Indication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and discloses an indication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a first network device receiving a first message, and performing cell access, cell handover, or redirection for a terminal according to terminal access type information indicated by the first message, wherein the access type information comprises one or more of the following: a satellite orbit type or a priority of the satellite orbit type; and a target cell for the terminal to perform cell access, cell handover, or redirection is determined according to the access type information. This allows a first network device to flexibly adjust, according to access type information, a target cell accessed by a terminal, so as to reduce terminal access latency and meet transmission requirements for service data corresponding to different service types.

Description

A pointing method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510237466.1, filed on February 27, 2025, entitled “A Method and Apparatus for Indication”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an indication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of communication technology, in order to support wider communication service coverage, network equipment needs to provide services for a larger communication area. Taking non-terrestrial networks (NTN) as an example, NTN refers to a network or network segment that uses radio frequency (RF) resources on satellites or high-altitude platform stations. It has advantages such as wide coverage, long communication distance, and is not affected by geographical environment, climate conditions and natural disasters.

[0004] However, the NTN system includes satellites or high-altitude platform stations at different altitudes, which are used to transmit different service data, resulting in significant access latency for terminals. Therefore, how to enable terminals to access the corresponding satellites or high-altitude platform stations to reduce access latency is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an indication method and apparatus, in which a first network device sends access type information to a terminal, instructing the terminal to access the cell corresponding to the access type information, thereby reducing terminal access latency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a method for indicating information is provided. This method can be applied to the network side, such as a first network device on the network side, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) within the first network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network device. Taking the application of this method to a first network device as an example, the method includes:

[0008] The system receives a first message indicating the terminal's access type information, which includes one or more of the following: satellite orbit type or satellite orbit type priority. Based on the access type information, the system performs cell access, cell handover, or redirection on the terminal, wherein the target cell for cell access, cell handover, or redirection is determined based on the access type information.

[0009] Based on the method provided in the first aspect above, the first network device obtains the terminal's access type information by receiving the first message. Since different access type information can correspond to different cells, the first network device can determine the corresponding target cell based on the access type information, and perform cell access, cell handover, or redirection on the terminal so that the terminal accesses the target cell. In this way, the first network device can flexibly adjust the target cell accessed by the terminal based on the access type information, avoiding the terminal accessing an unsuitable satellite orbit type, thereby reducing terminal access latency.

[0010] In one possible implementation, when the terminal is in an idle or inactive state, performing cell access for the terminal based on the access type information includes: sending a second message to the terminal, the second message being used to page the terminal, the second message indicating the access type information.

[0011] Based on the above possible implementation methods, when the terminal is in an idle or inactive state, the first network device can access the cell by sending a second message to page the terminal. Moreover, the second message can carry access type information to assist the terminal in accessing the cell, so as to meet the transmission requirements of service data corresponding to different service types.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first message and / or the second message includes a first field, which is used to indicate the access type information. The first field is associated with the satellite orbit type, or the first field is associated with the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0013] Based on the above possible implementations, since the data transmission scale is limited when the terminal is in an idle or inactive state, the second message can carry the first field to indicate access type information. For example, if there is a correlation between the first field and the satellite orbit type, the first field can indicate the satellite orbit type. If there is a correlation between the first field and the priority of the satellite orbit type, the first field can indicate the priority of the satellite orbit type. In this way, the first network device can indicate the satellite orbit type or the priority of the satellite orbit type to the terminal through the first data while paging the terminal, so that the terminal can access the cell.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the access type information also includes the terrestrial network type.

[0015] Based on the above possible implementation methods, in addition to satellite orbit type or satellite orbit type priority, access type information can also include terrestrial network type, or the priority of terrestrial network type and satellite orbit type, so as to provide more options for the terminal's cell access.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first field is used to indicate the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type.

[0017] Based on the above possible implementations, when the first field is associated with one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type, the first network device can indicate the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type through the first field, so as to provide more options for the terminal's cell access.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the access type information may further include one or more of the following: satellite identifier, service type, or network slice identifier, wherein the service type or the service type is associated with the satellite orbit type.

[0019] Based on the above possible implementation methods, in addition to carrying the first data, the second message can also assist the terminal in cell access by indicating the satellite identifier or service type. There is a correlation between the service type information and the access type information; the terminal can determine the target cell for access through the satellite identifier or service type.

[0020] In one possible implementation, when the terminal is in a connected state, the step of performing cell handover or redirection on the terminal according to the access type information includes: sending a third message to the terminal, the third message being used to instruct the terminal to perform cell handover or redirection, wherein when the third message is used to instruct the terminal to perform redirection, the third message includes the access type information, the access type information including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or satellite orbit type priority.

[0021] Based on the above possible implementations, when the terminal is in a connected state, the first network device can determine whether the terminal needs to perform cell handover or redirection based on the access type information, and instruct the terminal to perform cell handover or redirection via a third message. The third message can carry access type information, allowing the terminal to perform cell handover or redirection based on this information to meet the transmission requirements of service data corresponding to different service types.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the access type information further includes one or more of the following: ephemeris information corresponding to the satellite, or network slice identifier; wherein the network slice identifier is associated with the satellite orbit type or the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0023] Based on the above possible implementation methods, since the terminal can transmit data while in a connected state, the third message can also carry the ephemeris information or network slice identifier corresponding to the satellite, so that the terminal can perform cell switching or redirection according to the ephemeris information or network slice identifier corresponding to the satellite, in order to meet the transmission requirements of service data corresponding to different service types.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the satellite orbit type includes one or more of the following: geosynchronous orbit, non-geosynchronous orbit, low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit, sun-synchronous orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, geostationary orbit, and high Earth orbit.

[0025] Based on the above possible implementation methods, satellites with different orbital types can be used to transmit service data of different service types. In this way, the first network device can assist the terminal in accessing the corresponding target cell based on the satellite orbital type, thereby meeting the transmission requirements of service data corresponding to different service types.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the priority of the satellite orbit type includes one or more of the following: geostationary orbit priority, or non-geostationary orbit priority, low Earth orbit priority, medium Earth orbit priority, and high Earth orbit priority.

[0027] Based on the above possible implementation methods, satellites with different orbital types can be used to transmit service data of different service types. The first network device can assist the terminal in accessing the target cell with higher priority according to the priority of the satellite orbital type, so as to meet the transmission requirements of service data corresponding to different service types.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending a fourth message indicating one or more of the following: the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal, or the area information where the terminal is located.

[0029] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first network device can report the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located to the second network device so that the second network device can determine the access type information of the terminal.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a fifth message, the fifth message being used to request the start or stop of reporting one or more of the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located; wherein the fifth message includes a satellite identifier and first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether the reporting method is single reporting or continuous reporting.

[0031] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first network device can report the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located according to the instructions of the second network device. The second network device can instruct the first network device to flexibly report the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located in different ways according to needs.

[0032] Secondly, a method for indicating functionality is provided. This method can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal, a module within the terminal (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. Taking the application of this method to a terminal in an idle or inactive state as an example, the method includes:

[0033] A second message is received, which is used to paging the terminal to access a cell. The second message indicates access type information, which includes one or more of the following: satellite orbit type or satellite orbit type priority. In response to the second message, the terminal performs cell access, and the target cell is determined according to the access type information.

