WO2022148205A1

WO2022148205A1 - Multi-connectivity based handover method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2022148205A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/136567
Authority: WO
Inventors: 刘爱娟
Original assignee: 大唐移动通信设备有限公司
Priority date: 2021-01-08
Filing date: 2021-12-08
Publication date: 2022-07-14
Also published as: CN114760664A

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a multi-connectivity based handover method and apparatus. The method comprises: a first network device sends first information to a second network device and receives second information from the second network device, the first information being used for requesting for handover of a service network device of a terminal from the first network device to the second network device, the first information comprising an identifier of a third network device, the second information comprising indication information for indicating whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the second network device and the third network device, the first network device being a primary node, and the third network device being a secondary node; and then the first network device sends corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information, the target address information being used for the third network device performing data forwarding on data of the terminal. In a handover scenario, the present disclosure provides a relevant solution for data forwarding of the secondary node, so as to ensure that the data can be successfully transmitted and improve system performance during a handover process.

Description

Switching method and device under multi-connection

This application claims the priority of the Chinese patent application with the application number 202110026568.0 and the application title "Switching method and device under multiple connections", which was filed with the China Patent Office on January 8, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated into this application by reference middle.

technical field

The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a method and device for handover under multiple connections.

Background technique

In a multi-connection scenario, the terminal remains connected to multiple network devices on the network side. Taking the dual-connection scenario as an example, the terminal remains connected to two network devices on the network side, both of which may support LTE/ The network devices of e-LTE/NR are respectively a master node (Master Node, MN) and a secondary node (Secondary Node, SN). The MN and the SN are connected through the Xn or X2-C interface, and the MN is connected to the core network through the NG or S1 interface. Data transmission through the above-mentioned dual connections can improve data throughput and meet high-speed service transmission requirements.

As the terminal moves, the network devices connected to the terminal will be switched. During the switching process, the terminal can change from the above-mentioned dual-connection scenario to a single-connection scenario. The single-connection scenario means that the terminal remains connected to a network device on the network side. . When the handover is completed, if the data from the core network reaches the source MN of the terminal, in order to ensure that these data can be successfully transmitted to the terminal, the current solution is that the source MN of the terminal informs the core network whether direct data forwarding is supported, so that the source MN can The data received by the MN is forwarded to the network device after the handover. However, if the source SN also receives data from the core network, there is currently no relevant solution to support it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a switch and device under multi-connection, provides a data forwarding solution for the SN also receives data from the core network in the switch scenario, and fills the blank of the technical direction.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a multi-connection switching method, which is applied to a first network device, where the first network device is a master node whose terminal is in multi-connection, and the method includes:

Send first information to the second network device, the first information is used to request that the service network device of the terminal be switched from the first network device to the second network device, the first information also includes the identifier of the third network device, the third network device It is the secondary node of the terminal under multi-connection;

receiving second information from the second network device, where the second information includes indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding;

According to the indication information, corresponding target address information is sent to the third network device, and the target address information is used for the third network device to perform data forwarding on the data of the terminal.

Optionally, the indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding, the target address information is the address information of the second network device, and the address information of the second network device is used by the third network device to forward data. The data of the terminal is directly forwarded to the second network device; or,

The indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device cannot perform direct data forwarding, the target address information is the address information of the first network device, and the address information of the first network device is used for the data of the third network device to the terminal Indirect data forwarding is performed through the first network device to the second network device.

Optionally, before sending the corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information, the method further includes:

Address information of the second network device is received from the second network device.

Optionally, the indication information and the address information of the second network device are included in the same message received by the first network device.

Optionally, according to the indication information, send corresponding target address information to the third network device, including:

If the indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device cannot perform direct data forwarding, assigning corresponding target address information to the third network device;

Send corresponding target address information to the third network device.

Optionally, send corresponding target address information to the third network device, including:

Send a secondary node release request message to the third network device, where the secondary node release request message includes target address information.

Optionally, the first network device is a network device supporting Long Term Evolution (Long Term Evolution, LTE), and the second network device is a network device supporting New Radio (New Radio, NR);

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

sending a handover request message to the core network device, where the handover request message is used by the core network device to send a handover request message to the second network device, wherein the handover request message and the handover request message both include the first information;

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

A handover command message sent by the core network device according to the handover request confirmation message from the second network device is received, wherein both the handover request confirmation message and the handover command message include second information.

Optionally, the first information is a transparent container from the source network device to the target network device;

The second information is the transparent container from the target network device to the source network device.

