CN117177382A

CN117177382A - Communication method, related system and storage medium

Info

Publication number: CN117177382A
Application number: CN202210579212.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李光磊
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2022-05-26
Filing date: 2022-05-26
Publication date: 2023-12-05
Also published as: WO2023226637A1

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a communication method, a related system and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: when a first satellite covers a terminal and is connected with a core network, a first communication system receives a first message from a first network element, wherein the first message carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal; when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite is not connected with the core network, the first communication system receives and stores a first registration request from the terminal according to the first indication information; when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first communication system sends the first registration request to the first network element. By adopting the means, high delay and interrupt tolerance can be realized, and further the communication efficiency is improved.

Description

Communication method, related system and storage medium

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a communications method, a related system, and a storage medium.

Background

The fifth generation mobile communication system (5GS,the 5th Generation Mobile Communication System) has the capabilities of high bandwidth, high reliability, low delay, ubiquitous access and the like. With the development of satellite communication technology, the bandwidth capacity of a communication satellite is greatly improved, the cost is reduced, the integration of a satellite network and a 5G network is raised, and the strong coverage capability of the satellite network can help the 5G network to cover rare remote areas of personnel and areas where ground networks such as oceans, islanding and the like are difficult to reach.

At present, the fusion of satellites and 5GS can be divided into two scenarios, the first: the satellite is accessed as 3GPP, and the UE accesses 5GS through the satellite. The second scenario: the satellite link serves as a backhaul link to provide a bearer between network elements (e.g., to provide a bearer for N3 or N9). The 3GPP only considers the satellite as a radio frequency module of a base station when the Release 17 discusses the satellite as 3GPP access, and provides transparent forwarding capability; in discussing satellite backhaul, the satellite only acts as a bearing node, and is transparent to the UE's data. In addition, 3GPP also considers satellite supported data processing, i.e., considers satellites providing non-transparent forwarding capability or so-called renewable capability, specifically considering base station and UPF deployment on top of satellites.

Because non-geosynchronous satellites such as MEO (Medium Earth Orbit, medium Orbit satellite) and LEO (Low Earth Orbit satellite) move relative to the ground, a single satellite or a plurality of satellites based on inter-satellite link networking or a constellation with few sparse inter-satellite links are not provided, and when the UE uses satellite access, discontinuous coverage can occur.

When the UE can be covered by the satellite, the satellite can also establish a connection (i.e. a feeder link) with the ground gateway station, but in a practical situation, the UE may be located in an area such as the sea or polar region, and when the UE is covered by the satellite, the satellite cannot establish a connection with the ground station, and at this time, the existing technology cannot support communication under such a scenario. Such a scenario is illustrated in fig. 1: at time #1, the satellite is located above the ocean and can cover the UE, but cannot establish a connection with the 5GC core network on land through the ground gateway station; time #2: the satellite moves to the space above the land and can be accessed into the 5GC through a ground gateway station; time #3: the satellite again covers the UE on the ocean. In this scenario, the prior art does not enable the UE to transmit and receive data.

Disclosure of Invention

The application discloses a communication method, a related system and a storage medium, which can still support UE to communicate when a satellite cannot establish connection with the UE and a ground gateway station to access a core network.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method applied to a first communication system deployed on a first satellite, the method including: when the first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, a first communication system receives a first message from a first network element, wherein the first message carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal; when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite is not connected with the core network, the first communication system receives and stores a first registration request from the terminal according to the first indication information; when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first communication system sends the first registration request to the first network element.

The first network element may be, for example, an AMF.

In the embodiment of the application, when a first satellite covers a terminal and the satellite is connected with a core network, a first communication system receives a first message from a first network element, wherein the first message carries first indication information which indicates that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal; when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite is not connected with the core network, the first communication system receives and stores a first registration request from the terminal according to first indication information; when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first communication system sends the first registration request to the first network element. That is, the first communication system stores a registration request from the terminal when the satellite and the 5GC are not connected, and then forwards the stored registration request to the first network element when the satellite moves such that the connection can be established through the ground station and the 5 GC. By adopting the means, when the UE uses satellite access and the satellite cannot be simultaneously connected with the UE and the ground gateway station to access the core network due to satellite movement, sparse constellation, lack of inter-satellite links and the like, the UE can still be supported to communicate, high delay and interruption tolerance are realized, and further communication efficiency is improved.

In one possible implementation, when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite and the core network are not connected, the method further includes: the first communication system receives and stores uplink data sent by the terminal;

and when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first communication system transmits the uplink data to the second network element.

The second network element may be a DN, that is, the first communication system directly transmits the uplink data to the DN; alternatively, the second network element may be a PSA UPF, for example, where the first communication system includes only AN or RAN, and the AN or RAN sends the uplink data to the DN through the PSA UPF.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first communication system stores downstream data from the second network element.

Correspondingly, the first communication system stores downlink data from the DN; alternatively, the first communication system includes only AN or RAN, which stores the downstream data from the PSA UPF.

In one possible implementation, the first communication system includes a third network element. The third network element is AN1 or RAN1, for example.

In a possible implementation manner, the first communication system further includes a fourth network element, and the method further includes:

And caching uplink data or downlink data by a fourth network element in the first communication system according to a message from a fifth network element, wherein the message from the fifth network element carries the first indication information.

The fourth network element may be a PSA UPF. The fifth network element may be an SMF.

In a possible implementation manner, the first message is a response of the first network element to a second registration request sent by the terminal, where the second registration request further carries second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a capability of supporting user plane CIoT 5GS of the terminal, and the first message further carries third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the first network element supports the capability of supporting user plane CIoT 5GS of the terminal to the first communication system.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes: when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite and the core network are about to be disconnected, the first communication system triggers connection suspension according to at least one of ephemeris information and the first indication information.

In one possible implementation manner, when the first satellite and the core network are about to establish a connection, the first communication system triggers connection recovery according to at least one of the terminal information and the first indication information.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, including: when a first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, a first network element sends a first message to a first communication system deployed on the first satellite, wherein the first message carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal; and when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first network element receives a first registration request sent by the first communication system.

In the embodiment of the application, when a first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, a first network element sends a first message to a first communication system deployed on the first satellite, wherein the first message carries first indication information to indicate that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal; and when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first network element receives a first registration request sent by the first communication system. That is, the first network element indicates that the terminal needs to be provided with the interrupt tolerant service by sending indication information to the first communication system, or the interrupt tolerant service and the high delay tolerant service, and the first communication system may communicate with the first network element based on the indication.

In a possible implementation manner, the first network element obtains the indication that the interrupt tolerant service needs to be provided for the terminal, or the interrupt tolerant service and the high delay tolerant service from at least one of the following network elements: UDM, PCF, AF; or the first network element obtains the indication of the need to provide interrupt tolerant service for the terminal or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service from at least one of the following network elements through a fifth network element: UDM, PCF, AF.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method applied to a second communication system deployed on a second satellite, the method including: when the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is connected with the core network, the second communication system receives and stores a message from the first network element, wherein the message carries fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service, interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal, and also used for indicating that interrupt tolerant continuous service, or interrupt tolerant continuous service and high delay tolerant continuous service are required to be provided for the terminal; when the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is not connected with the core network, the second communication system receives and stores a first registration request from the terminal according to the fourth indication information; when the second satellite is connected with the core network, the second communication system sends the first registration request to the first network element.

In the embodiment of the application, when the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is connected with the core network, the second communication system receives and stores the message from the first network element, wherein the message carries the indication information, indicates that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal, and is also used for indicating that interrupt tolerant continuous service or interrupt tolerant continuous service and high delay tolerant continuous service are required to be provided for the terminal; and when the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is not connected with the core network, the second communication system receives and stores a first registration request from the terminal according to the indication information, and then when the second satellite is connected with the core network, the second communication system sends the first registration request to the first network element. That is, based on the subscription information, the second communication system receives and stores the registration request when the second satellite is not connected to the core network, so as to forward the request to the first network element when connected to the core network. By adopting the method, the context of the UE can be synchronized on different satellite-borne RANs, so that when the satellite covers the UE, the satellite-borne RANs can establish RRC connection with the UE and send and receive registration requests or uplink and downlink data of the UE, and the like.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second communication system receives the context information of the terminal sent by the first network element, where the context information includes an indication that interrupt tolerant services, or interrupt tolerant services and high delay tolerant services, are required to be provided for the terminal, and an interrupt tolerant connection service, or interrupt tolerant connection services and high delay tolerant connection services, are required to be provided for the terminal.

In one possible implementation, the second communication system includes a sixth network element. For example, the sixth network element is AN2 or RAN2.

In a possible implementation manner, the second communication system further includes a seventh network element, and the method further includes: a seventh network element in the second communication system receives a message from a fifth network element, wherein the message carries the fourth indication information.

The seventh network element may be a PSA UPF. The fifth network element may be an SMF.

In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, including: when a first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, a first network element sends a first message to a first communication system deployed on the first satellite, wherein the first message carries fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service, interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal, and is also used for indicating that interrupt tolerant continuous service, or interrupt tolerant continuous service and high delay tolerant continuous service are required to be provided for the terminal; when the first satellite does not cover the terminal, the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is connected with the core network, the first network element sends a message to a second communication system deployed on the second satellite according to the fourth indication information, and the message carries the fourth indication information; the first network element receives a first registration request sent by the second communication system.