[0034] Based on the method provided in the second aspect above, the terminal receives the paging of the second message and obtains the access type information carried in the second message. Since different access type information can correspond to different cells, the terminal determines the target cell to be accessed according to the access type information indicated by the second message and performs cell access. In this way, the terminal can flexibly adjust the cell to be accessed according to the access type information to reduce terminal access latency and improve user experience.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first message and / or the second message includes a first field, which is used to indicate the access type information. The first field is associated with the satellite orbit type, or the first field is associated with the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0036] Based on the above possible implementations, since the data transmission scale is limited when the terminal is in an idle or inactive state, the second message can carry the first field to indicate access type information. For example, if there is a correlation between the first field and the satellite orbit type, the first field can indicate the satellite orbit type. If there is a correlation between the first field and the priority of the satellite orbit type, the first field can indicate the priority of the satellite orbit type. In this way, the terminal can determine the satellite orbit type or the priority of the satellite orbit type through the first data so that the terminal can access the cell.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: obtaining ephemeris information of the terminal's stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell, wherein the ephemeris information includes one or more of the following: the satellite orbit type corresponding to the stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell, or the satellite identifier corresponding to the stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell.

[0038] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can determine the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier corresponding to the stationary cell and its neighboring cells based on the ephemeris information of the stationary cell and its neighboring cells, which are cells that can provide services to the terminal. In this way, the terminal can determine the cell for cell access from the stationary cell and its neighboring cells.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the terminal performing cell access in response to the second message includes: determining the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier corresponding to the satellite based on the access type information; determining the target cell for terminal access from the stationed cell and the neighboring cells of the stationed cell according to the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier corresponding to the satellite, and performing cell access.

[0040] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal determines, from the stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell, the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier that matches the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier indicated by the access type information. Then, the terminal performs cell access to meet the transmission requirements of service data corresponding to different service types.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the access type information also includes the terrestrial network type.

[0042] Based on the above possible implementation methods, in addition to satellite orbit type or satellite orbit type priority, access type information can also include terrestrial network type, or the priority of terrestrial network type and satellite orbit type, so as to provide more options for the terminal's cell access.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first field is used to indicate the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type.

[0044] Based on the above possible implementations, when the first field is associated with one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type, the first network device can indicate the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type through the first field, so as to provide more options for the terminal's cell access.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the access type information includes one or more of the following: satellite identifier, service type, or network slice identifier, wherein the service type or the service type has an association with the satellite orbit type.

[0046] Based on the above possible implementation methods, in addition to carrying the first data, the second message can also assist the terminal in cell access by indicating the satellite identifier or service type. There is a correlation between the service type information and the access type information; the terminal can determine the cell to access using the satellite identifier or service type.

[0047] In one possible implementation, determining the satellite orbit type corresponding to the satellite based on the access type information includes: determining the satellite orbit type corresponding to the satellite based on the association between the service type and the satellite orbit type.

[0048] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can determine the satellite orbit type for cell access according to the correlation between the service type and the satellite orbit type. In this way, the terminal can determine the corresponding satellite orbit type through different indication methods, improving the flexibility of the first network device in indicating the satellite orbit type.

[0049] Thirdly, a method for indicating functionality is provided. This method can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal, modules within the terminal (e.g., processors, circuits, chips, or chip systems), or logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. Taking the application of this method to a terminal in a connected state as an example, the method includes:

[0050] A third message is received, which instructs the terminal to perform cell handover or redirection. If the third message instructs the terminal to perform redirection, the third message includes the access type information, which includes one or more of the following: satellite orbit type or satellite orbit type priority; the terminal performs cell handover; or the terminal performs redirection based on the access type message.

[0051] Based on the method provided in the third aspect above, the terminal receives a third message and obtains the access type information carried in the third message. Since different access type information can correspond to different cells, the terminal performs cell handover or redirection according to the access type information indicated by the third message. In this way, the terminal can flexibly perform cell handover or redirection according to the access type information to reduce terminal access latency and improve user experience.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the access type information further includes one or more of the following: the terrestrial network type, the ephemeris information corresponding to the satellite, or the network slice identifier; wherein the network slice identifier is associated with the satellite orbit type or the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0053] Based on the above possible implementations, since the terminal can transmit data while in a connected state, the third message can also carry the ephemeris information or network slice identifier corresponding to the satellite. The terminal performs cell handover or redirection based on the ephemeris information or network slice identifier corresponding to the satellite to meet the transmission requirements of service data corresponding to different service types.

[0054] Fourthly, a method for indicating functionality is provided. This method can be applied to the network side, such as a second network device on the network side, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) within the second network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network device. Taking the application of this method to a second network device as an example, the method includes:

[0055] Determine the access type information corresponding to the terminal, the access type information being used to assist the terminal in cell access; send a first message, the first message indicating the access type information, the access type information including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or the priority of satellite orbit type.

[0056] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second network device sends a first message to the first network device to indicate the terminal's access type information. Since different access type information can correspond to different cells, the first network device can determine the corresponding cell based on the access type information and assist the terminal in accessing the cell. In this way, the terminal's access type information can be flexibly adjusted according to service requirements to meet the transmission requirements of service data corresponding to different service types.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a fifth message, the fifth message being used to request the start or stop of reporting one or more of the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located, the fifth message including a satellite identifier and first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether the reporting method is single reporting or continuous reporting; and receiving a fourth message, the fourth message indicating one or more of the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located.

[0058] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first network device can report the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located according to the instructions of the second network device. The second network device can instruct the first network device to flexibly report the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located in different ways as needed. Then, the first network device can report the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located to the second network device so that the second network device can determine the access type information of the terminal.

[0059] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the first aspect. The communication apparatus can be the first network device described in the first aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the method described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0061] In one possible implementation, a communication module is configured to receive a first message indicating access type information of a terminal, the access type information including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or priority of satellite orbit type; and a processing module is configured to perform cell access, cell handover, or redirection on the terminal according to the access type information, wherein the target cell for cell access, cell handover, or redirection is determined according to the access type information.

[0062] In one possible implementation, when the terminal is in an idle or inactive state, the processing module controls the communication module to send the second message to the terminal, the second message being used to page the terminal, and the second message indicating the access type information.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the first message and / or the second message includes a first field, which is used to indicate the access type information. The first field is associated with the satellite orbit type, or the first field is associated with the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the access type information also includes the terrestrial network type.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the first field is used to indicate the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the access type information may further include one or more of the following: satellite identifier, service type, or network slice identifier, wherein the service type or the service type is associated with the satellite orbit type.

[0067] In one possible implementation, when the terminal is in a connected state, the processing module controls the communication module to send a third message to the terminal. The third message is used to instruct the terminal to perform cell handover or redirection. When the third message is used to instruct the terminal to perform redirection, the third message includes the access type information, which includes one or more of the following: satellite orbit type or satellite orbit type priority.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the access type information further includes one or more of the following: ephemeris information corresponding to the satellite, or network slice identifier; wherein the network slice identifier is associated with the satellite orbit type or the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the satellite orbit type includes one or more of the following: geosynchronous orbit, non-geosynchronous orbit, low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit, sun-synchronous orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, geostationary orbit, and high Earth orbit.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the priority of the satellite orbit type includes one or more of the following: geostationary orbit priority, or non-geostationary orbit priority, low Earth orbit priority, medium Earth orbit priority, and high Earth orbit priority.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send a fourth message indicating one or more of the following: the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal, or the area information where the terminal is located.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive a fifth message, which is used to request the start or stop of reporting one or more of the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located; wherein, the fifth message includes a satellite identifier and first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether the reporting method is single reporting or continuous reporting.