Optionally, the first network device and the second network device are network devices that support LTE;

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Send a handover request message to the second network device through the X2 interface, where the handover request message includes the first information;

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

The handover request confirmation message sent by the second network device is received through the X2 interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information.

Optionally, the first network device and the second network device are network devices supporting e-LTE or NR;

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Send a handover request message to the second network device through the Xn interface, where the handover request message includes the first information;

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

The handover request confirmation message sent by the second network device is received through the Xn interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a multi-connection switching method applied to a second network device, the method comprising:

Receive first information from the first network device, the first information is used to request to switch the service network device of the terminal from the first network device to the second network device, the first information also includes the identifier of the third network device, the first The network device is the master node where the terminal is under multiple connections, and the third network device is the secondary node where the terminal is under multiple connections;

According to the identifier of the third network device, determine whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the second network device and the third network device;

Send second information to the first network device, where the second information includes indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding.

Optionally, the method further includes:

The address information of the second network device is sent to the first network device, and the address information of the second network device is also used for the second network device to perform direct data forwarding on the data of the terminal.

Optionally, the second information and the address information of the second network device are included in the same message sent by the second network device.

Optionally, the first network device is a network device supporting LTE, and the second network device is a network device supporting NR;

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

receiving a handover request message sent by the core network device according to the handover request message from the first network device, wherein the handover request message and the handover request message both include the first information;

Send second information to the first network device, including:

A handover request confirmation message is sent to the core network device, and the handover request confirmation message is used for the core network device to send a handover command message to the first network device, wherein both the handover request confirmation message and the handover command message include the second information.

Optionally, the first network device and the second network device are network devices supporting LTE;

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Receive a handover request message sent by the first network device through the X2 interface, where the handover request message includes the first information;

Send second information to the first network device, including:

Send a handover request confirmation message to the first network device through the X2 interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information.

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

receiving a handover request message sent by the first network device through the Xn interface, where the handover request message includes the first information;

Send second information to the first network device, including:

Send a handover request confirmation message to the first network device through the Xn interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a switching device under multiple connections, which is applied to a first network device, where the first network device is a master node with a terminal under multiple connections, and the device includes: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

memory for storing computer programs;

A transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor;

A processor that reads the computer program in memory and performs the following operations:

Optionally, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

According to the indication information, the address information of the second network device from the second network device is received before the corresponding target address information is sent to the third network device.

Send corresponding target address information to the third network device.

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a multi-connection switching apparatus applied to a second network device, the apparatus comprising: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

memory for storing computer programs;

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Send second information to the first network device, including:

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Send second information to the first network device, including:

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Send second information to the first network device, including:

In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a switching device under multiple connections, which is applied to a first network device, where the first network device is a master node whose terminal is under multiple connections, and the device includes:

a sending unit, configured to send first information to the second network device, the first information is used to request that the service network device of the terminal be switched from the first network device to the second network device, and the first information also includes the identifier of the third network device , the third network device is a secondary node where the terminal is under multiple connections;

a receiving unit, configured to receive second information from the second network device, the second information includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding;

The sending unit is further configured to send corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information, where the target address information is used for the third network device to perform data forwarding on the data of the terminal.

Optionally, the receiving unit is further configured to receive address information of the second network device from the second network device before the sending unit sends the corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information.

Send corresponding target address information to the third network device.

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a switching apparatus under multiple connections, which is applied to a second network device, and the apparatus includes:

a receiving unit, configured to receive first information from the first network device, the first information is used to request to switch the service network device of the terminal from the first network device to the second network device, and the first information also includes a third network device , the first network device is the primary node where the terminal is under multiple connections, and the third network device is the secondary node where the terminal is under multiple connections;

a determining unit, configured to determine whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the second network device and the third network device according to the identifier of the third network device;

The sending unit is configured to send second information to the first network device, where the second information includes indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding.

Optionally, the sending unit is also used to:

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Send second information to the first network device, including:

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Send second information to the first network device, including:

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Send second information to the first network device, including:

In a seventh aspect, the present disclosure provides a processor-readable storage medium, where a computer program is stored in the processor-readable storage medium, and the computer program is used to cause a processor to execute any one of the first aspect or the second aspect. method.

In an eighth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method according to any one of the first aspect or the second aspect.

In a ninth aspect, the present disclosure provides a switching system under multiple connections, including the first network device described in any of the above, the second network device described in any of the above, the third network device described in any of the above, terminal.