In the embodiment of the application, when a first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, a first network element sends a first message to a first communication system deployed on the first satellite, wherein the first message indicates that interrupt tolerant service, or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service, are required to be provided for the terminal, and the first message is also used for indicating that interrupt tolerant connection service, or interrupt tolerant connection service and high delay tolerant connection service, are required to be provided for the terminal; when the first satellite does not cover the terminal, the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is connected with the core network, the first network element sends a message to a second communication system deployed on the second satellite according to the fourth indication information, and the message carries the fourth indication information; the first network element receives a first registration request sent by the second communication system. By adopting the means, when the first network element cannot communicate with the first communication system on the first satellite, the first network element can communicate with the second communication system on the second satellite, and the first network element sends the acquired subscription data to the second communication system on the second satellite, so that the second communication system can continue to serve the UE. By adopting the method, the context of the UE can be synchronized on different satellite-borne RANs, so that when the satellite covers the UE, the satellite-borne RANs can establish RRC connection with the UE and send and receive registration requests or uplink and downlink data of the UE, and the like.

In a possible implementation manner, the first network element obtains the indication that the interrupt tolerant service needs to be provided for the terminal, or the interrupt tolerant service and the high delay tolerant service need to be provided for the terminal, or the indication that the interrupt tolerant connection service and the high delay tolerant connection service need to be provided for the terminal from at least one of the following network elements: UDM, PCF, AF; or, the first network element obtains, from at least one of the following network elements, an indication that an interrupt tolerant service, or an interrupt tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service need to be provided for the terminal, and an indication that an interrupt tolerant connection service, or an interrupt tolerant connection service and a high delay tolerant connection service need to be provided for the terminal, through a fifth network element: UDM, PCF, AF.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first network element sends context information of the terminal to the second communication system, wherein the context information comprises an indication that interrupt tolerant services, or interrupt tolerant services and high delay tolerant services, are required to be provided for the terminal, and an indication that interrupt tolerant connection services, or interrupt tolerant connection services and high delay tolerant connection services, are required to be provided for the terminal.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes: and the first network element sends a message of successful context synchronization to a fifth network element.

In one possible implementation, the second communication system includes a sixth network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the second communication system further includes a seventh network element, and the method further includes: the first network element sends a request to a fifth network element, wherein the request carries the fourth indication information, so that the fifth network element sends the fourth indication information to a seventh network element in the second communication system.

In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device deployed on a first satellite, the communication device comprising: the receiving module is used for receiving a first message from a first network element when the first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, wherein the first message carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal; the storage module is used for receiving and storing a first registration request from the terminal according to the first indication information when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite is not connected with the core network; and the sending module is used for sending the first registration request to the first network element when the first satellite is connected with the core network.

In one possible implementation, when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite and the core network are not connected, the storage module is further configured to: receiving and storing uplink data sent by the terminal; and when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the sending module is further used for sending the uplink data to a second network element.

In one possible implementation, the storage module is further configured to: and storing the downlink data from the second network element.

In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a third network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication device further includes a fourth network element, where the fourth network element is configured to cache uplink data or downlink data according to a message from a fifth network element, where the message from the fifth network element carries the first indication information.

In one possible implementation manner, the apparatus further includes a connection suspension module configured to: and triggering connection suspension according to at least one of ephemeris information and the first indication information when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite and the core network are about to be disconnected.

In a possible implementation manner, the apparatus further includes a connection recovery module, configured to: and triggering connection recovery according to at least one of the terminal information and the first indication information when the first satellite and the core network are about to establish connection.

In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, including: the system comprises a sending module, a receiving module and a receiving module, wherein the sending module is used for sending a first message to a first communication system deployed on a first satellite when the first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, the first message carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal; and the receiving module is used for receiving a first registration request sent by the first communication system when the first satellite is connected with the core network.

In a possible implementation manner, the apparatus further includes an obtaining module, configured to obtain the indication that the interrupt tolerant service needs to be provided for the terminal, or the interrupt tolerant service and the high delay tolerant service, from at least one of the following network elements: UDM, PCF, AF; or, obtaining, by the fifth network element, the indication that the interrupt tolerant service needs to be provided for the terminal, or the interrupt tolerant service and the high delay tolerant service from at least one of the following network elements: UDM, PCF, AF.

In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communications device deployed on a second satellite, the device comprising: the receiving module is used for receiving and storing a message from the first network element when the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is connected with the core network, wherein the message carries fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service, interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal, and also used for indicating that interrupt tolerant continuous service, or interrupt tolerant continuous service and high delay tolerant continuous service are required to be provided for the terminal; the storage module is used for receiving and storing a first registration request from the terminal according to the fourth indication information when the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is not connected with the core network; and the sending module is used for sending the first registration request to the first network element when the second satellite is connected with the core network.

In one possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to: and receiving the context information of the terminal sent by the first network element, wherein the context information comprises the indication that interrupt tolerant service, or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service, are required to be provided for the terminal, and interrupt tolerant continuous service, or interrupt tolerant continuous service and high delay tolerant continuous service are required to be provided for the terminal.

In one possible implementation, the apparatus includes a sixth network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the apparatus further includes a seventh network element, where the seventh network element is configured to receive a message from the fifth network element, and the message carries the fourth indication information.

In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, including: the sending module is used for sending a first message to a first communication system deployed on a first satellite when the first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, wherein the first message carries fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service, interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal, and is also used for indicating that interrupt tolerant continuous service, or interrupt tolerant continuous service and high delay tolerant continuous service are required to be provided for the terminal; the sending module is further configured to send a message to a second communication system deployed on the second satellite according to the fourth indication information when the first satellite does not cover the terminal, the second satellite covers the terminal, and the second satellite is connected to the core network, where the message carries the fourth indication information; and the receiving module is used for receiving the first registration request sent by the second communication system.

In a possible implementation manner, the apparatus further includes an obtaining module, configured to obtain, from at least one network element, an indication that the terminal needs to be provided with an interrupt tolerant service, or an interrupt tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service, and an indication that the terminal needs to be provided with an interrupt tolerant connection service, or an interrupt tolerant connection service and a high delay tolerant connection service: UDM, PCF, AF; or,

the obtaining module is configured to obtain, through a fifth network element, an indication that an interrupt tolerant service or an interrupt tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service need to be provided for the terminal, and an indication that an interrupt tolerant connection service or an interrupt tolerant connection service and a high delay tolerant connection service need to be provided for the terminal, from at least one network element of: UDM, PCF, AF.

In one possible implementation manner, the sending module is further configured to:

and sending the context information of the terminal to the second communication system, wherein the context information comprises the indication that interrupt tolerant services, or interrupt tolerant services and high delay tolerant services, are required to be provided for the terminal, and interrupt tolerant continuing services, or interrupt tolerant continuing services and high delay tolerant continuing services are required to be provided for the terminal.

In one possible implementation manner, the sending module is further configured to: and sending a message of successful context synchronization to the fifth network element.

In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a sixth network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication device further includes a seventh network element, and the sending module is configured to:

and sending a request to a fifth network element, wherein the request carries the fourth indication information, so that the fifth network element sends the fourth indication information to the seventh network element.

In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, including a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is for storing program code, the processor is for invoking the program code to perform the method according to the first aspect, or the method according to the second aspect, or the method according to the third aspect, or the method according to the fourth aspect.

In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, wherein the computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, the computer program being executed by a processor to implement a method according to the first aspect, or a method according to the second aspect, or a method according to the third aspect, or a method according to the fourth aspect.

An eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, characterized in that the computer program product, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to the first aspect, or the method according to the second aspect, or the method according to the third aspect, or the method according to the fourth aspect.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus of the fifth aspect, the apparatus of the sixth aspect, the apparatus of the seventh aspect, the apparatus of the eighth aspect, the apparatus of the ninth aspect, the computer storage medium of the tenth aspect, or the computer program product of the eleventh aspect provided above are each adapted to perform the method provided in any of the first aspect, the method provided in any of the second aspect, the method provided in any of the third aspect, and the method provided in any of the fourth aspect. Therefore, the advantages achieved by the method can be referred to as the advantages of the corresponding method, and will not be described herein.

Drawings

The drawings to which embodiments of the present application are applied are described below.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a 5G system according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a satellite access scene with a satellite-borne base station deployed by a satellite according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a satellite access scene provided by an embodiment of the present application, in which a satellite is deployed with a satellite-borne base station and a UPF;

fig. 5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6a is a flow chart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6b is a flowchart illustrating a connection suspension provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6c is a schematic flow chart of a connection recovery method according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of yet another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of yet another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 9a is a schematic diagram of another application scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9b is a flow chart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of yet another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of yet another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 13a is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 13b is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 14a is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 14b is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. The terminology used in the description of the embodiments of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the application only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a 5G system according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 2, the 5G system Network architecture includes a User Equipment (UE), AN Access Network (AN) or a radio Access Network (RAN, radio Access Network), and a core Network element. Wherein the core network element comprises: a user plane function (UPF, user Plane Function), a data Network (DN, date Network), a session management function (SMF, session Management Function), an access and mobility management function (AMF, access and Mobility Management Function), a Network slice selection function (NSSF, network Slice Selection Function), an authentication server function (AUSF, authentication Server Function), a Network opening function (NEF, network Exposure Function), a Network storage function (NRF, network Function Repository Function), a policy control function (PCF, policy Control Function), a unified data management (Unified Data Management, UDM), and an application function (AF, application Function).

The RAN is an access network node and is responsible for the air interface access of the UE and the connection with the CN.