[0073] Sixthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the second aspect. The communication device can be a terminal as described in the second aspect. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the method described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0075] In one possible implementation, a communication module is configured to receive a second message for paging a terminal to access a cell, the second message indicating access type information, the access type information including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or priority of satellite orbit type; and a processing module is configured to perform cell access in response to the second message, the cell being determined based on the access type information.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the first message and / or the second message includes a first field, which is used to indicate the access type information. The first field is associated with the satellite orbit type, or the first field is associated with the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to acquire ephemeris information of the terminal's stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell, the ephemeris information including one or more of the following: the satellite orbit type corresponding to the stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell, or the satellite identifier corresponding to the stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used to determine the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier corresponding to the satellite based on the access type information; and to determine the target cell for terminal access from the stationed cell and the neighboring cells of the stationed cell according to the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier corresponding to the satellite, and to perform cell access.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the access type information also includes the terrestrial network type.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the first field is used to indicate the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the access type information includes one or more of the following: satellite identifier, service type, or network slice identifier, wherein the service type or the service type has an association with the satellite orbit type.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used to determine the satellite orbit type corresponding to the satellite based on the association between the service type and the satellite orbit type.

[0083] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the third aspect above. The communication device can be the terminal described in the third aspect. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the method described above, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0085] In one possible implementation, a communication module is configured to receive a third message, the third message being used to instruct the terminal to perform cell handover or redirection, the third message including access type information, the access type information including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or satellite orbit type priority; a processing module is configured to perform cell handover; or, perform redirection based on the access type information.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the access type information further includes one or more of the following: the terrestrial network type, the ephemeris information corresponding to the satellite, or the network slice identifier; wherein the network slice identifier is associated with the satellite orbit type or the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0087] Eighthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the fourth aspect. The communication apparatus may be the second network device described in the fourth aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means that implement the method described above. These modules, units, or means may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the fourth aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the fourth aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the processing module is used to control the communication module to determine the access type information corresponding to the terminal, the access type information being used to assist the terminal in cell access; the communication module is used to send a first message, the first message indicating the access type information, the access type information including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send a fifth message, the fifth message being used to request the start or stop of reporting one or more of the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located, the fifth message including a satellite identifier and first indication information, the first indication information indicating whether the reporting method is single reporting or continuous reporting; the processing module is configured to control the communication module to receive a fourth message, the fourth message indicating one or more of the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located.

[0091] A ninth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by means of logic circuitry. The communication device may be a first network device as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a terminal as described in the second aspect; or, the communication device may be a terminal as described in the third aspect; or, the communication device may be a second network device as described in the fourth aspect.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. The processor and memory are integrated together; alternatively, the memory is independent of the processor.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the processor and / or memory also include an artificial intelligence (AI) module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0096] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0097] A tenth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a first network device as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a terminal as described in the second aspect; or, the communication device may be a terminal as described in the third aspect; or, the communication device may be a second network device as described in the fourth aspect.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the processor also includes an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0101] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0102] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0103] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the following: a first network device for performing the method described in the first aspect, a terminal for performing the method described in the second aspect, a terminal for performing the method described in the third aspect, or a second network device for performing the method described in the fourth aspect.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a first network device for performing the method described in the first aspect above.

[0105] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspects 5 to 13 can be found in the technical effects of any one of aspects 1 to 4 above, or different possible implementations of any one of aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0106] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0107] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture of the non-regenerative satellite provided in this application;

[0108] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture of the regenerating satellite provided in this application;

[0109] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an NTN communication scenario provided in this application;

[0110] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0111] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in this application;

[0112] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating one of the indication methods provided in this application;

[0113] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of an indication method provided in this application (II).

[0114] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating one of the indication methods provided in this application;

[0115] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating one of the indication methods provided in this application;

[0116] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating one of the indication methods provided in this application;

[0117] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of a communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0118] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, the relevant technical terms involved in this application are explained. It is understood that these explanations are intended to make this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0119] I. Introduction to NTN-related technical terms

[0120] NTN refers to a network or network segment that uses RF resources on satellites or high-altitude platform stations.

[0121] 1. Non-geosynchronous orbit (NGSO): An orbit centered on the Earth whose orbital period does not match the Earth's rotation. This includes low Earth orbit and medium Earth orbit (LEO and MEO). LEO operates at altitudes between 300 km and 1500 km, while MEO operates at altitudes between approximately 7000 km and 25000 km.

[0122] 2. Geosynchronous orbit (GEO): A geostationary orbit centered on the Earth, located approximately 35,786 kilometers above the Earth's surface, and synchronized with the Earth's rotation. A geostationary orbit is a non-inclined geosynchronous orbit, meaning it lies within the Earth's equatorial plane.

[0123] 3. NTN: Composed of gNBs (Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN), it provides non-terrestrial NR access to UEs through NTN payloads and NTN gateways on airborne or spaceborne NTN carriers.

[0124] 4. NTN Gateway: A ground station located on the Earth's surface that provides connectivity to the NTN payload using a feeder link. An NTN gateway is a TNL node.

[0125] 5. NTN Payload: Also known as NTN Active Payload. It is carried by network nodes on satellites or high-altitude platforms, providing connectivity between service links and feeder links. The NTN payload can be a TNL node (transparent payload) or a gNB (regenerative payload).

[0126] 6. Feeder link: The wireless link between the NTN Gateway and the NTN payload.

[0127] 7. Service Link: The radio link between the NTN payload and the UE. For example, the NTN payload forwards the radio protocol received from the UE (via the service link) to the NTN gateway (via the feeder link), and vice versa. The NTN payload supports the following connections: one NTN gateway can serve multiple NTN payloads; or one NTN payload can be served by multiple NTN gateways.

[0128] For example, a business link can include the following three types:

[0129] a. Fixed Earth service links: provided by beams, continuously covering the same geographic area (e.g., in the case of geostationary orbit satellites);

[0130] b. Quasi-territorial fixed service links: provided by beam(s), covering a geographic area for a limited time and a different geographic area for another time (e.g., the case of NGSO satellites generating steerable beams);

[0131] c. Earth mobile service link: provided by a beam that slides across the Earth's surface over a coverage area (e.g., a fixed or non-steerable beam generated by an NGSO satellite).

[0132] Understandably, gNBs using NGSO satellites can provide either quasi-Earth fixed service links or Earth mobile service links, while gNBs operating using GSO satellites can provide either Earth fixed service links or quasi-Earth fixed service links.

[0133] For example, Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture for a transparent payload. The core network equipment provides non-terrestrial NR access to the NTN network to the terminal via the NTN payload and the NTN gateway. For example, the core network equipment can be an AMF or a UPF. The NTN payload communicates with the UE via a serving link. For example, the serving link can include the RN Uu. The NTN gateway communicates with the NTN payload via a feeder link.

[0134] For example, see Figure 2, which illustrates a schematic diagram of a regenerator satellite's communication system architecture. Core network equipment can provide non-terrestrial NR access to the terminal via multiple NTN payloads and multiple NTN gateways. For example, the core network equipment can be an AMF or a UPF. The NTN payloads communicate with the UE via a serving link. For example, the serving link can include an RN Uu. The NTN gateways communicate with the NTN payloads via feeder links. The NTN payloads are next-generation access network equipment.

[0135] II. Introduction to Terminal RRC Status

[0136] 1. Connected state: The UE has established an RRC connection with the network and can transmit data.

[0137] 2. Idle State: The UE has not established an RRC connection with the network, and the base station does not have the UE's context. If the UE needs to transition from the idle state to the connected state, it needs to initiate an RRC connection establishment process.

[0138] 3. Inactive State: Also known as the deactivated state. The UE previously entered the connected state, and then the base station released the RRC connection, but both the base station and the UE saved the context. If the UE needs to enter the connected state from the inactive state, it needs to initiate an RRC connection restoration process. Compared to the RRC establishment process, the RRC restoration process has shorter latency and lower signaling overhead, but the base station needs to save the UE's context, consuming more storage overhead.

[0139] In some embodiments, satellite communication systems utilize various satellite types. Different satellite orbit types have different propagation delays due to their varying altitudes above the ground. For example, Table 1 shows the propagation delays via satellites for different orbital ranges. For GEO satellites, the maximum propagation delay from the UE to the ground is 280 milliseconds, while for LEO satellites it is 30 milliseconds.