The present disclosure provides a multi-connection switching method and device. When a terminal is in multiple connections, the first network device (the terminal's MN) sends a third network device (the terminal's MN) to the second network device (the terminal's target network device after switching). The identifier of the SN) of the terminal, the second network device determines whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding according to the identifier of the third network device, and indicates to the first network device whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding. 3. Whether the network device can perform direct data forwarding, the first network device sends the corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the different conditions indicated, so that the SN can forward the data of the terminal. Therefore, in the handover scenario, the present disclosure provides a relevant solution for the SN as the terminal to perform data forwarding, so as to ensure that the data can be successfully transmitted and improve the system performance during the handover process.

It should be understood that what is described in the above Summary section is not intended to limit key or critical features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description.

Description of drawings

In order to illustrate the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art more clearly, the following will briefly introduce the accompanying drawings that need to be used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are the For some of the disclosed embodiments, for those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained from these drawings without any creative effort.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

2 is a flowchart of a method for handover under multiple connections provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

3 is a flowchart of a method for handover under multiple connections provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure;

4 is a flowchart of a method for handover under multiple connections provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure;

5 is a flowchart of a method for handover under multiple connections provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure;

6 is a flowchart of a method for handover under multiple connections provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a handover method under multiple connections provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a switching device under multiple connections provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

9 is a schematic structural diagram of a switching device under multiple connections provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure;

10 is a schematic structural diagram of a switching device under multiple connections provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a switching device under multiple connections provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed ways

In this disclosure, the term "and/or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, and means that there can be three kinds of relationships, for example, A and/or B, which can mean that A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. a situation. The character "/" generally indicates that the associated objects are an "or" relationship.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "plurality" refers to two or more than two, and other quantifiers are similar.

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and device for handover under multiple connections. When the terminal is under multiple connections, if the terminal needs to switch the serving network device from the current MN to the target network device, the MN of the terminal sends the SN information to the target network device. Identification, the target network device determines whether the target network device and the SN can perform direct data forwarding according to the identification of the SN, and indicates to the MN whether the target network device and the SN can perform direct data forwarding, and the MN sends the corresponding data to the SN according to the instruction. destination address information, so that the SN performs data forwarding on the data of the terminal. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a relevant solution for the SN to perform data forwarding for the terminal, so as to ensure that the data can be successfully transmitted and improve the system performance during the handover process.

The method and the device are conceived based on the same application. Since the principles of the method and the device for solving the problem are similar, the implementation of the device and the method can be referred to each other, and repeated descriptions will not be repeated here.

The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to various systems, especially 5G systems. For example, applicable systems may be global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, WCDMA) general packet Wireless service (general packet radio service, GPRS) system, long term evolution (long term evolution, LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (frequency division duplex, FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (time division duplex, TDD) system, Long term evolution advanced (LTE-A) system, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) system, 5G New Radio (New Radio, NR) system, etc. These various systems include terminals and network equipment. The system may also include a core network part, such as an evolved packet system (Evloved Packet System, EPS), a 5G system (5GS), and the like.

The terminal involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a device that provides voice and/or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with a wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. In different systems, the name of the terminal may be different. For example, in the 5G system, the terminal may be called user equipment (User Equipment, UE). A wireless terminal may communicate with one or more core networks (Core Network, CN) via a Radio Access Network (RAN), and the wireless terminal may be a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and computers with mobile terminals, which may be portable, pocket-sized, hand-held, computer built-in or vehicle mounted mobile devices, for example, which exchange language and/or data with the wireless access network. For example, Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (Personal Digital Assistants), PDA) and other devices. A wireless terminal may also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, A remote terminal (remote terminal), an access terminal (access terminal), a user terminal (user terminal), a user agent (user agent), and a user device (user device) are not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

The network device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a base station, and the base station may include a plurality of cells providing services for the terminal. Depending on the specific application, the base station may also be called an access point, or may be a device in an access network that communicates with a wireless terminal through one or more sectors on an air interface, or other names. The network equipment can be used to exchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, and act as a router between the wireless terminal and the rest of the access network, which may include the Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network devices may also coordinate attribute management for the air interface. For example, the network device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a network device (Base Transceiver Station, BTS) in the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA). ), it can also be a network device (NodeB) in Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), or it can be an evolved network device in a long term evolution (LTE) system (evolutional Node B, eNB or e-NodeB), 5G base station (gNB) in 5G network architecture (next generation system), or Home evolved Node B (HeNB), relay node (relay node) , a home base station (femto), a pico base station (pico), etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some network structures, a network device may include a centralized unit (CU) node and a distributed unit (DU) node, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit may also be geographically separated.

