellite access network with higher or lower priority in the priority information of the satellite access network is selected as the first access node, and the access node in the satellite access network with a priority other than that of the satellite access network to which the first access node is located is selected as the second access node. Thus, the first access node is determined to be an access node in the satellite access network with higher or lower priority, and the second access node is an access node in the satellite access network with a priority other than that of the satellite access network to which the first access node is located.

[0305] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, when the terminal uses the first information to select at least one access node based on the coverage priority information of the satellite access network, it determines that the access node in the satellite access network with a higher or lower coverage priority in the coverage priority information of the satellite access network is selected as the first access node, and the access node in the satellite access network with a coverage priority different from that of the satellite access network where the first access node is located is selected as the second access node. Thus, the first access node is determined to be an access node in a satellite access network with a higher or lower priority, and the second access node is determined to be an access node in a satellite access network with a priority different from that of the satellite access network where the first access node is located.

[0306] It should be noted that the priority information for satellite access networks can be found in the relevant descriptions in the preceding steps, and will not be repeated here.

[0307] It should be noted that the coverage priority information of the satellite access network can be found in the relevant descriptions in the preceding steps, and will not be repeated here.

[0308] In some embodiments, the first access node is a master node, used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a secondary node, used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network; or the first access node is a secondary node, used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a master node, used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

[0309] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal determines a first access node and a second access node based on the first information. The first access node is a master node, used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, that is, to establish a control plane connection between the terminal and the core network equipment. The second access node is an auxiliary node, used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network, that is, to establish a data plane (user plane) connection between the terminal and the core network equipment.

[0310] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal determines a first access node and a second access node based on the first information. The first access node is an auxiliary node used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, that is, to establish a data plane (user plane) connection between the terminal and the core network equipment. The second access node is a primary node used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network, that is, to establish a control plane connection between the terminal and the core network equipment.

[0311] By implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, a terminal can determine the first access node in the first satellite network to access from among the accessible nodes deployed in multiple satellite access networks, thereby reducing the frequent switching of access nodes during communication and improving communication performance.

[0312] 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.

[0313] 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.”

[0314] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0315] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0316] 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.

[0317] 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.

[0318] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of S201 to S206. For example, S201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S206 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S202+S203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S204+S205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S204+S206 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, S204+S205+S206 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and S201+S204+S205+S206 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0319] In some embodiments, S202 and S201 can be executed simultaneously or in a different order; S203 and S201 can be executed simultaneously or in a different order; S204 and S203 can be executed simultaneously or in a different order; S204 and S201 can be executed simultaneously or in a different order; S205 and S202 can be executed simultaneously or in a different order; S205 and S203 can be executed simultaneously or in a different order; and S206 and S205 can be executed in a different order or simultaneously.

[0320] In some embodiments, S201, S202, S203, S204, and S206 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0321] In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, S203, and S204 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0322] In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, S203, and S206 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0323] In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, and S203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0324] In some embodiments, steps S201, S204, S205, and S206 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0325] In some embodiments, S201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0326] 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.

[0327] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0328] S301A, the terminal determines the first access node based on the first information.

[0329] The optional implementation of S301A can be found in the optional implementation of S205 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0330] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks.

[0331] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

[0332] In some embodiments, the first information is further used for the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

[0333] In some embodiments, the first information is used for the terminal to select an access node when using dual connectivity or for the terminal to select an access node when selecting one satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, wherein the first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0334] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the terminal determining a second access node based on first information, wherein the second access node is deployed in a second satellite access network.

[0335] In some embodiments, the first access node is the master node, used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is the auxiliary node, used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network; or

[0336] The first access node is a secondary node used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a primary node used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

[0337] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: priority information of the satellite access network; coverage priority information of the satellite access network.

[0338] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first access node based on the first information, including: determining, based on the first information, an access node in a satellite access network with a higher or lower priority among the priority information of the satellite access network as the first access node; or determining, based on the first information, an access node in a satellite access network with a higher or lower coverage priority among the coverage priority information of the satellite access network as the first access node.