The UPF network element is a user plane network element and is mainly responsible for forwarding data packets, controlling service quality, charging, counting and the like. The UPF is divided into a PSA UPF (anchor UPF) and an I-UPF (intermediate UPF), wherein the PAS UPF is a UPF of a PDU session anchor point and is connected with DN (Data Network) through an N6 interface and is responsible for data transmission between a core network and a data network; all UPFs between the (R) AN and the PSA UPF are referred to as I-UPFs.

The control plane network element is mainly responsible for business process interaction, forwarding and QoS strategy issuing to UPF, etc. Wherein, the SMF is responsible for session management and is connected with the UPF through an N4 interface shown in FIG. 2; the UDM is responsible for managing data about the subscription of the user.

The scheme aims at the assumption that the satellite has renewable capability, and considers that a satellite is deployed with a satellite-borne base station or is simultaneously deployed with a satellite-borne base station and a satellite-borne UPF, and UE accesses a 5G core network through the satellite-borne base station or the satellite-borne base station and the satellite-borne UPF. As shown in fig. 3, a RAN is deployed for a satellite access scenario satellite; as shown in fig. 4, a satellite access scenario is provided with a RAN and UPF.

For the application scenario of the internet of things, since the UE is generally limited in terms of battery service life, the 5G communication system designs some mechanisms to support energy saving of the UE and support high-latency communication.

The "user plane CIoT 5GS optimized transmission" feature supports that no interaction with the core network is required when the Access Stratum (AS) context of the RAN and the UE is not required to be established under the condition that the Service Request flow is initiated in the idle state, i.e., the UE wakes up from the energy-saving sleep mode to resume the radio resource connection (Radio Resource Connection, RRC). The management of the user plane connection also designs a corresponding enhancement mechanism. Wherein an RRC connection may be suspended by a "connection suspension procedure" if the following preconditions are met:

-the UE and AMF support user plane CIoT 5GS optimization through NAS negotiation;

the UE has indicated in UE radio capabilities that the user plane CIoT 5GS optimization is supported;

-AMF has indicated supporting UE-to-RAN user plane CIoT 5GS optimization;

the UE has established at least one PDU session over the active user plane connection, i.e. an AS context is established among the RAN and the UE.

When the UE is in an idle suspension state and receives the NAS trigger message, the UE may attempt to perform an idle connection suspension recovery procedure. If the idle connection suspension recovery procedure fails, the UE will initiate the NAS suspension procedure. In order to ensure the normal use of user plane CIoT 5GS optimization when moving between different RAN nodes, transmission of AS contexts is supported between RAN nodes.

When using the connection suspension procedure:

-storing AS information when the UE goes into idle state;

the RAN stores the AS information of the UE, NGAP UE association (logical association between UE-granularity 5G-AN node and AMF) and PDU session context;

the AMF shall store the NGAP UE association and other information necessary to resume the UE association afterwards, and interact with the SMF to deactivate the user plane resources of the PDU session and enter the idle state.

The suspend resume procedure by using an idle state connection can be referred to as follows:

-the UE restoring the network connection in idle state using AS information stored during connection suspension;

-the RAN node informing the AMF: the connection with the UE has been restored and the AMF enters a connected state and interacts with the SMF to activate the user plane resources of the PDU session of the UE.

The user in the user plane optimization can trigger the connection recovery flow by itself and perform data transmission.

When the UE is in a suspended idle state, the RAN may save the N3 tunnel node information. The UPF is instructed to delete the AN's downstream N3 tunnel information during the connection suspension, but the UPF will retain the upstream N3 tunnel information (i.e., the UPF accepts and forwards upstream data). If the UE sends terminal initiated (Mobile Originated, MO) data and uses a connection recovery procedure, the RAN may send the MO data to the UPF addressed by the N3 tunnel endpoint information. In case of changing the serving RAN due to UE mobility, if the RAN determines that it cannot connect to the UPF addressed by the N3 tunnel endpoint information, the RAN performs a path switching procedure before performing the UE to transmit MO data.

The high-delay communication allows the PSA UPF to buffer data when downlink data is sent to the UE after the UE enters the energy-saving mode, and sends the data to the UE when the connection of the UE is restored. Wherein the high latency communication function is operable to handle (Mobile Terminated, MT) communications received by the UE terminated terminal, the UE being in an unreachable state using the power saving function. "high latency" refers to the response time before normal exchange of packets is established. That is, the UE wakes up from its power saving state and responds to the time of initial downlink data or signaling.

When the UE uses a power saving function in CM-IDLE and is not reachable, the high latency communication capability allows the UPF or SMF or NEF to extend the buffer and save downlink data. For a UPF anchored PDU session, upon release of the AN, the SMF uses the FAR (Forward Action Rule, user data forwarding operation rules) and the BAR (Buffering Action Rule, user data buffering operation rules) to configure the UPF. These rules include an indication of whether a UPF cache is applied or user data should be forwarded to the SMF and cached in the SMF. For NEF-anchored PDU sessions, extended buffering in the NEF is supported. In a PDU session with control plane CIoT 5GS optimized transmission, when the network triggers a service request or a downlink data transmission request, the AMF provides the SMF with an "estimated maximum latency" if the SMF supports extended buffering. The SMF determines the "extended buffering time" based on the received "estimated maximum latency" or local configuration.

Because non-geosynchronous satellites such as middle Orbit satellites (Medium Earth Orbit, MEOs) and Low Orbit Satellites (LEOs) move relative to the ground, a single satellite or a plurality of satellites based on inter-satellite link networking or a constellation with few sparse inter-satellite links are not provided, and discontinuous coverage can occur when the UE uses satellite access.

To avoid the UE from continuously searching for signals when there is no satellite coverage, internet of things Non-terrestrial network (IoT Non-Terrestrial Network, ioT NTN) technology in 4G networks has been enhanced for this situation, the UE deactivates the AS function to enter sleep mode after losing the satellite coverage, and wakes up when the satellite is again covered based on ephemeris etc. information obtained from the base station (the UE will store AS information). Correspondingly, the high latency communication also supports discontinuous coverage scenarios, and the mobility management entity (Mobility Management Entity, MME) also considers the satellite access discontinuous coverage situation when configuring the buffer timer. IoT NTN is concerned with still a transparent mode scenario, i.e. a satellite as the radio frequency module of the base station.

The discontinuous coverage scenario currently discussed by 3GPP defaults to the assumption that when the UE can be covered by the satellite, the satellite can also establish a connection (i.e. a feeder link) with a ground gateway station, but in a practical situation, the UE may be located in an area such as the sea or polar region, and when covered by the satellite, the satellite cannot establish a connection with the ground station, as in the scenario shown in fig. 1, and the prior art cannot support communication in this scenario.

In order to solve the technical problems, the scheme provides a communication method. Referring to fig. 5, a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown in fig. 5, the method may be applied to a first communication system deployed on a first satellite, and the method may include steps 501-503, as follows:

501. When the first satellite covers a terminal and the satellite is connected with a core network, a first communication system receives a first message from a first network element, wherein the first message carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal;

the first communication system may comprise AN or RAN.

Alternatively, the first communication system comprises AN or RAN, and further comprises a UPF.

The first network element may be an AMF.

The core network may be located on the ground.

That is, when the satellite covers the terminal and accesses the 5GC core network with the connection ground gateway station, the terminal UE can complete registration and session establishment.

The first message may be a response of the first network element to the registration request sent by the terminal.

For example, the first message may be an N2 message. The first network element AMF sends a first message to the first communication system, wherein the first message carries a registration acceptance message sent to the terminal by the AMF; the first message also carries first indication information that the AMF sends to the first communication system, e.g. the RAN.

Wherein the need provides the terminal with an interruption tolerant service, or an interruption tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service, it can be understood that the subscription information is provided, and the RAN or the UPF needs to forward the subscription information to store and forward on the planet.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the subscription information is described by using an interrupt tolerant service, or an interrupt tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service as examples, and other descriptions may be used to define the subscription information, which is not limited in this scheme specifically. For example, it may also be described as discontinuously overlaying store and forward services, store services, cache services, and the like.

502. When the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite is not connected with the core network, the first communication system receives and stores a first registration request from the terminal according to the first indication information;

for example, when the UE moves to an area covered by a satellite, the first communication system cannot establish a connection with a terrestrial gateway station (e.g., move from coastal to open sea, polar region), at which point the terminal may resume RRC connection with the RAN in the first communication system.

Further, the terminal may send a registration request message to the first communication system for periodic registration updates or mobile registration updates.

At this point the first communication system receives and stores the registration request because the first communication system cannot establish a connection with the ground gateway station.

503. When the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first communication system sends the first registration request to the first network element.

When the satellite moves to Liu Dexin station upper air, a feed circuit can be built and connected with the core network, the satellite-borne RAN can be associated with the first network element AMF TNL (Transport Network Layer), and then NG/N2 connection can be built.

At this time, the first communication system may transmit the stored first registration request to the first network element.

In one possible implementation, when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite and the core network are not connected, the first communication system receives and stores uplink data sent by the terminal; and when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first communication system transmits the uplink data to the second network element.

For example, the second network element may be a DN. The first communication system sends upstream data directly to the DN.

Alternatively, the second network element may also be a UPF if the first communication system comprises only AN or RAN. For example, the first communication system sends the upstream data to the DN through PSA UPF.

Further, the first communication system also stores downstream data from the second network element. And further, when the first satellite covers the terminal, the stored downlink data may be transmitted to the UE.