[0140] Table 1: Satellite Propagation Delay

[0141] To best meet users' diverse business needs, multi-orbit satellite access systems can leverage the unique advantages and disadvantages of satellites in different orbits (GEO, MEO, LEO) to achieve superior coverage, connectivity, performance, and energy efficiency. For example, GEO satellites can provide wide-area coverage and meet basic data rate requirements; LEO satellites offer higher capacity and lower data transmission latency. GEO satellites can support services such as video streaming (buffering), email, chat, and file sharing, while LEO satellites are better suited for services requiring low latency, such as V2X messaging and real-time gaming.

[0142] For example, referring to Figure 3, which illustrates an NTN communication scenario, satellites a and c are LEO satellites, and satellite b is a MEO satellite. The distances of satellites a, b, and c from the ground result in different transmission delays. Furthermore, the coverage areas of satellites a, b, and c are also different. Device A can switch between satellites a, b, and c at different times to achieve the desired transmission effect.

[0143] In multi-orbit satellite access systems, ensuring that a UE accesses the optimal orbit type is a key concern of this invention. For example, if a UE accesses via GEO, the network may find that GEO satellites cannot support a large number of low-latency services, necessitating further handover or redirection. This not only increases access latency but also fails to meet service requirements. Furthermore, for connected UEs, if the connection is triggered by certain low-latency or high-data-volume services, how to enable the base station to handover or redirect the UE to a specific satellite type is also a problem that needs to be solved.

[0144] Based on this, this application provides an indication method in which a first network device receives a first message and, according to the first message, indicates the access type information of the terminal to assist the terminal in accessing a cell. The access type information includes one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or the priority of the satellite orbit type; the cell for which the terminal accesses the cell is determined based on the access type information. In this way, the first network device can flexibly adjust the target cell for the terminal's access based on the access type information to reduce terminal access latency and meet the transmission requirements of service data corresponding to different service types.

[0145] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0146] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) system, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a 5th Generation (5G) communication system, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) system, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) related communication system, a communication system evolving after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. Among them, 5G can also be referred to as New Radio (NR). The method provided in this application is described below using the communication system 1000 shown in Figure 4 as an example. Figure 4 is only a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application.

[0147] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 provided in this application. In Figure 4, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 4, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 4, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 4). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0148] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0149] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 1000 can be of the same type or different types.

[0150] In one possible scenario, the RAN node 110 in this application, for example, can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that helps terminals achieve wireless access. A RAN node can be, for example, a node in a RAN, or a node in an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN). The RAN node 110 can also be referred to as an access network device, RAN entity, access node, or network device, etc. RAN nodes include, but are not limited to: evolved Node Bs (NodeBs, eNBs, or e-NodeBs) in LTE, next-generation eNBs (ng-eNBs) in next-generation LTE, gNodeBs or gNBs in NR, transmitting points (TPs) or transmission receiving points / transmission reception points (TRPs), 3GPP subsequent evolution base stations, base stations in future mobile communication systems, satellites, access points (APs) in WiFi systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, and network equipment in mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems. These can be deployed on low-altitude platforms, high-altitude platforms, or satellites. Base stations can be: macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, relay stations, or balloon stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same technology mentioned above, or they can support networks using different technologies mentioned above. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located TRPs. RAN nodes can also function as base stations in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicular communication, drone communication, and machine communication. RAN nodes can also be radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. RAN nodes can also be centralized units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CP), CU-user plane (UP), radio units (RUs), roadside units (RSUs) with base station functionality, wired access gateways, or core network elements. RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, machine communication devices, or vehicle-mounted devices.For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be an RSU. The following explanation uses RAN nodes as base stations as an example. The multiple RAN nodes can be base stations of the same type or different types. Base stations can communicate directly with terminals or through relay stations. Terminals can communicate with multiple base stations using different technologies; for example, a terminal can communicate with a base station supporting LTE networks, or with a base station supporting 5G networks, and can also support dual connectivity with both LTE and 5G base stations.

[0151] In this application, the CU can implement the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer in the 3GPP standard. The CU can also implement the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. The DU can implement the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer in the 3GPP standard. The DU can also implement some or all physical layer functions, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception functions. The CU and DU can be set up separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). It is understood that the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network or a network device in the core network; no limitation is made here. Furthermore, the CU can be further divided into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP can implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. CU-UP can implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0152] In this application, the RU can be included in a radio frequency (RF) device or RF unit, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). The RU can implement some physical layer functions and RF functions in the 3GPP standard. The physical layer functions implemented by the RU include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc.

[0153] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0154] Terminal 120 can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. Terminal 120 can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). A terminal can also be called a terminal device, which can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), or any device used to provide voice or data connectivity to a user. UE includes handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers), or computing devices. For example, a UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), satellite terminal, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. UE can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless modem, a point-of-sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart robot, a robotic arm, workshop equipment, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in intelligent transportation, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, an in-vehicle terminal, an RSU with terminal functionality, or flying equipment (e.g., a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. A terminal can also be other devices with terminal functionality; for example, a terminal can be a device that acts as a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0155] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal can be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessories. For example, wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also devices that achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include devices that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0156] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine-type communication (MTC).

[0157] It is understood that the communication system 1000 shown in Figure 4 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system 1000 may also include other devices, and the number of network devices and terminals can be determined according to specific needs without limitation. Furthermore, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0158] Optionally, the functions of each network element or device in Figure 4 of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. This application does not impose specific limitations on these functions. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0159] In practical implementation, each network element or device shown in Figure 4 can adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 5, or include the components shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to this application. It is understood that the communication device 50 includes means of necessary forms, such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, to be appropriately configured together to execute the solution provided in this application. For example, the communication device 50 includes one or more processors 501 for implementing the method provided in this application.

[0160] Processor 501 can be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, processor 501 can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device 50 (such as a first network device, a second network device, a terminal, or a chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Optionally, in one design, processor 501 may include program 505 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on processor 501 to cause the communication device 50 to perform the methods described in the following embodiments. In yet another possible design, communication device 50 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG. 5) for implementing the functions of the first network device, the second network device, or the terminal in the following embodiments.

[0161] Optionally, the communication device 50 may include one or more memories 503. The memory 503 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), cache, or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions. It may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory provided in this application may generally be non-volatile. Optionally, the memory 503 stores a program 507 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 501 to cause the communication device 50 to perform the methods described in the following method embodiments.

[0162] Optionally, the processor 501 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module 506, and / or the memory 503 may include an AI module 508. The aforementioned AI modules are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0163] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 501 and / or the memory 503. The processor 501 and the memory 503 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0164] Optionally, the communication device 50 may also include a transceiver 502 and / or an antenna 504. The processor 501, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 50. The transceiver 502, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 50 via the antenna 504.

[0165] It is understood that the composition shown in Figure 5 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 5, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0166] In some examples, the first network device in this application can be replaced by a chip in the first network device. The second network device in this application can be replaced by a chip in the second network device. The terminal in this application can be replaced by a chip in the terminal. That is, the communication device structure diagram shown in FIG5 can also represent a chip structure diagram applicable to this application.

[0167] The method provided in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each network element in the following embodiments may include the components shown in Figure 5, which will not be elaborated upon further.

[0168] It is understood that in this application, the terminal and network device may perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps are merely examples, and this application may also perform other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the steps in this application.

[0169] It is understood that the methods described below in this application are illustrated using terminals and network devices as the execution subjects of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction. For example, the terminal in the method provided in the following embodiments of this application may also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing the method, or it may be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal functions; the network device in the method provided in the following embodiments of this application may also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the method, or it may be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the network device functions.