[0339] In some embodiments, when the terminal determines the second access node based on the first information, the priority of the satellite access network of the determined second access node is different from the priority of the satellite access network of the first access node; or, the coverage priority of the satellite access network where the determined second access node is located is different from the coverage priority of the satellite access network where the first access node is located.

[0340] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first access node and the second access node based on the first information, including:

[0341] When the first information indicates that the terminal selects two access nodes based on the priority information of the satellite access network, it determines that the access node in the satellite access network with the higher or lower priority in the priority information is selected as the first access node, and the access node in a satellite access network with a priority different from that of the satellite access network to which the first access node is located is selected as the second access node; or

[0342] When the first information is used by the terminal to select two access nodes based on the coverage priority information of the satellite access network, it is determined that the access node in the satellite access network with a higher or lower coverage priority in the coverage priority information of the satellite access network is selected as the first access node, and the access node in the satellite access network with a coverage priority other than the coverage priority of the satellite access network where the first access node is located is selected as the second access node.

[0343] In some embodiments, the priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: the priority corresponding to the type to which the satellite access network belongs; and the priority corresponding to the orbital altitude of the satellite to which the satellite access network belongs.

[0344] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the type of satellite access network includes at least one of the following: GEO satellite network; MEO satellite network; LEO satellite network.

[0345] In some embodiments, the coverage priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network; the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage duration range in the satellite access network; and the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage interruption duration range in the satellite access network.

[0346] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the terminal receiving first information sent by the core network device.

[0347] In some embodiments, the terminal receiving first information sent by the core network device includes: receiving first information sent by the core network device through an initial registration process; or receiving first information sent by the core network device through a registration update process; or receiving first information sent by the core network device through a terminal configuration update process; or receiving first information sent by the core network device through a service request process.

[0348] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the terminal sending second information to the core network device, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the terminal supports the use of dual connectivity.

[0349] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the terminal receiving third information sent by the core network device, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the core network device supports the use of dual connectivity.

[0350] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the terminal receiving fourth information broadcast by an access node in the satellite access network, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the type of the satellite access network; the orbital altitude of the satellite access network; and the ephemeris information of the satellite access network, wherein the ephemeris information is used to determine at least one of the following: the satellite coverage area of ​​the satellite access network, the duration of satellite coverage, and the duration of satellite coverage interruption.

[0351] 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.

[0352] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0353] S301B, the core network equipment sends the first information to the terminal.

[0354] The optional implementation of S301B can be found in the optional implementation of S204 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0355] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks.

[0356] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first information is further used for the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

[0358] In some embodiments, the first information is used for the terminal to select an access node when using dual connectivity or for the terminal to select an access node when selecting one satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, wherein the first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0359] In some embodiments, the first information is further used by the terminal to determine the second access node based on the first information. The second access node is deployed in the second satellite access network, and the first satellite access network may be the same as or different from the second satellite access network.

[0360] In some embodiments, the first access node is a master node, used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a secondary node, used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network; or the first access node is a secondary node, used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a master node, used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

[0361] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: priority information of the satellite access network; coverage priority information of the satellite access network.

[0362] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: the priority corresponding to the type to which the satellite access network belongs; and the priority corresponding to the orbital altitude of the satellite to which the satellite access network belongs.

[0363] In some embodiments, the type of satellite access network includes at least one of the following: GEO satellite network; MEO satellite network; LEO satellite network.

[0364] In some embodiments, the coverage priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network; the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage duration range in the satellite access network; and the priority corresponding to the satellite coverage interruption duration range in the satellite access network.

[0365] In some embodiments, the core network device sends first information to the terminal, including: sending first information to the terminal through an initial registration process; or sending first information to the terminal through a registration update process; or sending first information to the terminal through a terminal configuration update process; or sending first information to the terminal through a service request process.

[0366] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the core network device receiving second information sent by the terminal, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the terminal supports the use of dual connectivity.

[0367] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the core network device sending third information to the terminal, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the core network device supports the use of dual connectivity.