Further, when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite and the core network are about to be disconnected, the first communication system triggers connection suspension according to at least one of ephemeris information and the first indication information.

And when the first satellite and the core network are about to establish connection, the first communication system triggers connection recovery according to at least one of the terminal information and the first indication information.

The above is merely an example, and the present embodiment is not particularly limited thereto.

On the basis of the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the embodiment of the application also provides a communication method applied to the AMF, and the method can comprise the following steps:

A. when a first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, a first network element sends a first message to a first communication system deployed on the first satellite, wherein the first message carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal;

the first network element is AMF.

The description of the first indication information may refer to the description of the embodiment shown in fig. 5, and is not repeated herein.

In a possible implementation manner, the first network element obtains the indication that the interrupt tolerant service needs to be provided for the terminal, or the interrupt tolerant service and the high delay tolerant service, from at least one of the following network elements: UDM, PCF, AF.

In another possible implementation manner, the first network element obtains, through the network element SMF, the indication that the interrupt tolerant service needs to be provided for the terminal, or the interrupt tolerant service and the high delay tolerant service from at least one of the following network elements: UDM, PCF, AF.

That is, the AMF may directly acquire the subscription information from the UDM/PCF/AF, or the AMF may acquire the subscription information from the UDM/PCF/AF through the SMF.

B. And when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first network element receives a first registration request sent by the first communication system.

When the first satellite does not cover the terminal, and the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first network element can further receive the message sent by the first communication system.

The following describes the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application in detail.

Example 1

Referring to fig. 6a, a flow chart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown in fig. 6a, the method may be applied to a first communication system deployed on a first satellite, the embodiment being described by way of example in which the first communication system comprises a RAN. The method may include steps 601-619, specifically as follows:

601. the UE sends a second registration request to the RAN;

when the on-board RAN can cover the UE and access 5GC with the connected ground gateway station, the UE sends a second registration request to the RAN.

In one possible implementation, the second registration request may further carry indication information indicating the capability of the UE to support user plane CIoT 5GS optimization. Specifically, the UE indicates support for user plane CIoT 5GS optimization in UE radio capabilities.

602. The satellite-borne RAN selects AMF;

603. the satellite-borne RAN sends a second registration request to the selected target AMF;

604. selecting UDM by the target AMF;

605. the AMF acquires the subscription data of the UE from the UDM and subscribes to the change of the subscription data; the access and mobile subscription data returned by the UDM contains high delay and/or break tolerance information for the UE.

The high delay and/or interrupt tolerant information may also be referred to as, for example, discontinuous coverage interrupt tolerant information, discontinuous coverage tolerant information, etc., which is not particularly limited in this scheme.

This information indicates that the network needs to enable store-and-forward for the UE when the RAN cannot simultaneously cover the UE and connect to the core network.

The embodiment of the present application is described taking the example that the AMF obtains subscription data from the UDM, and may also obtain subscription data from the PCF or the AF, which is not specifically limited in this scheme.

606. The AMF sends a first message to the satellite-borne RAN, wherein the first message carries a first registration acceptance message and also carries high delay and interrupt tolerance indication information;

in one possible implementation, the first message further indicates a user plane CIoT 5GS optimization supporting UE to the on-board RAN.

607. The satellite-borne RAN sends the first registration acceptance message to the UE;

608. after the UE completes registration, a session establishment request is initiated and session establishment is completed.

609. The satellite-borne RAN judges that the satellite-borne RAN moves out of a coverage area and/or cannot establish a feed link with a ground gateway station based on at least one of ephemeris information, high delay and/or interruption tolerance indication information, and initiates a connection suspension flow;

the RAN decides to trigger a connection suspension or a release before losing connection with the terrestrial gateway station based on at least one of ephemeris information, high delay and break tolerance indications obtained from the AMF, and user plane CIoT optimization.

As shown in fig. 6b, specifically, step 1: the RAN sends an N2 Suspend Request message to the AMF, which goes into CM-IDLE state with Suspend indicator.

Context information associated with NGAP UE, UE context and PDU session context, information needed for connection recovery will be kept in UE, RAN node and AMF. The information stored in the RAN may include, among other things, a suspension reason, which may be, for example, loss of coverage, etc.

Step 2: for each PDU session in the N2 Suspend Request, the AMF invokes a session management context update Request and sends to the SMF, which contains information such as PDU session ID.

Step 3: the SMF sends AN N4 session modification request to the PSA UPF, the request containing pending N3 AN tunnel information (for the PSA UPF to release the N3 AN tunnel information), issuing a buffer on/off indication (indicating whether the PSA UPF should buffer incoming downstream PDUs). The UPF sends an N4 session modification response in response to the SMF request. The SMF should maintain N3 tunnel information (including AN tunnel information and CN tunnel information).

Wherein, UPF can also be deployed on the star. For the case where the PSA UPF is deployed on the satellite, the SMF does not release the N3 tunnel, and the SMF may set the time of the downlink buffer timer of the PSA UPF based on the ephemeris information, i.e., by setting the time of the timer, so that the PSA UPF transmits buffered data to the UE through the RAN when the satellite is running above the UE.

For the situation that the on-board I-UPF exists on the satellite, the SMF can instruct the PSA UPF to release downlink N9 CN tunnel information, the SMF maintains N9 tunnel information, and the SMF also sends an N4 session modification request to the I-UPF to instruct the I-UPF to cache uplink data; the SMF may set the time of the downlink buffer timer based on the ephemeris information, i.e. by setting the time of the timer, so that the I-UPF sends buffered downlink data to the UE through the RAN when the satellite is running to the UE overhead.

Step 4: the SMF sends a PDU session management context update response to the AMF.

Step 5: after each PDU session has responded in step 4, the AMF sends an N2 Suspend Response to the RAN.

Step 6: the RAN sends an RRC message, suspending the RRC connection with the UE, carrying the UE Resume ID.

Thus, the connection suspension flow is completed.

It should be noted that the method may or may not include step 609, and the present embodiment is not limited in this regard. For example, if user plane optimization is not employed, connection deactivation may be initiated or an already established connection may be maintained (at this point, connection restoration of step 613 is correspondingly not included).

610. When the UE moves to an area covered by the on-board RAN, the RAN cannot establish a connection with the ground gateway station (e.g., move from coastal to open sea, polar region), and the on-board RAN covers the UE, which resumes the RRC connection with the on-board RAN.

The UE sends an RRC recovery request to the on-board RAN, wherein the request carries a UE Resume ID; the on-board RAN obtains the stored UE context based on the UE Resume ID obtained from the UE.

The on-board RAN does not establish NG/N2 connection with any AMF, but normally resumes RRC connection and returns an RRC establishment message to the UE because the UE context stored in the on-board RAN contains high delay and/or interruption tolerance indication information; the UE returns an RRC resume complete message.

611. The UE sends a first registration request to the AMF through the satellite-borne RAN, and the first registration request is used for periodic registration update or mobile registration update;

in one possible implementation, the UE may also send uplink data to the on-board RAN, e.g., send MO data.

612. The on-board RAN stores a first registration request of the UE based on high delay and/or interruption tolerance indication information in the UE context;

in one possible implementation, the on-board RAN also stores information sent by the UE, such as uplink data of the data plane.

613. When the on-board RAN moves to Liu Dexin station overhead, a feeder circuit can be established and connected to the core network, and the on-board RAN can establish a transport network layer (Transport Network Layer, TNL) association with the AMF, so that an NG/N2 connection can be established.

When the TNL association of the RAN and the AMF is operational (i.e., the RAN is capable of establishing a link with a terrestrial gateway station), the RAN obtains a stored UE context based on a UE Resume ID obtained from the UE and initiates connection restoration based on the UE Resume ID and at least one of a high delay and an outage tolerance indication in the context. The RAN may not establish an RRC connection with the UE at this time.

Referring to fig. 6c, specifically, step 1: the RAN sends an N2 Resume Request to the AMF, which Request may include a Resume reason (coverage recovery), N2 SM information (including session ID for successfully establishing the RRC connection when the UE was previously covered), etc.

In one possible implementation, if the RAN is not the same as the corresponding RAN when the UE first suspended the RCC connection (and the new RAN has obtained the UE context from the AMF), the new NG-RAN node may also initiate N2 Path Switch Request to the AMF, carrying the session ID to successfully establish the RRC connection when the UE was previously covered, and the coverage restoration indication information.

Step 2: for each PDU session initiated in step 1, the AMF invokes the PDU session management context update request to recover the user plane resources, which may carry the PDU session ID obtained in step 1.

Step 3: SMF sends N4 session modification request carrying AN tunnel information to be recovered to indicate recovery of AN tunnel; and a buffer closing instruction is carried and is used for indicating that the UPF does not buffer the input downlink data.

If the N2 Resume Request is performed in step 1, AN tunnel information is maintained by the SMF during the connection suspension. If N2 Path Switch Request is performed in step 1, the AN tunnel information is a part of the N2 SM information received by the SMF in step 5. The UPF returns an N4 session modification response.

For the case where the PSA UPF is deployed on a satellite, the SMF does not need to recover the N3 tunnel, and the SMF instructs the PSA UPF to buffer downstream data. The SMF may set the time of the downlink buffer timer based on the ephemeris information, that is, by setting the time of the timer, so that when the satellite runs to the UE, the PSA UPF sends the buffered data to the UE through the RAN; the SMF may also update the timer settings in the connection suspension flow.

