This application provides a satellite communication method and an apparatus. The method may include: A session management network element obtains an identifier list. The identifier list includes identification information of one or more terminal devices that access a satellite in a satellite backhaul manner. The session management network element configures a forwarding rule for a user plane network element on the satellite. The forwarding rule is used to offload, to an access network device corresponding to the terminal device, a data packet whose destination address is included in an address of the terminal device corresponding to the identifier list. Based on the foregoing solution, a terminal device that supports local switching in the satellite can perform communication through local switching in the satellite, so that a delay can be reduced and user experience can be improved.

Systems and methods are described for connecting with LEO satellites while reducing emissions toward GEO satellite communications. A system to implement the instant techniques may include a system comprised of a user communications equipment and a LEO constellation. The user equipment (UE) may comprise a communications modem and an active antenna unit with a transmit and receive beamformer. In further implementations, the UE may include additional receive only beamformers. The LEO constellation can have a regenerative payload or bent pipe, and can include orbits at different altitudes. Methods as described herein may include a procedure by which the user equipment and LEO satellite work together to identify candidate serving satellites, and select the one that allows to meet the power density requirements to avoid interfering with the GEO satellites.

Techniques are described to support call routing and location for a user equipment (UE) with satellite wireless access to a serving PLMN. The UE sends a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) INVITE message to a network node, such as a P-CSCF, that includes an indication of satellite access for the UE. In response the network node sends a request to another network node for a cell ID for a fixed cell in which the UE is located. The fixed cell can be independent of satellite radio cells for the serving PLMN. The network node may receive the cell ID for the fixed cell and sends the SIP INVITE message to another network node (e.g., an E-CSCF or LRF) with the cell ID for the fixed cell. The other network node may use the cell ID to route the SIP INVITE message or obtain an approximate location of the UE.

A method for providing an alert notification to a user in a degraded location includes obtaining incoming call data indicating the mobile terminal is unable to establish a first communication link with a communication terminal for receiving an incoming call using voice over long term evolution. The method also includes providing the alert notification to a user associated with the mobile terminal based on the obtained incoming call data. The alert notification informs the user that the incoming call directed toward the mobile terminal is pending. The method also includes receiving the incoming call from the communication terminal after the mobile terminal moves away from the degraded location and establishes the first communication link with the communication terminal.

A satellite communications system comprises multiple satellites (e.g., a combination of LEO/MEO/GEO satellites). Multiple satellite gateways communicate over channels of the satellites with remote mobile user terminals. The mobile user terminals communicate with the satellite gateways via associated satellite terminals that interface with the satellites, or directly with the satellites. Each mobile user terminal of a first group communicates with a satellite gateway, over satellite channels, via an associated satellite terminal. Each mobile user terminal of a second group (e.g., in a remote rural area) communicates with a satellite gateway directly over satellite channels. The mobile user terminals of the first communicate with the satellite terminals locally via S-band. The mobile user terminals of the second group communicate directly over the satellite channels via Ku band or Ka Band. Each of the satellite gateways communicates over satellite channels via Ka band, Ku band, V-band or L-band.

Techniques are described to support call routing and location for a user equipment (UE) with satellite wireless access to a serving PLMN. The UE sends a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) INVITE message to a network node, such as a P-CSCF, that includes an indication of satellite access for the UE. In response the network node sends a request to another network node for a cell ID for a fixed cell in which the UE is located. The fixed cell can be independent of satellite radio cells for the serving PLMN. The network node may receive the cell ID for the fixed cell and sends the SIP INVITE message to another network node (e.g., an E-CSCF or LRF) with the cell ID for the fixed cell. The other network node may use the cell ID to route the SIP INVITE message or obtain an approximate location of the UE.

Apparatuses, methods, and systems for managing a connection of a wireless device to a satellite network are disclosed. One method includes maintaining, by a core network of the satellite network, a parameter list that includes at least an estimate of a location of the wireless device and an estimate of one or more satellite locations, estimating, by the core network, a probability of a mapping of a wireless connection between the wireless device and a base station supporting the satellite network based upon the parameter list, and initiating, by the core network, a procedure to communicate with the wireless device through the base station based on the estimated probability of the mapping of the wireless connection between the wireless device and the base station.

Systems and techniques are provided for wireless communications. For example, a system can include a plurality of satellite dishes provided about a first location and configured for communication with a satellite internet constellation. Each respective satellite dish can be communicatively interconnected with one or more satellite dishes of the plurality of satellite dishes. The system can include a user equipment (UE) communicatively coupled to an adjacent satellite dish of the plurality of satellite dishes. Data traffic of the UE can be routed from the adjacent satellite dish to a selected satellite dish of the plurality of satellite dishes. The data traffic of the UE can be transmitted to the satellite internet constellation using the selected satellite dish. The data traffic of the UE can be routed to an internet gateway using one or more inter-satellite links (ISLs) between respective pairs of satellites of the satellite internet constellation.

A system and method for managing emergency messaging services is disclosed. The system receives request for transmitting emergency message from user equipment (UE) to geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO) satellite. Further, the system determines current location information of the UE. The system determines satellite location of the GEO satellite in proximity to the UE. The system computes a threshold azimuth angle between the UE and the GEO satellite. Further, the system determines an azimuth angle of the UE. Furthermore, the system determines a deviation level between the computed threshold azimuth angle and the determined azimuth angle of the UE. The system further generates an alignment recommendation message for the UE at real-time. Furthermore, the system validates the alignment recommendation message based on signal strength, and signal quality of the UE. Additionally, the system initiates transmission of the emergency message from UE to GEO satellite.

An apparatus method and system are disclosed for dynamically implementing spectrum configuration plans in a satellite communication system. A spectrum configuration plan is created, and validated to determine if it can be utilized within the predetermined coverage area. If any errors are generated while validating the spectrum configuration plan, it is rejected. Otherwise, system components are configured to provide communication within the predetermined coverage area using parameters specified in the spectrum configuration plan. The spectrum configuration plan is also transmitted to all terminals in the coverage area. The spectrum configuration plan is subsequently implemented for all communication within the predetermined coverage area.