[0368] S302B, the terminal determines the first access node based on the first information.

[0369] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from among multiple available satellite access networks.

[0370] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

[0371] In some embodiments, the first information is further used for the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

[0372] The first information is used by the terminal to select the access node when using dual connectivity, and the first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0373] The first information is used by the terminal to select an access node when choosing to access a satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks. The first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0374] The optional implementation of S302B can be found in the optional implementation of S205 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0375] 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.

[0376] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure, the following exemplary embodiments are provided.

[0377] In an exemplary embodiment, an access node selection method for multi-track satellite communication is proposed.

[0378] Multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) is an extension of Intra-E-UTRA dual connectivity within the Evolution Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UTRA) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRA). In this architecture, multiple transmit / receive (Rx / Tx) terminals (UEs) can be configured to utilize resources provided by two different nodes via a non-ideal backhaul connection: one providing new radio (NR) access and the other providing either E-UTRA or NR access. One node acts as the master node (MN), and the other as the secondary node (SN). MN and SN are connected via a network interface, and at least MN is connected to the core network.

[0379] If entities on different satellites can coordinate to provide services to the UE through dual connectivity, the service experience can be improved and transmission latency reduced. For example, as shown in Figure 4A, the UE can establish a control plane (CP) connection with GEO satellites to achieve high reliability and wide coverage, while simultaneously establishing a user plane (UP) connection with LEO satellites to achieve lower latency and higher transmission speed.

[0380] In the relevant technologies, there is currently no research on supporting dual connectivity for multi-orbit satellites. How to coordinate the primary Radio Access Network (RAN) node and the secondary RAN node to manage Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions is a topic for further research.

[0381] The problem addressed by this disclosure is how to determine which satellite access network node serves as the MN and which satellite access network node serves as the SN, thereby optimizing UE access in dual connectivity (DC) scenarios and reducing the frequency of access node handover.

[0382] (1) The UE selects the first access node according to the access network selection strategy, wherein the access network selection strategy is used to support the selection strategy of the first access node and the second access node under dual connectivity.

[0383] (2) Based on (1), the UE also selects a second access node according to the access network selection strategy.

[0384] (3) Based on (1) or (2), the first node acts as the access node of the UE and is responsible for the signaling interaction between the UE and the core network, and the second node acts as the access node of the UE and is responsible for the data interaction between the UE and the core network.

[0385] (4) Based on (1), (2) or (3), the access network selection policy can be configured on the UE or sent to the UE by the network.

[0386] (5) Based on (4), the network can send to the UE through the registration process, UCU, and service request process.

[0387] (6) Provide the access network selection strategy to the UE when both the UE and the network support the dual connectivity (DC) capability, as described in (5).

[0388] (7) Based on (any one of 1-6), if the UE uses the DC capability, the UE and the network need to negotiate to support the DC capability.

[0389] (8) Based on (any one of 1-7), the access network selection strategy includes at least one of the following:

[0390] Available access nodes are selected as the first access node according to the priority order of GEO, MEO, LEO.

[0391] Based on the coverage duration of available access nodes, the node providing the longest duration is selected as the first access node.

[0392] (9) Based on (any one of 1-8), the available access node broadcasts system information to the UE, the system information including the satellite access network type where the access node is located, and the ephemeris information used to indicate the coverage duration of the access node.

[0393] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG4B.

[0394] Two candidate satellite access options (the MEO constellation labeled satellite (SAT)1 and the LEO constellation labeled SAT2) can provide access to the UE. Depending on the number of satellites and the satellite beam design, satellites belonging to different constellations may provide different coverage durations for the UE's location. The UE may experience discontinuous coverage when satellite coverage changes from one satellite to another due to satellite movement.

[0395] 1. The SAT1 constellation of the MEO constellation can cover the area where the UE is located. The gNB of SAT1 now broadcasts system information to this area. The system information may include the radio access technology (RAT) type (e.g., LEO-NR or MEO-NR) and ephemeris information. Based on the ephemeris information, the UE in this area can know the duration of SAT1 coverage.