For the situation that the satellite-borne I-UPF is deployed, the SMF carries N9 downlink CN tunnel information to be recovered, and the information indicates the recovery of the N9 downlink tunnel; and the SMF sends an N4 session modification request and a closed uplink buffer indication to indicate the I-UPF to send buffered uplink data to the PSA UPF through the N9 tunnel. The SMF may set the time of the downlink buffer timer based on the ephemeris information, i.e. by setting the time of the timer such that when the satellite is running above the UE, the PSA UPF sends the buffered data to the UE through the RAN, and the SMF may update the timer setting in the connection suspension procedure.

Step 4: the SMF sends a PDU session context update response to the AMF.

If new CN tunnel information is allocated for PDU session, i.e. in case of new AN tunnel received in step 3, the SMF takes the new CN tunnel information as part of the N2 SM information.

Step 5: after each PDU session of step 1 responds, if at least one PDU session recovery is successful, the AMF sends an N2 Response to the RAN indicating success, including the N2 SM information of the PDU session received in step 4 (the RAN establishes an uplink N3 tunnel based on the CN tunnel information therein);

if Path Switch Request is received in step 1, the AMF sends N2 Path Switch Acknowledge, also containing N2 SM information.

Thus, the connection recovery is completed.

In one possible implementation, after completing the connection recovery procedure, if the on-board RAN stores the user uplink data, the on-board RAN sends the uplink data to the PSA UPF, which then sends the uplink data to the DN.

614. After establishing N2 connection between the satellite-borne RAN and the AMF, sending a stored first registration request to the AMF;

615. the AMF returns a second registration acceptance message to the UE through the satellite-borne RAN;

616. the satellite-borne RAN stores a second registration acceptance message returned by the AMF;

in one possible implementation, the on-board RAN also stores downstream data from the PSA UPF if it is.

617. The satellite-borne RAN judges that the satellite-borne RAN cannot establish a feed link with the gateway station based on ephemeris and other information, so that a connection suspension flow is initiated;

reference is made to the foregoing description for this description, and no further description is given here.

618. When the satellite-borne RAN moves and the UE is covered by the satellite-borne RAN, and the satellite-borne RAN cannot establish connection with the ground gateway station, the UE and the satellite-borne RAN establish RRC connection;

619. the on-board RAN transmits the stored registration acceptance message to the UE.

It should be noted that this embodiment is described by way of example only with respect to one implementation. The on-board RAN may also be AN on-board AN, etc., and the present solution is not particularly limited.

The multiple scenes involved in the steps in this embodiment are not necessarily uniform, and may be adaptively adjusted, which is not specifically limited.

In this embodiment, RAN is disposed on a satellite as an example, which can still support UE to communicate when the satellite cannot establish connection with UE and a ground gateway station to access a core network, so as to achieve high delay and interrupt tolerance, and further improve communication efficiency.

Example 2

Referring to fig. 7, a flow chart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown in fig. 7, the method may be applied to a first communication system deployed on a satellite, and this embodiment is described by taking the first communication system including RAN and UPF as an example. The method may include steps 701-723, which are specifically as follows:

701. The UE completes registration;

when the on-board RAN is capable of covering the UE and accessing 5GC with a connected ground gateway station and there is a UPF on board, in one implementation, the on-board UPF is selected as an anchor point by default when the session is established when the satellite uses the on-board RAN access.

In the registration process, the AMF acquires subscription data from the UDM, wherein the subscription data comprises high delay and/or interruption tolerance information of the UE;

for this registration procedure, reference may be made to the description of embodiment 1, and the description is omitted here.

702. The UE sends a session establishment request to the AMF through the satellite-borne RAN;

wherein the request may carry DNN, S-NSSAI.

703. The satellite-borne RAN sends a session establishment request to the AMF, wherein the request carries DNN and S-NSSAI;

704. the AMF sends a PDU session management context creation request to the SMF, which may contain a high delay and interrupt tolerance indication for the UE;

705. SMF obtains subscription data from UDM and subscribes;

wherein the SMF obtains session related subscription data from the UDM, which may return high delay and break tolerance indications associated with DNN, S-nsai;

706-714, session establishment, etc., wherein the SMF selects a satellite-borne UPF as an anchor UPF;

715. the satellite-borne RAN initiates a connection suspension flow;

the description of the connection suspension procedure can be referred to the foregoing embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

Wherein the SMF instructs the UPF to buffer up/down data based on the high delay and interrupt tolerance indication obtained from step 704 or step 705, and does not release the N3 tunnel;

716. when the UE moves to an area covered by the on-board RAN, the on-board RAN cannot establish a connection with the ground gateway station (e.g., move from coastal to open sea, polar), and the UE and the on-board RAN resume the RRC connection.

717. The UE sends a first registration request to the AMF through the satellite-borne RAN, and the first registration request is used for periodic registration update or mobile registration update; the on-board RAN stores a first registration request for the UE based on high delay and/or outage tolerance indication information in the UE context.

In one possible implementation, the UE may also send uplink data to the on-board RAN, e.g., send MO data. The satellite-borne RAN sends uplink data to the PSA UPF through the N3 tunnel, and the PSA UPF caches the uplink data.

After the connection is suspended in step 715, the on-board PSA UPF buffers the downlink data, and the PSA UPF may send the buffered data to the on-board RAN at this time, and then send the buffered data to the UE through the on-board RAN.

The PSA UPF can close the buffer memory based on a timer set by the SMF and send data; the PSA UPF may also close the downlink buffer based on the UE uplink data received from the on-board RAN, so as to send downlink data; or after the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection message is established between the satellite-borne radio network controller (RAN) and the User Equipment (UE), the satellite-borne RAN sends a message to the pressure swing adsorption (PSA UPF) to trigger the closing of the downlink buffer, and the PSA UPF sends downlink data and the like.

718. The satellite-borne RAN initiates a connection recovery flow;

the description of the connection recovery procedure can be referred to the foregoing embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

Wherein the SMF does not need to resume the N3 tunnel and the SMF instructs the on-board UPF to buffer downstream data based on the high delay and interrupt tolerance indications obtained from step 704 or step 705.

719. The satellite-borne RAN sends the stored first registration request to an AMF;

in one possible implementation, the on-board PSA UPF may send the stored upstream data to the DN.

720. The AMF returns a registration response to the on-board RAN, which stores the registration response.

In one possible implementation, the on-board PSA UPF also buffers the received downstream data.

721. The satellite-borne RAN initiates a connection suspension flow;

722. When the satellite-borne RAN moves, the UE is covered by the satellite-borne RAN, and the RAN cannot establish connection with the ground gateway station, the UE and the satellite-borne RAN recover RRC connection;

723. The on-board RAN sends the stored registration accept message to the UE. If the on-board PSA UPF has buffered the downstream data, the on-board PSA UPF may send the downstream data to the UE.

In this embodiment, RAN and PSA UPF are both deployed on a satellite for illustration, which can still support UE to communicate when the satellite cannot establish connection with UE and a terrestrial gateway station to access a core network at the same time, so as to achieve high delay and interrupt tolerance, and further improve communication efficiency.

Example 3

Referring to fig. 8, a flow chart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown in fig. 8, the method may be applied to a first communication system deployed on a satellite, and this embodiment is described by taking the first communication system including RAN and UPF as an example. The method may include steps 801-823, specifically as follows:

Steps 801-814 of this embodiment complete the registration and session establishment procedure for the UE. The description of this part will be referred to the previous embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

It should be noted that the PSA UPF of this embodiment is located on the ground, and the SMF selects the on-board UPF to be inserted as the I-UPF.

815. The RAN initiates a connection suspension flow;

the description of this part will refer to the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here. The SMF indicates the PSA UPF to buffer downlink data and indicates the I-PUF to buffer uplink data.

816. When the UE moves to an area covered by the on-board RAN, the on-board RAN cannot establish a connection with the ground gateway station (e.g., move from coastal to open sea, polar), and the UE and the on-board RAN resume the RRC connection.

817. The UE sends a first registration request to the AMF through the satellite-borne RAN, and the first registration request is used for periodic registration update or mobile registration update; the on-board RAN stores a first registration request for the UE based on high delay and/or outage tolerance indication information in the UE context.

In one possible implementation, the UE may also send uplink data to the on-board RAN, e.g., send MO data. The on-board RAN transmits uplink data to the I-UPF, and the I-UPF caches the uplink data.

Wherein the PSA UPF buffers downstream data after the connection is suspended at step 815.

The I-UPF can close the buffer memory based on a timer set by the SMF and send data; the I-UPF can also close the downlink buffer based on the uplink data of the UE received from the satellite-borne RAN so as to send the downlink data; or after the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection message is established between the satellite-borne radio network controller (RAN) and the User Equipment (UE), the satellite-borne RAN sends a message to the I-UPF to trigger the closing of the downlink buffer, the I-UPF sends uplink data and the like, and the scheme is not particularly limited.

818. The satellite-borne RAN initiates a connection recovery flow;

819. The satellite-borne RAN sends the stored first registration request to an AMF;

in one possible implementation, the on-board I-UPF may send the stored upstream data to the DN.

820. The AMF returns a registration response to the on-board RAN, which stores the registration response.

In one possible implementation, the on-board I-UPF also buffers the received upstream data.

821. The satellite-borne RAN initiates a connection suspension flow;

822. When the satellite-borne RAN moves, the UE is covered by the satellite-borne RAN, and the RAN cannot establish connection with the ground gateway station, the UE and the satellite-borne RAN recover RRC connection;

823. The on-board RAN sends the stored registration accept message to the UE. If the on-board I-UPF obtains downlink data from the PSA UPF, the I-UPF can send the downlink data to the UE.