One or more antennas can be used between the network device and the terminal for multiple input multiple output (Multi Input Multi Output, MIMO) transmission, and the MIMO transmission can be single user MIMO (Single User MIMO, SU-MIMO) or multi-user MIMO ( Multiple User MIMO, MU-MIMO). According to the form and number of root antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be 2D-MIMO, 3D-MIMO, FD-MIMO, or massive-MIMO, or diversity transmission, precoding transmission, or beamforming transmission.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 , this embodiment provides a communication system. The communication system includes a terminal 110 and a plurality of network devices. In this embodiment, one A terminal is shown as an example, and three network devices are shown as an example (respectively, a network device 120, a network device 130, and a network device 140). 1 shows a dual-connection scenario as an example, the terminal 110 establishes connections with two network devices (ie, the network device 120 and the network device 130) respectively, one of which is the main network device (also referred to as the MN), and the other is the network device 130. Secondary Network Equipment (also known as SN). As the terminal 110 moves, the terminal 110 will move into the coverage of the network device 140 , and accordingly the signal quality received by the terminal 110 from the network device 140 is good, and the terminal 110 will gradually move away from the coverage of the network device 120 and the network device 130 scope. The terminal 110 will switch from dual connection to single connection, that is, the terminal 110 will switch from establishing a connection with the network device 120 and the network device 130 to establishing a connection with the network device 140 . The data forwarding performed by the network device 120 as the MN of the terminal may refer to the description in the related art. While the network device 130 is used as the SN of the terminal to perform data forwarding, the technical solution of the present disclosure may be adopted. The technical solutions are described in detail below using various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for handover under multiple connections provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2 , the method in this embodiment may include:

S201. The first network device sends first information to the second network device. Accordingly, the second network device receives the first information from the first network device.

In this embodiment, the first network device is a master node (MN) where the terminal is under multiple connections, and the first network device (for example, based on measurement and other information) decides to switch the serving network device of the terminal to the second network device. The first network device sends first information to the second network device, the first information is used to request that the service network device of the terminal be switched from the first network device to the second network device, and the second information also includes the identifier of the third network device . The third network device is any secondary node (SN) where the terminal is under multiple connections. This embodiment is described by taking one SN as an example. If there are multiple SNs, the first information may include identifiers of the multiple SNs, and other SNs may similarly refer to the first network device. It should be noted that the first network device, the second network device, and the third network device are three different network devices.

Correspondingly, the second network device receives the above-mentioned first information from the first network device.

S202. The second network device determines, according to the identifier of the third network device, whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the second network device and the third network device.

In this embodiment, after receiving the first information, the second network device obtains the identifier of the third network device, and according to the identifier of the third network device, determines whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data preprocessing. change. For example, the second network device determines whether there is a direct data forwarding channel between the second network device and the third network device according to the identifier of the third network device, and if so, determines the second network device and the third network device The device can perform direct data forwarding, otherwise it is determined that the second network device and the third network device cannot perform direct data forwarding.

The direct data forwarding means that the third network device directly forwards the data of the terminal to the second network device, and the indirect data forwarding means that the third network device sends the data of the terminal to the second network device through other network devices (such as the first network device). The network device forwards the data of the terminal.

S203. The second network device sends the second information to the first network device. Accordingly, the first network device receives the second information from the second network device.

In this embodiment, after the second network device determines whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the second network device and the third network device, the second network device sends the second information to the first network device. The second information includes indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the above-mentioned second information from the second network device.

S204. The first network device sends corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information.

In this embodiment, after receiving the second information, the first network device sends corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information in the second information. The target address information is used by the third network device to perform data forwarding on the data of the terminal. Wherein, the indication information indicates the target address information when the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding and the target address information when the indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device cannot perform direct data forwarding The address information is not the same.

Correspondingly, after receiving the target address information, the third network device sends data of the terminal to the device pointed to by the target address information according to the target address information, so as to perform data forwarding and ensure that the data can be transmitted successfully. The data of the terminal includes data from the core network and needs to reach the terminal.

In this embodiment, when the terminal is in multiple connections, the first network device (the MN of the terminal) sends the identifier of the third network device (the SN of the terminal) to the second network device (the target network device of the terminal after the handover), the second network device The network device determines whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding according to the identifier of the third network device, and indicates to the first network device whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding For forwarding, the first network device sends the corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indicated different situations, so that the SN can perform data forwarding on the data of the terminal. Therefore, in the handover scenario, the present disclosure provides a relevant solution for the SN as the terminal to perform data forwarding, so as to ensure that the data can be successfully transmitted and improve the system performance during the handover process.