[0396] Additionally, SAT2 in the LEO constellation can provide coverage for this region. SAT2 also broadcasts system information to the region, including RAT type and ephemeris information.

[0397] 2. UEs in this area can receive system information broadcast by SAT1 and SAT2. If a UE supports Dual Connectivity (DC) and wishes to access the network using DC, it can select SAT1 as the primary node (MN) and SAT2 as the secondary node (SN) on the gNB for access. The network access selection criterion is based on RAT selection information, which can be pre-configured in the UE. For example, RAT selection information includes:

[0398] - Select the RAT type as the primary access based on priority: GEO, MEO, LEO.

[0399] - Satellite access is selected based on orbital latitude priority.

[0400] - Select the satellite access as the primary access based on the coverage duration. That is, among the available access options, the one with the longest coverage duration can be selected as the primary access.

[0401] In this use case, the UE selects the gNB of the MEO constellation to load SAT1 as the MN.

[0402] 3. The UE performs a registration procedure with the network via SAT1. As part of the registration, DC support functionality can be negotiated between the UE and the network. That is, if the UE supports DC functionality, it will provide DC support indication to the AMF using a registration request message. If the network supports DC functionality, it will provide DC support indication to the UE via a registration accept message.

[0403] 4. If both the UE and the network support DC capability, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF. The DC PDU session type and SN-ID (i.e., SAT2 ID) are provided to the AMF in the message.

[0404] 5. The AMF selects a session management function (SMF) that supports DC PDU sessions. The AMF sends a Create SMContext request to the selected SMF, which includes a "DC PDU request" instruction and the SN-ID to the SMF.

[0405] 6. The SMF selects one or more UPFs and establishes an N4 session for the DC PDU session.

[0406] N4 is the interface between SMF and UPF, used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including the distribution of forwarding rules, QoS control rules, traffic statistics rules, etc. from the control plane to the user plane, as well as the reporting of information from the user plane.

[0407] 7. The SMF creates an SMContext response to the AMF, including N2 session management (SM) information, SN-ID, and DC PDU session indication.

[0408] N2 is the interface between AMF and RAN, used to transmit radio bearer control information from the core network side to the RAN.

[0409] 8. The AMF sends a non-access stratum (NAS) message (PDU session establishment accept) to the UE and sends the N2 SM information from the SMF in the N2 PDU session message to SAT1-MN. The N2 SM information includes the UPF's core network (CN) tunnel information.

[0410] 9. If the SN-ID is provided in the N2 SM information, SAT1-MN will select SAT2 as the SN based on the SN-ID. SAT1-MN sends an N2 PDU session request to SAT2-SN to provide the N2 SM information and the quality of service (QoS flow identifier, QFI) to be set in SAT2-SN.

[0411] 10. SAT1-MN forwards the NAS message (PDU session establishment accept) to the UE. SAT2-SN initiates a specific signaling exchange with the UE to establish a radio resource control (RRC) connection.

[0412] 11. Based on the N2 SM information and QFI allocated by SAT1-MN, SAT2-SN allocates RAN tunnel information for this DC PDU session. SAT2-SN sends an N2 PDU session response to SAT1-MN, including updated N2 SM information, which contains SAT2-SN's access network (AN) tunnel information.

[0413] 12. SAT1-MN sends an N2 PDU session message to AMF, indicating updated N2 SM information, which includes AN tunnel information for SAT1-MN and SAT1-SN.

[0414] 13. Before step 12, the UE can send uplink data to the user plane function (UPF) via SAT1-MN or SAT2-SN.

[0415] 14. The AMF will forward the N2 SM information received from SAT1-MN to the SMF.

[0416] 15. The SMF can modify the N4 connection with the UPF to provide the UPF with AN tunneling information for SAT1-MN and SAT2-SN.

[0417] 16. The network can send downlink data to the UE via SAT1-MN or SAT2-SN.

[0418] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG4C.