In this embodiment, RAN and I-UPF are both deployed on a satellite for illustration, which can still support UE to communicate when the satellite cannot establish connection with UE and a terrestrial gateway station to access a core network at the same time, so as to achieve high delay and interrupt tolerance, and further improve communication efficiency.

When there are multiple satellites in the constellation, different satellites can generally perform continuous coverage on the UE. Fig. 9a illustrates one possible scenario: at time #1, satellite #1 and satellite #2 are located above sea and land, respectively, satellite #1 may cover the UE, while satellite #2 may connect to the 5G core network through gateway stations; at time #2, satellite #1 moves to the above-land, and the 5G core network may be connected through the gateway station, while satellite #2 moves to the above-sea, which may cover the UE. In this scenario, the prior art does not enable the UE to transmit and receive data.

Therefore, the embodiment of the application also provides a communication method which can realize the continuous service of the UE by a plurality of satellites.

Fig. 9b is a schematic flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method may be applied to a second communication system deployed on a second satellite, and the method may include steps 901-903, as follows:

901. when the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is connected with the core network, the second communication system receives and stores a message from the first network element, wherein the message carries fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service, interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal, and is also used for indicating that interrupt tolerant continuous service, interrupt tolerant continuous service and high delay tolerant continuous service are required to be provided for the terminal;

the second satellite is understood to be a different satellite than the first satellite of the previous embodiment.

The interrupt tolerant service, the high delay tolerant service, the interrupt tolerant connection service and the high delay tolerant connection service are subscription information of the terminal. That is, the network needs store-and-forward on the planet for it to go, etc.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the subscription information is described by taking a connection service as an example, and other descriptions may be used to define the subscription information, which is not limited in this scheme. For example, it may also be described as a relay service, a multi-node relay service, a relay service, a multi-node relay service, etc.

902. When the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is not connected with the core network, the second communication system receives and stores a first registration request from the terminal according to the fourth indication information;

when the second satellite covers the terminal, the second satellite and the terminal may establish an RRC connection, and the second communication system may receive a first registration request sent by the terminal, for example, the registration request may be for a periodic registration update or a mobile registration update.

At this point the second communication system receives and stores the registration request because the second communication system cannot establish a connection with the ground gateway station.

903. When the second satellite is connected with the core network, the second communication system sends the first registration request to the first network element.

When the second satellite is connected to the core network, the second communication system may then communicate with the AMF, which sends the stored first registration request to the AMF.

The second satellite may not cover the terminal at this time, or the second satellite may cover the terminal at this time, which is not particularly limited.

This embodiment is described only with respect to store-and-forward registration requests, other data and the like are also possible, and the present embodiment is not particularly limited.

In one possible implementation manner, the second communication system receives the context information of the terminal sent by the first network element, where the context information includes an indication that the interrupt tolerant service needs to be provided for the terminal, or an interrupt tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service, and an interrupt tolerant connection service needs to be provided for the terminal, or an interrupt tolerant connection service and a high delay tolerant connection service.

In one possible implementation, the context information may be stored by the first network element when communicating with the first communication system. That is, the second communication system may synchronize the context information of the UE based on the context information sent by the first network element, thereby implementing the continued service of the UE.

On the basis of the embodiment shown in fig. 9b, the embodiment of the present application further provides a communication method applied to AMF, where the method may include steps C-E, specifically as follows:

C. when a first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, a first network element sends a first message to a first communication system deployed on the first satellite, wherein the first message carries fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service, interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal, and is also used for indicating that interrupt tolerant continuous service, or interrupt tolerant continuous service and high delay tolerant continuous service are required to be provided for the terminal;

that is, when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite is connected to the core network, the first network element communicates with the first communication system on the first satellite, and acquires subscription data of the UE.

The first network element obtains the indication that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service need to be provided for the terminal from at least one of the following network elements, and the indication that interrupt tolerant connection service or interrupt tolerant connection service and high delay tolerant connection service need to be provided for the terminal: UDM, PCF, AF; or,

The first network element obtains an indication that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service need to be provided for the terminal, and an indication that interrupt tolerant connection service or interrupt tolerant connection service and high delay tolerant connection service need to be provided for the terminal from at least one of the following network elements through a fifth network element: UDM, PCF, AF.

D. When the first satellite does not cover the terminal, the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is connected with the core network, the first network element sends a message to a second communication system deployed on the second satellite according to the fourth indication information, and the message carries the fourth indication information;

when the first network element cannot communicate with the first communication system on the first satellite, the first network element can communicate with the second communication system on the second satellite, and the first network element sends the subscription data to the second communication system on the second satellite.

In one possible implementation, the first network element sends context information of the terminal to the second communication system, where the context information includes an indication that the terminal needs to be provided with an interrupt tolerant service, or an interrupt tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service, and that the terminal needs to be provided with an interrupt tolerant connection service, or an interrupt tolerant connection service and a high delay tolerant connection service.

Further, the first network element sends a message of successful context synchronization to a fifth network element. For example, the fifth network element is an SMF.

E. The first network element receives a first registration request sent by the second communication system.

And further, the second communication system can be connected to serve the UE.

Example 4

Referring to fig. 10, a flow chart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown in fig. 10, the method can be applied to a first communication system and a second communication system deployed on a satellite, and this embodiment is described by taking the first communication system including RAN1 and the second communication system including RAN2, and PSA UPF as an example on the ground. The method may include steps 1001-1020, specifically as follows:

steps 1001-1009 are, as shown in fig. 10, where registration and session establishment are performed for the UE, and the connection is suspended. This specific process can be referred to the previous embodiment, such as the description of embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

It should be noted that, unlike in embodiment 1, when the AMF obtains the subscription data of the UE from the UDM, the access and mobile subscription data returned by the UDM may include high delay and interruption tolerant connection service indication information in addition to high delay and interruption tolerant information. Wherein the on-board RAN1 continues to serve the UE based on the subsequent steps shown in embodiment 1.

Alternatively, the UE completes registration, session establishment, and connection suspension based on terrestrial RAN, RAN deployed on GEO (Geosynchronous Earth Orbit, geostationary satellite) satellite, etc., and moves to other areas (e.g., high latitude areas where GEO cannot cover), requiring coverage by LEO or MEO.

1010. If the satellite-borne RAN2 can establish a feed link with a gateway station after the satellite-borne RAN1, establish connection with a core network, and cover UE after the satellite-borne RAN1 at a certain time in the future; or the UE completes registration and session establishment based on the ground RAN and the RAN on GEO, and the satellite-borne RAN2 can be any one RAN in LEO or MEO constellation; then when the NG/N2 connection is initiated after the on-board RAN2 and the AMF establish the TNL connection, the AMF returns a stored UE context to the on-board RAN2 based on at least one of information of the on-board RAN2 (e.g., information of RAN ID, TAC, RAT, etc.), ephemeris information, high delay and break tolerance indication information, high delay and break tolerance connection service indication information, the context including the high delay and break tolerance indication, or further including the high delay and break tolerance connection service indication.

Wherein if the AMF sends the UE context using a separate message (i.e. performed separately after the NG/N2 connection is established), the on-board RAN2 also returns a response to the AMF.

After receiving the UE context, the on-board RAN2 stores the UE context.

In one possible implementation, the on-board RAN2 also sends the allocated N3 AN tunnel information to the AMF together for use in establishing AN N3 tunnel with the PSA UPF.

In one possible implementation, step 1010 may include steps a-e, as follows:

step a: the AMF sends a PDU session management context update request message to the SMF, the message carrying N3 AN tunnel information and at least one of UE context synchronization success indication, high delay and interruption tolerance continuing service indication.

Step b: and d, the SMF modifies the N4 session based on at least one of the indication information received in the step a and the N3 AN tunnel information, establishes AN N3 tunnel of the satellite-borne RAN2 and the PSA UPF, and cancels the caching of the PSA UPF. At this time, if the PSA UPF buffers the downlink data, the PSA UPF transmits the downlink data to the on-board RAN2.

Step c: the SMF returns a PDU session management context update response message to the AMF.

Step d: the on-board RAN2 stores downstream data.

Step e: the on-board RAN2 also initiates the connection suspension procedure as it moves out of the coverage area.

1011. When the UE moves to an area covered by the on-board RAN2 and the on-board RAN2 cannot establish a connection with a ground gateway station (e.g., move from coastal to open sea, polar), the UE establishes an RRC connection with the on-board RAN2.

The UE sends an RRC message to the on-board base station RAN2, where the on-board base station RAN2 does not establish an N2 connection with the AMF, but since the on-board RAN2 already stores a UE context, the context includes at least one of high delay and interruption tolerance, continuous coverage, and continuous service indication, the RRC connection can be completed normally.

1012. The UE may send a registration request to the AMF through the on-board RAN 2;

the UE may also send uplink data (e.g., MO data) to the AMF.

1013. The satellite-borne RAN2 stores the signaling;

accordingly, the on-board RAN2 also stores data.

Steps 1014-1020 are described in embodiment 1 and are not described in detail herein. Wherein the on-board RAN2 continues to serve the UE.

In this embodiment, RAN1 is disposed on satellite 1, and RAN2 is disposed on satellite 2 for explanation, which makes it possible to synchronize the context of the UE on different on-board RANs, so that when the satellite covers the UE, the on-board RANs can establish RRC connection with the UE, and send and receive registration requests or uplink and downlink data of the UE, so as to improve communication efficiency.