[0170] The method provided in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each network element or device in the following embodiments may include the components shown in FIG5, which will not be described in detail here.

[0171] It is understood that the message names between network elements or the names of parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of this application are just examples, and other names may be used in the specific implementation. This application does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0172] It is understood that in this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, expressions like "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" are generally used to indicate any of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; A and C exist simultaneously; B and C exist simultaneously; A, B, and C exist simultaneously. The above examples using three elements (A, B, and C) illustrate the optional entries for this item. When the expression contains more elements, its meaning can be obtained according to the aforementioned rules.

[0173] To facilitate the description of the technical solutions of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0174] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of this application.

[0175] It is understood that in this application, "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require that there must be a judgment action when implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0176] It is understood that some optional features in this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution upon which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus provided in this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0177] It is understood that the same step or step with the same function or technical feature in this application can be referenced and learned from each other in different embodiments.

[0178] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6, a pointing method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0179] S601: The second network device sends a first message to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first message from the second network device.

[0180] The first message indicates the terminal's access type information, which includes one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0181] Understandably, the second network device sends access type information that can meet the service requirements to the first network device through the first message. This is used to instruct the terminal on the access type information for cell access, so that the first network device can flexibly adjust or determine the cell access status of the terminal to meet the transmission requirements of service data corresponding to different service types.

[0182] Optionally, access type information is also known as satellite orbit type information, fallback satellite orbit type information, or target satellite orbit type information, and no specific definition is made here.

[0183] One possible design is that the first network device can be a wireless access network node, and the second network device can be a core network node.

[0184] Optionally, the satellite orbit type includes one or more of the following: geosynchronous orbit (GEO), non-geosynchronous orbit (Non-GEO), low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), geostationary orbit (GSO), and high Earth orbit.

[0185] Optionally, low Earth orbit satellites are also called low-orbit, medium Earth orbit satellites are also called medium-orbit, and high Earth orbit satellites are also called high-orbit.

[0186] Understandably, different service types can correspond to different satellite orbit types. For example, services with low latency requirements can transmit data via geostationary orbit, while services with high latency requirements can transmit data via non-geostationary orbit. Similarly, services with large data volumes can transmit data via non-geostationary orbit, while services with smaller data volumes can transmit data via geostationary orbit.

[0187] Furthermore, for service types with low latency requirements, data transmission can be conducted via high Earth orbit, while for service types with high latency requirements, data transmission can be conducted via low Earth orbit. For example, for service types with large data volumes, data transmission can be conducted via low Earth orbit, while for service types with small data volumes, data transmission can be conducted via high Earth orbit.

[0188] For example, services with low latency requirements may include video streaming, email, chat, and file sharing, which can transmit data via geostationary orbit or high Earth orbit. Services with high latency requirements may include V2X messaging and real-time gaming, which can transmit data via non-geostationary orbit or low Earth orbit.

[0189] Optionally, the priority of the satellite orbit type includes one or more of the following: geostationary orbit priority, or non-geostationary orbit priority, low Earth orbit priority, medium Earth orbit priority, and high Earth orbit priority.

[0190] Understandably, the second network device determines the priority of the satellite orbit type applicable to the terminal based on the service type requirements and sends it to the first network device so that the first network device can assist the terminal in accessing the cell corresponding to the higher priority satellite orbit type according to the priority order.

[0191] For example, the priority of the satellite orbit type can be:

[0192] GEO low priority

[0193] MEO medium priority

[0194] LEO high priority

[0195] For example, the priority of the orbital type is "LEO high priority".

[0196] For example, the priority of the satellite orbit type can be GEO priority, MEO priority, or LEO priority. This priority can be an integer identifier. For instance, the smaller the priority value, the higher the priority.

[0197] For example, in one possible design, the first message includes a first field, which is used to indicate the access type information, and there is an association between the first field and the satellite orbit type, or an association between the first field and the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0198] Understandably, when there is a correlation between the first field and the satellite orbit type, the first field can indicate the satellite orbit type; when there is a correlation between the first field and the priority of the satellite orbit type, the first field can indicate the priority of the satellite orbit type, so as to indicate satellite orbit information to the terminal with minimal transmission resources.

[0199] Optionally, the access type information may also include one or more of the following: satellite identifier, service type, or network slice identifier, wherein the service type or the service type is associated with the satellite orbit type.

[0200] Optionally, the access type information may also include the satellite identifier, or the cell identifier corresponding to the satellite identifier.

[0201] Optionally, the access type information may further include one or more of the following: network slice identifier; wherein the network slice identifier is associated with the satellite orbit type or the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0202] Optionally, when the terminal is in a connected state, the first message may also carry a network slice identifier. The first access network device performs cell handover or redirection based on the network slice identifier to meet the transmission requirements of service data corresponding to different service types.

[0203] For example, the relationship between network slice identifiers and satellite orbit types is shown in Table 2 below:

[0204] Table 2

[0205] For example, the relationship between network slice identifiers and satellite orbit type priorities is shown in Table 3 below:

[0206] Table 3

[0207] One possible design is that the first message can be a core network paging message (CN paging). That is, the second network device can determine the terminal's access type information based on the service type that triggers the core network paging message or the terminal's subscription information, and send the terminal's access type information to the first network device through the core network paging message.

[0208] Optionally, core network paging messages can also be next generation (NG) paging messages.

[0209] Optionally, the second network device may send access type information to the first network device through messages in the registration request process, service request process, or PDU session establishment request process.

[0210] One possible design is that the first message can be terminal-related signaling, meaning that the second network device can send the first message to the first network device through terminal-related signaling.

[0211] Optionally, terminal-related messages may include initial context establishment requests, PDU session establishment requests, PDU session modification requests, UE initial context establishment requests, handover requests, or network interface management messages.

[0212] One possible design is that the first message may include a core network assistance information for RRC inactive (core network assistance information for RRC inactive) cell, meaning that the second network device can send the first message to the first network device through the core network assistance information.

[0213] S602: The first network device performs cell access, cell handover, or redirection for the terminal based on the access type information.

[0214] The target cell for a terminal to access a cell, switch cells, or redirect is determined based on the access type information.

[0215] Understandably, the way the first device assists the terminal in cell access or determines terminal handover or redirection varies depending on the terminal's state. The following sections provide a detailed description of how the first network device assists the terminal in cell access when the terminal is in different RRC states.

[0216] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 and 8, when the terminal is in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state, the method further includes the following steps:

[0217] S701: The first network device sends the second message to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the second message from the first network device.

[0218] The second message is used to page the terminal and indicates the access type information.

[0219] For example, the second message can be a paging message, that is, the first network device can use a paging message to indicate the access type information corresponding to the terminal to the terminal.

[0220] It is understood that the access type information indicated in the second message can be found in the relevant description of access type information in the aforementioned embodiment S601, and will not be repeated here.

[0221] Optionally, the second message may carry access type information, which is used to assist the terminal in accessing the cell. For example, the access type information may include one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0222] Since the data transmission scale is limited when the terminal is in an idle or inactive state, the second message can carry the first field to indicate the access type information.

[0223] One possible design is that the first message and / or the second message includes a first field, which is used to indicate the access type information, and there is an association between the first field and the satellite orbit type, or an association between the first field and the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0224] Understandably, when there is a correlation between the first field and the satellite orbit type, the first field can indicate the satellite orbit type; when there is a correlation between the first field and the priority of the satellite orbit type, the first field can indicate the priority of the satellite orbit type, so as to indicate satellite orbit information to the terminal with minimal transmission resources.

[0225] Optionally, the first field can be a value representing the subscriber profile identifier for rat / frequency priority (RFSP) or RAT / frequency priority (SPID).