[0419] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4B, the RAT selection information used to select primary and secondary access when using the DC function is pre-configured in the UE. Unlike the first use case, this use case focuses on dynamic RAT selection information provided by the network.

[0420] 1. The UE initiates the registration process with the network via SAT1. If the UE supports the DC function and wishes to use it, the UE will provide a DC support indication to the network in the request message.

[0421] 2. If the network also supports DC functionality, it will provide the UE with a DC support indication during registration acceptance. Additionally, the network may provide the UE with RAT selection information. This selection information can be referenced in the first use case.

[0422] Note: In addition to the registration process, RAT selection information can also be provided to the UE through other NAS programs (such as UCU programs, service requests, etc.).

[0423] The UE completes its registration with the network via SAT1.

[0424] 3. The UE receives the system information block (SIB) message broadcast by SAT2. SAT2 and SAT1 belong to different satellite access networks. The SIB information may include RAT type, which contains emphasis information about the coverage duration.

[0425] 4. If the UE wants to use DC capabilities, it may select SAT2 as MN based on the RAT selection information.

[0426] The UE initiates the registration and update process to the network via SAT2-MN.

[0427] If the network (public land mobile network (PLMN)) is different from the network that the UE registered with in step 2, the UE can send the initial registration procedure to the network via SAT2-MN.

[0428] 5. The UE initiates the DC PDU session establishment process via SAT2-MN and SAT1-SN, as described in the first use case.

[0429] 6. If the UE registered to another network via SAT2-MN in step 4, the UE can initiate deregistration from SAT1.

[0430] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed 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.

[0431] 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.

[0432] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0433] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the terminal 101 may include at least one of a transceiver module 1011, a processing module 1012, etc.

[0434] In some embodiments, the processing module 1012 is configured to determine a first access node based on first information, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, and the first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0435] Optionally, the transceiver module 1011 is 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., the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 101 in S201-S206, S301A, S301B-S302B, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 1022 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods (e.g., other steps besides the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 101 in S201-S206, S301A, S301B-S302B, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0436] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a sending module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated together.

[0437] 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.

[0438] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0439] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the core network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the core network device 102 may include at least one of a transceiver module 1021, a processing module 1022, etc.

[0440] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1021 is used to send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, and the first information is used by the terminal to determine a first access node, the first access node being deployed in the first satellite access network.

[0441] Optionally, the transceiver module 1021 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the core network device 102 in any of the above methods (e.g., the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the core network device 102 in S201-S206, S301A, S301B-S302B, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 1022 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the core network device 102 in any of the above methods (e.g., other steps besides the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the core network device 102 in S201-S206, S301A, S301B-S302B, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0442] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a sending module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated together.

[0443] 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.

[0444] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0445] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 5100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 5100 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.

[0446] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminals, terminal chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 5100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0447] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5102. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5102, the transceivers 5102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., the sending and / or receiving steps in S201-S206, S301A, S301B-S302B, but not limited thereto), and the processor 5101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps other than sending and / or receiving in S201-S206, S301A, S301B-S302B, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceivers may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitter unit, transmitter, and transmitter circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiver unit, receiver, and receiver circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0448] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 5103 to cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 5103 may also be located outside the communication device 5100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 5100 may include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuit 5104 is connected to the memory 5103 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 5103 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5103 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5101.

[0449] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal, smart terminal, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0450] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 5200 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 5100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 5200 shown in Figure 6B can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0451] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0452] In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 may be located outside of chip 5200. Optionally, the interface circuit 5202 is connected to the memories 5203, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memories 5203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memories 5203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5202 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memories 5203 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5201.

[0453] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 5202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., the sending and / or receiving steps in S201-S206, S301A, S301B-S302B, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 5202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 5201, chip 5200, memory 5203, or transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 5201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps other than sending and / or receiving in S201-S206, S301A, S301B-S302B, but not limited thereto).

[0454] 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.