Example 5

Referring to fig. 11, a flow chart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown in fig. 11, the method is applicable to a first communication system and a second communication system deployed on a satellite, and this embodiment is described by taking as an example that the first communication system includes RAN1 and UPF1, and the second communication system includes RAN2 and UPF 2. The method may include steps 1101-1110, as follows:

1101. registration and session establishment procedures.

The process can be described in the foregoing embodiment 3, and will not be described herein.

It should be noted that, unlike the foregoing embodiment, when the AMF obtains the subscription data of the UE from the UDM, the access and mobile subscription data returned by the UDM may further include high delay and interrupt tolerant connection service indication in addition to high delay and interrupt tolerant information; or the subscription data that the AMF obtains from the UDM via the SMF may contain high delay and interrupt tolerant connection service indications in addition to high delay and interrupt tolerant information. Wherein RAN1 and PSA UPF1 continue to provide services based on the subsequent steps of example 3.

1102. When the satellite-borne RAN2 can relay the satellite-borne RAN1, a feed link is established with a gateway station, a connection is established with a core network, UE is covered after the satellite-borne RAN1 is relayed at a certain future time, a satellite-borne UPF2 is deployed on a satellite where the satellite-borne RAN2 is positioned, and the satellite-borne UPF2 can also establish a connection with an SMF; or the UE completes registration and session establishment based on the ground RAN and the RAN on GEO, and the satellite-borne RAN2 can be any one RAN in LEO or MEO constellation; wherein, the on-board RAN2 and the AMF establish N2/NG connection.

1103. PSA UPF2 and SMF establish node granularity N4 associations.

1104. The AMF synchronizes the UE context to RAN 2;

the description of this step is referred to in the foregoing embodiment 4, and will not be repeated here.

1105. After the completion of the UE context synchronization, the AMF sends a PDU Session management context update request to the SMF, carrying N3 AN tunnel information, and further carrying at least one of a UE context synchronization success indication, a UE N4 Session synchronization request, a high delay and interrupt tolerance indication, and a high delay and interrupt tolerance connection service indication.

1106. The SMF sends a UE N4 Session establishment request to the satellite-borne PSA UPF2 based on the received indication and the N3 AN tunnel information, establishes AN N4 Session for the UE in the satellite-borne PSA UPF2, and establishes a downlink N3 tunnel; wherein the on-board PSA UPF returns a response containing the N3 CN tunnel information.

1107. The SMF returns a PDU session context update response to the AMF.

1108. The SMF sends the N3 CN tunnel information to the on-board RAN2 via the AMF.

1109. The AMF sends an N2 request to the on-board RAN2, which carries N3 CN tunnel information to establish the upper and lower N3 tunnels.

1110. The on-board RAN2 initiates the connection suspension procedure.

The process may refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be described herein.

The steps after the connection suspension can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and the subsequent on-board RAN2 and on-board PSA UPF2 also provide store and forward services for the UE.

In this embodiment, RAN1 and UPF1 are deployed on satellite 1, and RAN2 and UPF2 are deployed on satellite 2, which are illustrated as examples, so that the context of the UE can be synchronized on different on-board RANs, so that when the satellite covers the UE, the on-board RANs can establish RRC connection with the UE, and send and receive registration requests or uplink and downlink data of the UE, and further, the communication efficiency can be improved.

Example 6

Referring to fig. 12, a flow chart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown in fig. 12, the method is applicable to a first communication system and a second communication system deployed on a satellite, and this embodiment is described by taking as an example that the first communication system includes RAN1 and I-UPF1, and the second communication system includes RAN2 and I-UPF 2. The method may include steps 1201-1212, specifically as follows:

1201. registration and session establishment are performed based on the on-board RAN1 and on-board I-UPF 1.

The description will refer to the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated herein. The on-board RAN1 and on-board I-UPF1 continue to serve the UE as a follow-up step to the previous embodiment.

1202-1205, if the on-board RAN2 can follow the on-board RAN1, establish a feeder link with the gateway station, establish a connection with the core network, and cover the UE after the on-board RAN1 at a future time, and the satellite where the on-board RAN2 is located deploys the on-board I-UPF2, where the on-board I-UPF2 can also establish a connection with the SMF.

1206. Based on the indication received in step 1205, the SMF inserts the satellite-borne I-UPF2 and sends AN N4 session establishment request carrying N3 AN tunnel information; I-UPF2 returns a response carrying N9 downstream tunnel information.

1207. The SMF sends an N4 session modification request to the PSA UPF, wherein the request carries N9 downlink tunnel information; the PSA UPF then returns a response carrying the N9 tunnel information.

1208. The SMF sends a session modification request to the I-UPF2, the request carrying N9 uplink tunnel information.

1209. The SMF returns a PDU management context update response to the AMF.

1210. The SMF sends the N3 uplink CN tunnel information to the RAN2 through the AMF.

1211. The AMF sends CN tunnel information to the on-board RAN2 via an N2 request.

1212. The on-board RAN2 initiates the connection suspension.

The SMF indicates the space-borne I-UPF2 to buffer uplink data and indicates the PSA UPF to buffer downlink data.

This subsequent step may refer to the foregoing embodiment 3, where RAN2 and the on-board I-UPF2 continue to provide store-and-forward services for the UE.

In this embodiment, RAN1 and I-UPF1 are deployed on satellite 1, and RAN2 and I-UPF2 are deployed on satellite 2, which are illustrated as examples, so that the context of the UE can be synchronized on different on-board RANs, so that when the UE is covered by the satellite, the on-board RAN can establish RRC connection with the UE, and send and receive registration requests or uplink and downlink data of the UE, so as to improve communication efficiency.

Fig. 13a is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 13a, the apparatus is deployed on a first satellite, and may include a receiving module 1301, a storing module 1302, and a transmitting module 1303, which are specifically as follows:

a receiving module 1301, configured to receive, when the first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected to a core network, a first message from a first network element, where the first message carries first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that an interrupt tolerant service needs to be provided for the terminal, or an interrupt tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service;

a storage module 1302, configured to receive and store a first registration request from the terminal according to the first indication information when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite is not connected to the core network;

And the sending module 1303 is configured to send the first registration request to the first network element when the first satellite is connected to the core network.

In one possible implementation, when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite and the core network are not connected, the storage module 1302 is further configured to: receiving and storing uplink data sent by the terminal; and when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the sending module is further used for sending the uplink data to a second network element.

In one possible implementation, the storage module 1302 is further configured to: and storing the downlink data from the second network element.

Referring to fig. 13b, a schematic structural diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown in fig. 13b, the apparatus includes a transmitting module 1304 and a receiving module 1305, which are specifically as follows:

a sending module 1304, configured to send a first message to a first communication system deployed on a first satellite when the first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected to a core network, where the first message carries first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that an interrupt tolerant service needs to be provided for the terminal, or an interrupt tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service;

And the receiving module 1305 is configured to receive a first registration request sent by the first communication system when the first satellite is connected to the core network.

Fig. 14a is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 14a, the apparatus is deployed on a second satellite, and includes a receiving module 1401, a storing module 1402, and a transmitting module 1403, which are specifically as follows:

a receiving module 1401, configured to receive and store, when the second satellite covers a terminal and the second satellite is connected to a core network, a message from a first network element, where the message carries fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that an interrupt tolerant service needs to be provided for the terminal, or an interrupt tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service, and is further used to indicate that an interrupt tolerant connection service needs to be provided for the terminal, or an interrupt tolerant connection service and a high delay tolerant connection service;

A storage module 1402, configured to receive and store a first registration request from the terminal according to the fourth indication information when the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is not connected to the core network;

a sending module 1403, configured to send the first registration request to the first network element when the second satellite is connected to the core network.

In one possible implementation, the receiving module 1401 is further configured to: and receiving the context information of the terminal sent by the first network element, wherein the context information comprises the indication that interrupt tolerant service, or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service, are required to be provided for the terminal, and interrupt tolerant continuous service, or interrupt tolerant continuous service and high delay tolerant continuous service are required to be provided for the terminal.

In one possible implementation, the apparatus includes a sixth network element.

Fig. 14b is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 14b, the apparatus includes a transmitting module 1404 and a receiving module 1405, specifically as follows:

A sending module 1404, configured to send, when a first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected to a core network, a first message to a first communication system deployed on the first satellite, where the first message carries fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that an interrupt tolerant service needs to be provided for the terminal, or an interrupt tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service, and is further used to indicate that an interrupt tolerant connection service needs to be provided for the terminal, or an interrupt tolerant connection service and a high delay tolerant connection service;

the sending module 1404 is further configured to send, when the first satellite does not cover the terminal, the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is connected to the core network, a message to a second communication system deployed on the second satellite according to the fourth indication information, where the message carries the fourth indication information;

a receiving module 1405, configured to receive a first registration request sent by the second communication system.

In one possible implementation, the sending module 1404 is further configured to:

In one possible implementation, the sending module 1404 is further configured to: and sending a message of successful context synchronization to the fifth network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication apparatus further includes a seventh network element, and the sending module 1404 is configured to:

For the description of each module, reference may be made to the foregoing embodiments, and details are not repeated herein.

In this embodiment, the communication means is presented in the form of a module. "module" herein may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processor and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and/or other devices that can provide the described functionality.

Further, the above modules may be implemented by the processor 1502 of the communication device shown in fig. 15.