Based on the above embodiment, in an optional embodiment, if the second network device determines that the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding, the second network device sends the first network device to the first network device. The indication information sent by the device indicates that the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding. Correspondingly, after the first network device receives the above-mentioned indication information, the target address information sent to the third network device is the address information of the second network device, and the address information of the second network device is used for the data of the third network device to the terminal. Direct data forwarding to the second network device. After receiving the target address information, the third network device directly forwards the data of the terminal to the second network device according to the target address, that is, directly sends the data of the terminal to the second network device. Therefore, this embodiment can implement direct data forwarding between the third network device (the SN of the terminal) and the second network device (the target network device after switching), thereby improving system performance during the switching process.

Based on the foregoing embodiment, in an optional embodiment, if the second network device determines that the second network device and the third network device cannot perform direct data forwarding, the second network device sends the first network device to the first network device. The indication information sent by the network device indicates that the second network device and the third network device cannot perform direct data forwarding. Correspondingly, after the first network device receives the above-mentioned indication information, the target address information sent to the third network device is the address information of the first network device, and the address information of the first network device is used for the data of the third network device to the terminal. Indirect data forwarding is performed to the second network device. After receiving the target address information, the third network device indirectly forwards the data of the terminal through the first network device according to the target address, that is, sends the data of the terminal to the first network device, and the first network device sends the data of the terminal to the second network device. The network device forwards the data of the terminal. Therefore, this embodiment can implement indirect data forwarding between the third network device (the SN of the terminal) and the second network device (the target network device after switching), thereby improving the system performance during the switching process.

Optionally, if the indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device cannot perform direct data forwarding, the first network device also allocates a new data of the first network device to the third network device before performing the above S204. Address information, the new address information is the above-mentioned corresponding target address information. Then the first network device sends the allocated new address information of the first network device to the second network device.

On the basis of the foregoing embodiments, optionally, the foregoing related address information includes an IP address and a port number. The address information of the first network device is the IP address and port number of the first network device, and the address information of the second network device is the IP address and port number of the second network device.

Based on the foregoing embodiments, in an optional embodiment, before the first network device performs the foregoing S204, the second network device sends the address information of the second network device to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device also receives address information of the second network device from the second network device. If the second network device determines that the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding, the first network device sends the address information of the second network device received from the second network device as target address information to the third network device. Three network devices.

Optionally, if the first network device and the second network device can perform direct data forwarding, the first network device can also perform direct data forwarding according to the address information of the second network device.

Optionally, the indication information and the address information of the second network device may be included in the same message sent by the second network device. The indication information and the address information of the second network device may be included in the same message received by the first network device.

The indication information and the address information of the second network device are transmitted through the same message, and when the indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding, it represents the address information of the second network device in the same message, That is, the address information for the third network device to perform direct data forwarding.

On the basis of the foregoing embodiments, in an optional embodiment, a possible implementation manner for the first network device to send the corresponding target address information to the third network device is: the second network device sends the third network device to the third network device. The network device sends a secondary node release message, and the secondary node release request message includes the above-mentioned target address information.

Hereinafter, the first network device is the source master base station of the terminal, which is called the source MN; the second network device is the source assistant of the terminal, which is called the source SN; An example of the published scheme is given.

Based on the foregoing embodiments, FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for handover under multiple connections provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3 , the method in this embodiment may include:

S301. The source MN sends a handover request message to a core network device. Correspondingly, the core network device receives the handover request message sent by the source MN.

S302. The core network device sends a handover request message to the target node.

In this embodiment, the source MN is an example of a network device supporting LTE and the target node is a network device supporting NR. The source MN determines to initiate an inter-rat handover to the target node according to the measurement result. The source MN cannot directly send the handover request message to the target node, but the source MN sends the handover request message to the core network device. Wherein, the core network device of this embodiment includes a mobility management entity (Mobility Management Entity, MME) and an authentication management function (Authentication Management Function, AMF). Specifically, the source MN sends a handover required message (Handover Required message) to the MME. The handover request message includes the above-mentioned first information (including the identifier of the source SN), and the first information is, for example, a transparent container from the source network device to the target network device (source NG-RAN node to target NG-RAN node transparent container) , the transparent container includes the identifier of the source SN. After receiving the handover request message, the MME sends a forward relocation request message (Forward Relocation Request message) to the AMF, where the forward relocation request message includes the above-mentioned first information. The AMF then sends a handover request message (Handover Request message) to the target node, where the handover request message includes the above-mentioned first information, so as to forward the first information sent by the source MN to the target node.