[0455] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0456] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0457] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0458] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0459] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0460] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal and includes: The first access node is determined based on the first information, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to select and access the first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, and the first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is used by the terminal to select and access a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first information is also used for the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity; The method further includes: The second access node is determined based on the first information, and the second access node is deployed in the second satellite access network.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first access node is a master node, used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a secondary node, used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network. or The first access node is a secondary node used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a primary node used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: Priority information for satellite access networks; Coverage priority information for satellite access networks.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The step of determining the first access node based on the first information includes: Based on the first information, the access node in the satellite access network with the highest or lowest priority among the priority information of the satellite access network is selected as the first access node; or Based on the first information, the access node in the satellite access network with the highest or lowest coverage priority among the coverage priority information of the satellite access network is selected as the first access node.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When determining the second access node based on the first information, the priority of the satellite access network of the determined second access node is different from the priority of the satellite access network of the first access node; or, the coverage priority of the satellite access network where the determined second access node is located is different from the coverage priority of the satellite access network where the first access node is located.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The priority information for the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: The priority corresponding to the type of the satellite access network; The priority of the satellite access network is based on the satellite's orbital altitude.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The satellite access network belongs to at least one of the following types: Geostationary orbit GEO satellite network; Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite network; Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network.

10. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, The coverage priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: The priority corresponding to the satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network; The priority corresponding to the satellite coverage duration range in the satellite access network; The priority corresponding to the range of satellite coverage interruption duration in the satellite access network.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the first information sent by the core network device.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The first information received from the core network device includes: Receive the first information sent by the core network device during the initial registration process; or Receive the first information sent by the core network device through the registration and update process; or Receive the first information sent by the core network device through the terminal configuration update process; or Receive the first information sent by the core network device through the service request process.

13. The method as described in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message to the core network device, wherein the second message is used to instruct the terminal to support the use of dual connectivity.

14. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The third information sent by the core network device is received, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the core network device supports the use of dual connectivity.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fourth information broadcast by an access node in a satellite access network, wherein the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The type of satellite access network; The orbital altitude of the satellite access network; The ephemeris information of the satellite access network is used to determine the satellite coverage range of the satellite access network. The satellite coverage range includes at least one of the following: satellite coverage area range, satellite coverage duration range, and satellite coverage interruption duration range.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by core network equipment and includes: Send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used for the terminal to select a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks, and the first access node is deployed in the first satellite access network.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The first information is used by the terminal to select and access a first satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The first information is also used for the terminal to select a second satellite access network from multiple available satellite access networks when using dual connectivity. The first information is also used for the terminal to determine a second access node based on the first information, and the second access node is deployed in the second satellite access network.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The first access node is a master node, used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a secondary node, used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network. or The first access node is a secondary node used to support data interaction between the terminal and the core network equipment, and the second access node is a primary node used to support signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: Priority information for satellite access networks; Coverage priority information for satellite access networks.

21. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The priority information for the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: The priority corresponding to the type of the satellite access network; The priority of the satellite access network is based on the satellite's orbital altitude.

22. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The satellite access network belongs to at least one of the following types: GEO satellite network; MEO satellite network; LEO satellite network.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, The coverage priority information of the satellite access network includes at least one of the following: The priority corresponding to the satellite coverage area range in the satellite access network; The priority corresponding to the satellite coverage duration range in the satellite access network; The priority corresponding to the range of satellite coverage interruption duration in the satellite access network.

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the terminal includes: The first information is sent to the terminal during the initial registration process; or The first information is sent to the terminal during the registration and update process; or The first information is sent to the terminal through the terminal configuration update process; or The first information is sent to the terminal through a service request process.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives a second message, wherein the second message is used to indicate that the terminal supports the use of dual connectivity.

26. The method as described in claim 25, characterized in that, A third message is sent to the terminal, wherein the third message is used to instruct the core network device to support the use of dual connectivity.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, 16 to 26.

28. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a terminal and a core network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 15, and the core network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 16 to 26.

29. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, 16 to 26.

30. 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 a communication device, it implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 15, 16 to 26.

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