Fig. 15 is a schematic hardware structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus 1500 shown in fig. 15 (the apparatus 1500 may be a computer device in particular) includes a memory 1501, a processor 1502, a communication interface 1503, and a bus 1504. The memory 1501, the processor 1502 and the communication interface 1503 are connected to each other by a bus 1504.

The Memory 1501 may be a Read Only Memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, or a random access Memory (Random Access Memory, RAM).

The memory 1501 may store a program, and when the program stored in the memory 1501 is executed by the processor 1502, the processor 1502 and the communication interface 1503 are used to perform the respective steps of the communication method of the embodiment of the present application.

The processor 1502 may employ a general-purpose central processing unit (Central Processing Unit, CPU), microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC), graphics processor (graphics processing unit, GPU) or one or more integrated circuits for executing associated programs to perform functions required by the elements of the communications apparatus of an embodiment of the present application or to perform a communications method of an embodiment of the present application.

The processor 1502 may also be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the steps of the communication method of the present application may be accomplished by integrated logic circuitry of hardware in the processor 1502 or instructions in the form of software. The processor 1502 described above may also be a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (Digital Signal Processing, DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an off-the-shelf programmable gate array (Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware components. The disclosed methods, steps, and logic blocks in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented or performed. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may be any conventional processor or the like. The steps of the method disclosed in connection with the embodiments of the present application may be embodied directly in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or in the execution of a combination of hardware and software modules in a decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a random access memory, flash memory, read only memory, programmable read only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. as well known in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory 1501, and the processor 1502 reads information in the memory 1501, and in combination with hardware thereof, performs functions to be executed by units included in the communication apparatus of the embodiment of the present application or performs a communication method of the embodiment of the method of the present application.

The communication interface 1503 enables communication between the apparatus 1500 and other devices or communication networks using transceiving means such as, but not limited to, a transceiver. For example, data may be acquired through the communication interface 1503.

Bus 1504 may include a path to transfer information between various components of device 1500 (e.g., memory 1501, processor 1502, communication interface 1503).

It should be noted that although the apparatus 1500 shown in fig. 15 only shows a memory, a processor, and a communication interface, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in a particular implementation, the apparatus 1500 also includes other devices necessary to achieve proper operation. Also, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the apparatus 1500 may also include hardware devices that implement other additional functions, as desired. Furthermore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the apparatus 1500 may also include only the devices necessary to implement embodiments of the present application, and not necessarily all of the devices shown in FIG. 15.

Embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein, which when run on a computer or processor, cause the computer or processor to perform one or more steps of any of the methods described above.

Embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product comprising instructions. The computer program product, when run on a computer or processor, causes the computer or processor to perform one or more steps of any of the methods described above.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that, for convenience and brevity of description, specific working procedures of the above-described systems, apparatuses and units may refer to specific descriptions of corresponding step procedures in the foregoing method embodiments, and are not repeated herein.

It should be understood that in the description of the present application, "/" means that the associated objects are in a "or" relationship, unless otherwise specified, for example, a/B may represent a or B; wherein A, B may be singular or plural. Also, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise indicated, "a plurality" means two or more than two. "at least one of" or the like means any combination of these items, including any combination of single item(s) or plural items(s). For example, at least one (one) of a, b, or c may represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, wherein a, b, c may be single or plural. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the words "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish the same item or similar items having substantially the same function and effect. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the words "first," "second," and the like do not limit the amount and order of execution, and that the words "first," "second," and the like do not necessarily differ. Meanwhile, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "such as" are used to mean serving as examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" or "e.g." in an embodiment should not be taken as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "such as" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete fashion that may be readily understood.

In the several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be implemented in other manners. For example, the division of the unit is merely a logic function division, and there may be another division manner when actually implemented, for example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or may be integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not performed. The coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed with each other may be through some interface, device or unit indirect coupling or communication connection, which may be in electrical, mechanical or other form.

The units described as separate units may or may not be physically separate, and units shown as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one place, or may be distributed over a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

In the above embodiments, it may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When loaded and executed on a computer, produces a flow or function in accordance with embodiments of the application, in whole or in part. The computer may be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable apparatus. The computer instructions may be stored in or transmitted across a computer-readable storage medium. The computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (digital subscriber line, DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that contains an integration of one or more available media. The usable medium may be a read-only memory (ROM), or a random-access memory (random access memory, RAM), or a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, or an optical medium, such as a digital versatile disk (digital versatile disc, DVD), or a semiconductor medium, such as a Solid State Disk (SSD), or the like.

The foregoing is merely a specific implementation of the embodiment of the present application, but the protection scope of the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this, and any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiment of the present application should be covered in the protection scope of the embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of communication for a first communication system deployed on a first satellite, the method comprising:

when the first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, a first communication system receives a first message from a first network element, wherein the first message carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal;

when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite is not connected with the core network, the first communication system receives and stores a first registration request from the terminal according to the first indication information;

when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first communication system sends the first registration request to the first network element.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite and core network are not connected, the method further comprises: the first communication system receives and stores uplink data sent by the terminal;

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the method further comprises:

the first communication system stores downstream data from the second network element.

4. A method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first communication system comprises a third network element.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first communication system further comprises a fourth network element, the method further comprising:

6. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first message is a response of the first network element to a second registration request sent by a terminal, the second registration request further carrying second indication information, the second indication information being used for indicating that the terminal supports user plane CIoT5GS optimization capabilities, and the first message further carrying third indication information, the third indication information being used for indicating that the first network element supports user plane CIoT5GS optimization capabilities of the terminal to the first communication system.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the method further comprises:

when the first satellite covers the terminal and the first satellite and the core network are about to be disconnected, the first communication system triggers connection suspension according to at least one of ephemeris information and the first indication information.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the method further comprises:

9. A method of communication, comprising:

when a first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, a first network element sends a first message to a first communication system deployed on the first satellite, wherein the first message carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal;

and when the first satellite is connected with the core network, the first network element receives a first registration request sent by the first communication system.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first network element obtains the indication of the need to provide interrupt tolerant services, or interrupt tolerant services and high delay tolerant services, for the terminal from at least one of: UDM, PCF, AF; or,

the first network element obtains the indication of the need to provide interrupt tolerant service for the terminal, or interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service, from at least one of the following network elements through a fifth network element: UDM, PCF, AF.

11. A communication method for use in a second communication system deployed on a second satellite, the method comprising:

when the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is connected with the core network, the second communication system receives and stores a message from the first network element, wherein the message carries fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service, interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal, and also used for indicating that interrupt tolerant continuous service, or interrupt tolerant continuous service and high delay tolerant continuous service are required to be provided for the terminal;

When the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is not connected with the core network, the second communication system receives and stores a first registration request from the terminal according to the fourth indication information;

when the second satellite is connected with the core network, the second communication system sends the first registration request to the first network element.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises:

the second communication system receives the context information of the terminal sent by the first network element, where the context information includes an indication that interrupt tolerant services, or interrupt tolerant services and high delay tolerant services, are required to be provided for the terminal, and an interrupt tolerant connection service, or interrupt tolerant connection services and high delay tolerant connection services, are required to be provided for the terminal.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second communication system comprises a sixth network element.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second communication system further comprises a seventh network element, the method further comprising:

a seventh network element in the second communication system receives a message from a fifth network element, wherein the message carries the fourth indication information.

15. A method of communication, comprising:

when a first satellite covers a terminal and the first satellite is connected with a core network, a first network element sends a first message to a first communication system deployed on the first satellite, wherein the first message carries fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used for indicating that interrupt tolerant service, interrupt tolerant service and high delay tolerant service are required to be provided for the terminal, and is also used for indicating that interrupt tolerant continuous service, or interrupt tolerant continuous service and high delay tolerant continuous service are required to be provided for the terminal;

when the first satellite does not cover the terminal, the second satellite covers the terminal and the second satellite is connected with the core network, the first network element sends a message to a second communication system deployed on the second satellite according to the fourth indication information, and the message carries the fourth indication information;

the first network element receives a first registration request sent by the second communication system.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first network element obtains the indication of the need to provide the terminal with an interrupt tolerant service or an interrupt tolerant service and a high delay tolerant service, and the indication of the need to provide the terminal with an interrupt tolerant connection service or an interrupt tolerant connection service and a high delay tolerant connection service from at least one of: UDM, PCF, AF; or,

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the method further comprises:

the first network element sends context information of the terminal to the second communication system, wherein the context information comprises an indication that interrupt tolerant services, or interrupt tolerant services and high delay tolerant services, are required to be provided for the terminal, and an indication that interrupt tolerant connection services, or interrupt tolerant connection services and high delay tolerant connection services, are required to be provided for the terminal.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises:

and the first network element sends a message of successful context synchronization to a fifth network element.

19. The method according to any of the claims 15 to 18, wherein the second communication system comprises a sixth network element.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the second communication system further comprises a seventh network element, the method further comprising:

the first network element sends a request to a fifth network element, wherein the request carries the fourth indication information, so that the fifth network element sends the fourth indication information to a seventh network element in the second communication system.

21. A communication device comprising a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is for storing program code, the processor is for invoking the program code to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 8, or the method of claim 9 or 10, or the method of any of claims 11 to 14, or the method of any of claims 15 to 20.

22. A computer readable storage medium storing a computer program for execution by a processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method of claim 9 or 10, or the method of any one of claims 11 to 14, or the method of any one of claims 15 to 20.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that the computer program product, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method of claim 9 or 10, or the method of any one of claims 11 to 14, or the method of any one of claims 15 to 20.