S303: The target node determines whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the target node and the source SN according to the identifier of the source SN.

S304, the target node sends a handover request confirmation message to the core network device. Correspondingly, the core network device receives the handover request confirmation message sent by the target node.

S305: The core network device sends a handover command message to the source MN. Correspondingly, the source MN receives the handover command message sent by the core network device.

In this embodiment, after receiving the above handover request message, the target node determines whether direct data forwarding is possible between the target node and the source SN according to the identifier of the source SN in the message. If the target node confirms the handover, the target node sends a handover request confirmation message (Handover Request ACK message) to the AMF. The handover request ACK message includes second information (including indication information, indicating whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the target node and the source SN), and the second information is, for example, a transparent container from the target network device to the source network device ( target NG-RAN node to source NG-RAN node transparent container).

After the AMF receives the handover request confirmation message sent by the target node, the AMF sends a forward relocation response message (Forward Relocation Response message) to the MME, where the forward relocation response message includes the above-mentioned second information. The MME sends a handover command message (Handover Command message) to the source MN according to the received forwarding relocation response message, where the handover command message includes the above-mentioned second information.

Optionally, the address information of the target node may be included in the above-mentioned handover request confirmation message, forwarding relocation response message, and handover command message, respectively.

S306. The source MN sends an SN release request message to the source SN according to the indication information.

In this embodiment, after receiving the above handover command message, the source MN sends an SN release request message (SN Release Request message) to the source SN according to the indication information in the handover command message. The SN release request message includes target address information corresponding to the indication information, and the target address information is used by the source SN to perform data forwarding on the data of the terminal. The specific implementation scheme can be described in the above-mentioned embodiment, which is not repeated here. Repeat.

The method provided in this embodiment provides a relevant solution for data forwarding of the source SN of the terminal in the scenario of switching between different systems through the above solution, ensuring successful data transmission and improving system performance during the switching process.

Based on the foregoing embodiments, FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for handover under multiple connections provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4 , the method in this embodiment may include:

S401. The source MN sends a handover request message to the target node. Correspondingly, the target node receives the handover request message sent by the source MN.

S402. The target node determines whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the target node and the source SN according to the identifier of the source SN.

S403. The target node sends a handover request confirmation message to the source MN. Correspondingly, the source MN receives the handover request confirmation message sent by the target node.

S404. The source MN sends an SN release request message to the source SN according to the indication information.

In a possible implementation manner, taking the source MN as an LTE-enabled network device and the target node as an LTE-enabled network device as an example, the source MN determines to initiate X2-based handover to the target node according to the measurement result. The source MN sends a handover request message (including the identity of the source SN) to the target node through the X2 interface. After receiving the above handover request message through the X2 interface, the target node determines whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the target node and the source SN according to the identifier of the source SN in the message. If the target node confirms the handover, the target node sends a handover request confirmation message (including indication information) to the source MN through the X2 interface. Optionally, the handover request confirmation message further includes address information of the target node. After receiving the above-mentioned handover request confirmation message through the X2 interface, the source MN sends an SN release request message to the source SN according to the indication information in the handover request confirmation message. The SN release request message includes target address information corresponding to the indication information, and the target address information is used by the source SN to perform data forwarding on the data of the terminal. The specific implementation scheme can be described in the above-mentioned embodiment, which is not repeated here. Repeat.

In another possible implementation, taking the source MN as a network device supporting e-LTE or NR and the target node as a network device supporting e-LTE or NR as an example, the source MN determines to initiate Xn to the target node according to the measurement result. based switch. The source MN sends a handover request message (including the identity of the source SN) to the target node through the Xn interface. After receiving the above handover request message through the Xn interface, the target node determines whether direct data forwarding is possible between the target node and the source SN according to the identifier of the source SN in the message. If the target node confirms the handover, the target node sends a handover request confirmation message (including indication information) to the source MN through the Xn interface. Optionally, the handover request confirmation message further includes address information of the target node. After receiving the above handover request confirmation message through the Xn interface, the source MN sends an SN release request message to the source SN according to the indication information in the handover request confirmation message. The SN release request message includes target address information corresponding to the indication information, and the target address information is used by the source SN to forward data of the terminal. The specific implementation scheme can be described in the above-mentioned embodiment, which is not repeated here. Repeat.

The method provided in this embodiment provides a relevant solution for data forwarding by the source SN of the terminal in the scenario of handover between the same systems through the above solution, ensuring successful data transmission and improving system performance during handover.