[0226] For example, when the first field is 252, the first field indicates the priority of the satellite orbit type as shown in Table 4 below:

[0227] Table 4

[0228] For example, when the first field is 253, the first field indicates the priority of the satellite orbit type as shown in Table 5 below:

[0229] Table 5

[0230] Optionally, the access type information may also include the terrestrial network type, such as terrestrial network, 4G terrestrial network, 5G terrestrial network, and future terrestrial network.

[0231] Understandably, access type information can include not only satellite orbit type or satellite orbit type priority, but also terrestrial network type, or the priority of terrestrial network type and satellite orbit type, in order to provide more options for the terminal's cell access.

[0232] Optionally, the first field is used to indicate the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type. That is, when the first field is associated with one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type, the first network device can use the first field to indicate the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type, so as to provide more options for the terminal's cell access.

[0233] For example, when the first field is 252, the first field indicates the priority of the satellite orbit type as shown in Table 6 below:

[0234] Table 6

[0235] Optionally, the example of the first field above can be used for the first field carried in the first message or the first field carried in the second message, without any limitation.

[0236] In some examples, the first field can indicate satellite orbit type information, and the first field can indicate satellite orbit type priority.

[0237] Optionally, the first field can indicate access type information. The first field is one of the following enumeration values:

[0238] ENUMERATED{GEO,MEO,LEO,GTO,SSO,GSO,spare3,spare2,spare1}

[0239] For example, the first field is “GEO”, which indicates that the terminal is connected to GEO.

[0240] Optionally, the first field can indicate the access type priority. For example, the first field can be one of the following enumeration values:

[0241] ENUMERATED{GEO high priority,MEO high priority,LEO high priority,spare3,spare2,spare1} For example, the first field is "LEO high priority", which is used to indicate to the first network device that the LEO has a high priority.

[0242] Optionally, the first field can be one of the following enumeration values:

[0243] ENUMERATED{GEO high priority and LEO medium priority,MEO high priority,LEO high priority LEO high priority and MEO low priority,spare3,spare2,spare1}

[0244] For example, "LEO high priority and MEO low priority" is used to indicate to the first network device that LEO has a high priority and MEO has a low priority.

[0245] In some examples, the first field may indicate the satellite orbit type information and the ground network type information. The first field may also indicate the satellite orbit type priority and the ground network type priority.

[0246] Optionally, the first field can indicate access type information and terrestrial network type information. The first field can be one of the following enumerated values:

[0247] ENUMERATED{GEO,MEO,LEO,TN,spare4,spare3,spare2,spare1}

[0248] For example, the first field is "TN", which indicates that the terminal is connected to the TN.

[0249] Optionally, the first field can indicate the access type priority and the terrestrial network type priority. The first field can be one of the following enumerated values:

[0250] ENUMERATED{GEO high priority,MEO high priority,LEO high priority,TN high priority,spare4,spare3,spare2,spare1}

[0251] For example, the first field is "TN high priority", which is used to indicate to the first network device that the TN has a high priority.

[0252] Optionally, the first field can be one of the following enumerated values:

[0253] ENUMERATED{TN high priority and LEO medium priority,TN high priority,LEO high priority LEO high priority and TN low priority,spare3,spare2,spare1}

[0254] For example, the first field is “TN high priority and LEO medium priority”, which is used to indicate to the first network device that TN has a high priority and LEO has a medium priority.

[0255] In some embodiments, referring to FIG8, when the terminal is in an RRC inactive state, the method further includes the following steps:

[0256] S801: The first network device sends a second message to the third network device. Correspondingly, the third network device receives the second message from the first network device.

[0257] The second message is used to page the terminal, and it indicates the access type information. The third network device is a network device adjacent to the first network device. For example, the third network device is an access network device adjacent to the first network device or an access network device with a network interface.

[0258] S802: The third network device sends a second message to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the second message from the third network device.

[0259] The second message is used to page the terminal and indicates the access type information.

[0260] S702: In response to the second message, the terminal performs cell access.

[0261] The cell is determined based on the access type information.

[0262] Understandably, since different access type information can correspond to different cells, the terminal can determine the cell to access based on the access type information indicated by the second message, perform cell selection or reselection, and then perform cell access. In other words, the terminal can determine the cell that meets the access type information from among the available cells. For example, the terminal can determine the cell that meets the access type information from the current cell and its neighboring cells.

[0263] On the one hand, the terminal determines the access type information based on the second message. For example, satellite orbit type, satellite orbit priority, or satellite identifier.

[0264] One possible design is that the first message and / or the second message includes a first field, which is used to indicate the access type information, and there is an association between the first field and the satellite orbit type, or an association between the first field and the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0265] One possible design is that, if the first message and / or the second message include a first field, the first field is used to explicitly indicate the access type information or access type priority information.

[0266] Understandably, when there is a correlation between the first field and the satellite orbit type, the terminal can determine the satellite orbit type based on the first field; when there is a correlation between the first field and the priority of the satellite orbit type, the terminal can determine the priority of the satellite orbit type based on the first field.

[0267] Optionally, the access type information may also include the terrestrial network type. That is, if the access type information indicates that the terminal should access the terrestrial network type, or if the priority of the terrestrial network type is higher than that of the satellite guidance type, the terminal may also choose to access the cell corresponding to the terrestrial network type.

[0268] Optionally, the first field is used to indicate the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type.

[0269] Understandably, when the first field is associated with one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type, the terminal can determine the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type based on the first field in order to determine the cell for which the terminal will perform cell access.

[0270] Optionally, the access type information includes one or more of the following: satellite identifier, service type, or network slice identifier, wherein the service type or the service type has an association with the satellite orbit type.

[0271] For example, business types can include MBB, URLLC, and MTC.

[0272] One possible design involves the terminal obtaining the association between the service type or network slice identifier and the satellite orbit type from a second network device. The terminal can obtain this association through a non-access stratum (NAS) system. For example, the terminal can receive this association through a registration accept process, a service accept process, a PDU session establishment accept message, or a PDU session modification accept message. The terminal device determines the satellite orbit type based on the service type or network slice identifier from the received access type information and the association.

[0273] It is understood that the access type information does not indicate / does not include the satellite orbit type or the priority of the satellite orbit type; the access type information includes the service type or network slice identifier. After receiving the access type information from the second network device, the first network device sends the access type information to the terminal.

[0274] For example, the association between the service type or network slice identifier obtained by the terminal from the second network device and the satellite orbit type is shown in Table 7 below:

[0275] Table 7

[0276] For example, the association between the service type or network slice identifier obtained by the network terminal from the second network device and the satellite orbit type is shown in Table 8 below:

[0277] Table 8

[0278] Understandably, satellite identifiers can be used to determine accessible cells. When there is a correlation between the service type and the satellite orbit type, the terminal can determine the corresponding satellite orbit type based on the service type. In other words, the terminal can determine the satellite orbit type corresponding to the satellite based on the correlation between the service type and the satellite orbit type.

[0279] On the other hand, the terminal obtains the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier of the cell that can provide services to the terminal, so as to select a cell that matches the access type information to perform cell access.

[0280] One possible design is that the terminal obtains ephemeris information of the terminal's stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell. The ephemeris information includes one or more of the following: the satellite orbit type corresponding to the stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell, or the satellite identifier corresponding to the stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell.

[0281] Understandably, the terminal can determine the satellite orbit type of the stationary cell and its neighboring cells, or the satellite identifier corresponding to the stationary cell and its neighboring cells, through ephemeris information. The stationary cell and its neighboring cells are cells that can provide services to the terminal, so that the terminal can determine the cell to access from the stationary cell and its neighboring cells.