The following takes the inter-system handover from EUTRA-NR Dual Connection (EN-DC) to gNB (single connection) as an example, that is, the terminal works under EN-DC, the source MN is MeNB, and the source SN is SgNB. The MeNB initiates the inter-system handover to the NG-RAN node (gNB) according to the measurement result. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a multi-connection handover method provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5 , the method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

Step 5.1, the source MeNB performs handover initiation. The source MeNB decides to handover the terminal to the target gNB.

Step 5.2, the source MeNB sends a handover request message to the MME. The source MeNB carries in the handover request message whether the source MeNB can perform direct data forwarding with the target gNB, and at the same time carries the identity of the source SgNB in the source NG-RAN node to target NG-RAN node transparent container.

Step 5.3, the MME sends a forwarding relocation request message to the AMF.

Step 5.4, the AMF sends a protocol data unit (Protocol Data Unit, PDU) session establishment request message (Nsmf_PDU Session_CreateSMContext Request message) to a session management function (Session Management Function, SMF).

Step 5.5, the SMF initiates a session management function (Session Management, SM) policy association modification process (SMF initiated SM Policy Assocaition Modification).

Step 5.6, the SMF initiates the N4 Session Modification process (N4 Session Modification).

Step 5.7, the SMF sends a PDU session establishment response message (Nsmf_PDU Session_CreateSMContext Response message) to the AMF.

Step 5.8, the SMF initiates an N4 session establishment process (N4Session establishment).

Through the above steps 5.3 to 5.8, inside the core network (CN), the evolved packet system (EPS) and the 5G core network (referred to as 5GC for short) shake hands with a series of network elements, including MME, AMF, service Gateway (Serving GateWay, S-GW), Roaming Ground (V)-SMF, v-User Plane Function (UPF), SMF+Public Data Network Gateway (Public Data Network GateWay, PGW)-Control Plane (C) , UPF+PGW-User Plane (U), v-Packet Control Function (PCF), Home (h)-PCF, convert the EPS bearer context on the MME side into a PDU session context applicable to the 5GS system.

Step 5.9, the AMF sends a handover request message to the target gNB. The AMF forwards the Source NG-RAN node to target NG-RAN node transparent container carried by the source MeNB in the handover request message, and the container carries the identity of the source SgNB.

Step 5.10, the target gNB sends a handover request confirmation message to the AMF. The target gNB carries the indication information of whether direct data forwarding is possible between the target gNB and the source SgNB in the handover request confirmation message. The indication information can be included in the target NG-RAN node to source NG-RAN node transparent in the handover request confirmation message container.

Step 5.11, the AMF sends a PDU session update request message (Nsmf_PDU Session_UpdateSMContext Request message) to the SMF.

Step 5.12, the SMF initiates the N4 session modification process (N4Session Modification).

Step 5.13, the SMF sends a PDU session update response message (Nsmf_PDU Session_UpdateSMContext Response message) to the AMF.

Step 5.14, the AMF sends a forwarding relocation response message to the MME.

Through the above S5.11-S5.14, through the handshake between the EPS and a series of network elements of the 5GC, the target address information allocated by the core network (CN) for data forwarding (ie the address information of the target gNB) is told to the MME.

Step 5.15, the MME sends a handover command message to the source MeNB. The message contains indication information of whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the target gNB and the source SgNB node, and the indication information can be contained in the target NG-RAN node to source NG-RAN node transparent container.

Step 5.16, the source MeNB initiates the SgNB release process to the source SgNB. If the target gNB indicates that direct data forwarding is possible between the target gNB and the source SgNB, the source MeNB initiates the release process to the source SgNB through the target address information (that is, the address information of data forwarding) carried in the SN release request message. is the address information received in the handover command message, otherwise, the source MeNB transfers the target address information (that is, the address information of data forwarding) allocated by itself to the source SgNB.

The method provided in this embodiment provides a relevant solution for the terminal's source SgNB to perform data forwarding in a scenario where the terminal works under the EN-DC and the MeNB initiates the handover between different systems to the target gNB, ensuring that the data can be successfully transmission to improve system performance during handover.

The following takes the X2 handover from the EN-DC to the eNB (single connection) as an example, that is, the terminal works under the EN-DC, the source MN is the MeNB, and the source SN is the SgNB. The MeNB initiates X2-based handover to the target eNB according to the measurement result. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a multi-connection handover method provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6 , the method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

Step 6.1, the source MeNB initiates a handover process to the target eNB by sending a handover request message. The handover request message carries the identity of the source SgNB.