[0282] One possible design is that the terminal determines the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier corresponding to the satellite based on the access type information; according to the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier corresponding to the satellite, the terminal determines the target cell for access from the stationed cell and the neighboring cells of the stationed cell, and performs cell access.

[0283] Optionally, the terminal can select a cell with the same satellite orbit type as indicated in the access type information, or a neighboring cell, to perform cell access. Alternatively, the terminal can select a cell with the same satellite identifier as indicated in the access type information, or a neighboring cell, to perform cell access.

[0284] For example, if the cell currently hosted by the terminal is the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier indicated in the access type information, the terminal can directly access the currently hosted cell. If the cell currently hosted by the terminal is not the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier indicated in the access type information, the terminal selects another cell indicated in the access type information from the currently hosted cell and its neighboring cells, and performs cell access.

[0285] Optionally, the terminal's current cell broadcast indication allows cell access to be triggered on other cells / orbiting satellites.

[0286] Optionally, the terminal can ignore the frequency band priority of the cell broadcast and search for cells on the track type / frequency band indicated by the cell broadcast.

[0287] In some embodiments, referring to FIG9, when the terminal is in RRC connection state, the method may further include the following steps:

[0288] S901: The first network device performs cell handover or redirection for the terminal based on the access type information.

[0289] One possible design is that, when the first network device determines the target cell for the terminal handover based on the access type information, the first network device determines the target cell for the terminal handover based on the access type information.

[0290] Optionally, the first network device sends the terminal's access type information to the network device in the target cell via a handover request message.

[0291] Optionally, the first network device sends its own cell ID or the supported satellite type to the neighboring network device; the neighboring network device sends its own cell ID or the supported satellite type to the first network device.

[0292] One possible design is that, if the first network device determines to perform a redirection based on the access type information, the first network device sends the access type information to the terminal.

[0293] Optionally, the first network device may send access type information to the UE in the RRC release message.

[0294] S902: The first network device sends a third message to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the third message from the first network device.

[0295] The third message is used to instruct the terminal to perform cell handover or redirection. When the third message instructs the terminal to perform redirection, the third message includes the access type information. It is understood that when the third message instructs the terminal to perform cell handover, the third message can be an RRC reconfiguration message. That is, the third message may not carry the access type information.

[0296] Optionally, the access type information is the same as that in the previous embodiments, and will not be repeated here. However, since the terminal is in a connected state, larger-scale data transmission is possible. That is, the third message can directly carry the access type information and directly indicate the access type information to the terminal.

[0297] Understandably, when the terminal is in a connected state, the first network device can determine whether the terminal needs to perform cell handover or redirection based on the access type information, and instruct the terminal to perform cell handover or redirection through a third message.

[0298] Optionally, the access type information may also include one or more of the following: ephemeris information corresponding to the satellite, or network slice identifier; wherein the network slice identifier is associated with the satellite orbit type or the priority of the satellite orbit type.

[0299] Based on the above possible implementation methods, since the terminal can transmit data while in a connected state, the third message can also carry the ephemeris information or network slice identifier corresponding to the satellite, so that the terminal can perform cell handover or redirection according to the ephemeris information or network slice identifier corresponding to the satellite.

[0300] One possible design is that the third message could be an RRC release message, meaning that the first network device could send access type information via an RRC release message.

[0301] S903: The terminal performs cell handover based on access type information; or, the terminal performs redirection based on access type message.

[0302] Understandably, the terminal receives the third message and obtains the access type information carried in the third message. Since different access type information can correspond to different cells, the terminal performs cell handover or redirection according to the access type information indicated by the third message.

[0303] Optionally, the third message may also include one or more of the following: satellite identifier, cell identifier, base station identifier, etc. The satellite identifier is determined by the first network device based on the access type information.

[0304] Optionally, the terminal may prioritize searching for cells on the satellite orbit type / frequency band indicated in the base station broadcast / RRC release message, and select cells that meet the conditions to camp on.

[0305] In some embodiments, referring to FIG10, the method further includes the following steps:

[0306] S1001: The first network device sends a fourth message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the fourth message from the first network device.

[0307] The fourth message indicates one or more of the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located.

[0308] Understandably, the first network device can report the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located to the second network device through the fourth message, so that the second network device can determine the access type information of the terminal.

[0309] It is understood that the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal is the satellite orbit type where the terminal is currently located or currently stationed, or the satellite orbit type of the current serving cell.

[0310] Optionally, the first network device may report the current satellite orbit type of the terminal to the second network device if the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal changes. The first network device may also report the current location information of the terminal to the second network device if the location information of the terminal changes.

[0311] For example, the first network device can report to the second network device whether the terminal has entered or left a satellite orbit type, as shown in Table 9 below:

[0312] Table 9

[0313] Optionally, the first network device can instruct the second network device terminal to enter LEO or leave MEO via a fourth message.

[0314] For example, the first network device can report the satellite orbit type of the terminal to the second network device in the manner shown in Table 10 below:

[0315] Table 10

[0316] Optionally, the first network device may indicate that the second network device terminal is in GEO via a fourth message.

[0317] For example, the first network device can report the area information of the terminal to the second network device in the manner shown in Table 11 below:

[0318] Table 11

[0319] Optionally, the first network device may indicate via a fourth message that the second network device terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the first satellite identifier.

[0320] Optionally, the satellite orbit type is described in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0321] One possible design is that after receiving the fourth message, the second network device can determine the access type information of the terminal based on one or more of the satellite orbit type or the area information where the terminal is located, and send it to the first network device through the first message. For details, please refer to the description of the first message in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0322] Optionally, the second network device can also adjust the QoS flow parameters of the PDU session, such as packet delay budget, maximum flow rate, and guaranteed flow rate, based on one or more of the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located. For example, when the UE is in GEO, the CN can increase the packet delay budget and instruct the first network device to do so.

[0323] Optionally, the second network device may also establish a PDU session suitable for the satellite type based on one or more of the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located.

[0324] S1000: The second network device sends a fifth message to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the fifth message from the second network device.

[0325] The fifth message is used to request the start or stop reporting one or more of the following: the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal, or the area information where the terminal is located.

[0326] Optionally, the fifth message includes a satellite identifier and a first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the reporting method is a single report or continuous reporting. That is, the first network device can report the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located according to the instructions of the second network device, and the second network device can instruct the first network device to flexibly report the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located in different ways according to needs.

[0327] For example, the second network device can request the first network device to report the satellite orbit type of the terminal in the manner shown in Table 12 below:

[0328] Table 12

[0329] Optionally, the second network device may instruct the first network device to report the satellite orbit type once via the fifth message, or instruct the first network device to report the changed satellite orbit type if the satellite orbit type of the terminal changes.

[0330] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and no limitation is imposed.

[0331] The above mainly describes the solution provided in this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be a terminal in the above method embodiments, or a device including the terminal, or a component usable in a terminal; the communication device can also be a first network device in the above method embodiments, or a device including the first network device, or a component usable in a first network device. The communication device can also be a second network device in the above method embodiments, or a device including the second network device, or a component usable in a second network device. It is understood that the above-mentioned terminals, etc., include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function in order to achieve the above functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the unit and algorithm operations of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware 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 application.

[0332] This application can divide the terminal, the first network device, or the second network device into functional modules based on the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It is understood that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0333] For example, when functional modules are integrated, Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 1100. The communication device 1100 includes a communication module 1101 and a processing module 1102. The communication module 1101, also known as an interface unit, is used to perform transmit and receive operations. For example, it can be an interface circuit, transceiver, or communication interface. The processing module 1102, also known as a processing unit, is used to perform operations other than transmit and receive operations. For example, it can be a processing circuit or a processor.

[0334] In some embodiments, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG11) for storing program instructions and data.

[0335] In one example, the communication device is a first network device, which can be used to implement any of the methods executed by the first network device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0336] For example, communication module 1101 is used to receive a first message, the first message indicating the access type information of the terminal, the access type information including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or satellite orbit type priority; processing module 1102 is used to perform cell access, cell handover, or redirection on the terminal according to the access type information, the target cell for the terminal to perform cell access, cell handover, or redirection is determined according to the access type information.

[0337] In one example, the communication device is a terminal, which can be used to implement any of the methods executed by the terminal in the foregoing embodiments.

[0338] For example, communication module 1101 is used to receive a second message, the second message being used to paging a terminal for cell access, the second message indicating access type information, the access type information including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or the priority of satellite orbit type; processing module 1102 is used to respond to the second message to the terminal to perform cell access, the cell being determined according to the access type information.

[0339] For example, communication module 1101 is used to receive a third message, which is used to instruct the terminal to perform cell handover or redirection. When the third message is used to instruct the terminal to perform redirection, the third message includes the access type information, which includes one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or the priority of satellite orbit type; processing module 1102 is used to perform cell handover based on access type information; or, to perform redirection based on access type information.

[0340] In one example, the communication device is a second network device that can be used to implement any of the methods executed by the second network device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0341] For example, processing module 1102 is used to control communication module to determine access type information corresponding to terminal, the access type information being used to assist terminal in cell access; communication module 1101 is used to send a first message, the first message indicating the access type information, the access type information including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or priority of satellite orbit type.

[0342] When the communication device is used to implement the functions of the first network device, the second network device, or the terminal, other functions that the communication device 1100 can implement can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be elaborated further.

[0343] In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 1100 can take the form shown in FIG5. For example, the processor 501 in FIG5 can invoke computer execution instructions stored in memory 503 to cause the communication device 1100 to execute the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0344] For example, the functions / implementation of the processing module 1102 and communication module 1101 in FIG11 can be implemented by the processor 501 in FIG5 calling computer execution instructions stored in memory 503. Alternatively, the functions / implementation of the processing module 1102 in FIG11 can be implemented by the processor 501 in FIG5 calling computer execution instructions stored in memory 503, and the functions / implementation of the communication module 1101 in FIG11 can be implemented by the transceiver 502 in FIG5.

[0345] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a system on a chip (SoC) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0346] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0347] Optionally, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0348] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as a hard disk or memory of the communication device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0349] Optionally, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments.

[0350] Optionally, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as a computer, processor, terminal, or network device). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0351] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including: a terminal, a first network device, and a second network device as shown in the embodiments of Figures 5-10.

[0352] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0353] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of modules or units is merely a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0354] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0355] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0356] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

A method of indication, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first message, the first message indicating the terminal's access type information, the access type information including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or the priority of satellite orbit type; Based on the access type information, the terminal performs cell access, cell handover, or redirection. The target cell for the terminal to perform cell access, cell handover, or redirection is determined based on the access type information. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the terminal is in an idle or inactive state, the step of performing cell access for the terminal based on the access type information includes: A second message is sent to the terminal, the second message being used to page the terminal, and the second message indicating the access type information. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first message and / or the second message includes a first field, which is used to indicate the access type information. The first field is associated with the satellite orbit type, or the first field is associated with the priority of the satellite orbit type. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The access type information also includes the terrestrial network type. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first field is used to indicate the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The access type information also includes one or more of the following: satellite identifier, service type, or network slice identifier, wherein there is a correlation between the service type or the network slice identifier and the satellite orbit type. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the terminal is in a connected state, cell handover or redirection is performed on the terminal according to the access type information, including: A third message is sent to the terminal, the third message being used to instruct the terminal to perform cell handover or redirection, and when the third message is used to instruct the terminal to perform redirection, the third message includes the access type information. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The access type information also includes one or more of the following: the terrestrial network type, the ephemeris information corresponding to the satellite, or the network slice identifier; wherein, the network slice identifier is associated with the satellite orbit type or the priority of the satellite orbit type. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The satellite orbit types include one or more of the following: geosynchronous orbit, non-geosynchronous orbit, low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit, sun-synchronous orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, geostationary orbit, and high Earth orbit. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The priority of the satellite orbit type includes one or more of the following: geostationary orbit priority, or non-geostationary orbit priority, low Earth orbit priority, medium Earth orbit priority, and high Earth orbit priority. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth message, which indicates one or more of the following: the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal, or the area information where the terminal is located. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a fifth message, which is used to request to start or stop reporting one or more of the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located; The fifth message includes a satellite identifier and a first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the reporting method is a single report or continuous reporting. A method of indication, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a second message, the second message being used for paging terminal to access the cell, the second message indicating access type information, the access type information including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or the priority of satellite orbit type; In response to the second message, the terminal performs cell access, wherein the cell is determined based on the access type information. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first message and / or the second message includes a first field, which is used to indicate the access type information. The first field is associated with the satellite orbit type, or the first field is associated with the priority of the satellite orbit type. The method according to claim 13 or 14 is characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the ephemeris information of the terminal's stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell. The ephemeris information includes one or more of the following: the satellite orbit type corresponding to the stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell, or the satellite identifier corresponding to the stationary cell and the neighboring cells of the stationary cell. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The terminal performing cell access in response to the second message includes: The satellite orbit type or satellite identifier corresponding to the satellite is determined based on the access type information; Based on the satellite orbit type or satellite identifier corresponding to the satellite, the target cell for terminal access is determined from the stationed cell and the neighboring cells of the stationed cell, and cell access is performed. The method according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized in that, The access type information also includes the terrestrial network type. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first field is used to indicate the priority of one or more of the satellite orbit type or the terrestrial network type. The method according to any one of claims 13-18, characterized in that, The access type information includes one or more of the following: satellite identifier, service type, or network slice identifier, wherein there is a correlation between the service type or network slice identifier and the satellite orbit type. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Determining the satellite orbit type corresponding to the satellite based on the access type information includes: Based on the correlation between the service type and the satellite orbit type, the satellite orbit type corresponding to the satellite is determined. A method of indication, characterized in that, The method includes: The terminal receives a third message, which instructs the terminal to perform cell handover or redirection. In the case where the third message instructs the terminal to perform redirection, the third message includes the access type information, which includes one or more of the following: satellite orbit type or satellite orbit type priority. Cell handover is performed based on the access type information; or, redirection is performed based on the access type information. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The access type information also includes one or more of the following: the terrestrial network type, the ephemeris information corresponding to the satellite, or the network slice identifier; wherein, the network slice identifier is associated with the satellite orbit type or the priority of the satellite orbit type. A method of indication, characterized in that, The method includes: Determine the access type information corresponding to the terminal, the access type information being used to assist the terminal in cell access; Send a first message, which indicates the access type information, including one or more of the following: satellite orbit type, or the priority of satellite orbit type. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifth message, which is used to request to start or stop reporting one or more of the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal or the area information where the terminal is located. The fifth message includes a satellite identifier and a first indication information, which indicates whether the reporting method is single reporting or continuous reporting. Receive a fourth message, which indicates one or more of the following: the satellite orbit type corresponding to the terminal, or the area information where the terminal is located. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-12, or for performing the method as described in any one of claims 13-20, or for performing the method as described in any one of claims 21-22, or for performing the method as described in any one of claims 23-24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions, which, when executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13-20, or the method as described in any one of claims 21-22, or the method as described in any one of claims 23-24. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the method as described in any one of claims 1-12 to be implemented, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 13-20 to be implemented, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 21-22 to be implemented, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 23-24 to be implemented. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 13-20, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 21-22, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 23-24.

Images