Step 6.2: After receiving the handover request message, the target eNB determines whether direct data forwarding is possible between the target eNB and the source SgNB according to the identity of the source SgNB, and sends a handover request confirmation message to the source MeNB. The handover request confirmation message carries indication information indicating that the target eNB and the source SgNB can perform direct data forwarding.

Step 6.3a, the source MeNB sends an SgNB release request message to the source SgNB.

Step 6.3b, the source SgNB sends an SgNB Release Request Acknowledge message (SgNB Release Request Acknowledge message) to the source MeNB.

The source MeNB initiates the SgNB release process to the source SgNB, and the source MeNB provides the data forwarding address of the SN Terminated E-RAB in the process. If the source MeNB learns in step 6.2 that direct data forwarding can be performed between the source SgNB and the target eNB, it directly sends the address information (which may be referred to as a tunnel) allocated by the target eNB to the source SgNB. If the source MeNB learns in step 6.2 that direct data forwarding is not possible between the source SgNB and the target eNB, it allocates an address information (which may be called an intermediate tunnel) and sends it to the source SgNB.

Step 6.4, the source MeNB sends an RRC connection reconfiguration message (RRC Connection Reconfiguration message) to the terminal.

Step 6.5, the terminal initiates a random access procedure (Random Access Procedure) to the target eNB.

Step 6.6, the terminal sends an RRC connection reconfiguration complete message (RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message) to the target eNB.

Step 6.7a, the source SgNB sends an SN status transfer message (SN Status Transfer message) to the source MeNB.

Step 6.7b, the source MeNB sends the SN status transmission message to the target eNB.

Step 6.8, Data Forwarding. The S-GW sends data to the source SgNB, and the source SgNB forwards data to the target eNB according to the address information (address information of the target eNB) received in step 6.3a.

When the target eNB and the source SgNB can perform direct data forwarding, perform the above step 6.8.

Step 6.8`, data forwarding. The S-GW sends data to the source SgNB, the source SgNB forwards data to the source MeNB according to the address information (address information of the source MeNB) received in step 6.3a, and then the source MeNB forwards the data to the target eNB.

When the target eNB and the source SgNB can perform direct data forwarding, perform the above step 6.8'.

Step 6.9a, the source SgNB sends the secondary RAT Data Usage report (Secondary RAT Data Usage report) to the source MeNB.

Step 6.9b, the source MeNB sends the secondary radio access technology data usage report to the MME.

Step 6.10: The target eNB sends a path switch request message (Path Switch Request message) to the MME.

Step 6.11, the MME initiates a bearer modification process (Bearer Modication) to the S-GW.

Step 6.12: The S-GW sends an End Marker Packet to the source SgNB, the source MeNB, and the target eNB.

Step 6.13, the S-GW sends a new path (New Path) to the target eNB.

Step 6.14: The MME sends a Path Switch Request Acknowledge message (Path Switch Request Acknowledge message) to the target eNB.

In steps 6.15 and 6.16, the target eNB initiates a UE context release process (UE context Release) to the source MeNB and the source SgNB.

The method provided in this embodiment provides a relevant solution for the terminal's source SgNB to perform data forwarding in the scenario where the terminal works under the MR-DC and the MeNB initiates the X2base handover to the target eNB, so as to ensure that the data can be successfully transmitted. Improve system performance during handover.

The following takes the handover of Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) to Xn of gNB (single connection) as an example, that is, the terminal works under MR-DC, the source MN is MgNB, and the source SN is SeNB. The MeNB initiates X2-based handover to the target gNB according to the measurement result. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a multi-connection handover method provided by another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7 , the method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

Step 7.1, the source MgNB initiates a handover process to the target gNB by sending a handover request message. The handover request message carries the identity of the source SeNB.

Step 7.2: After receiving the handover request message, the target gNB determines whether direct data forwarding is possible between the target gNB and the source SeNB according to the identity of the source SeNB, and sends a handover request confirmation message to the source MgNB. The handover request confirmation message carries indication information indicating that the target gNB and the source SeNB can perform direct data forwarding.

Step 7.3a, the source MgNB sends a SeNB release request message to the source SeNB.

Step 7.3b, the source SeNB sends a SeNB release request confirmation message to the source MgNB.

The source MgNB initiates the SeNB release process to the source SeNB, and the source MgNB provides the data forwarding address of the SN Terminated PDU session in the process. If the source MeNB learns in step 7.2 that direct data forwarding can be performed between the source SeNB and the target gNB, it directly sends the address information (which may be referred to as a tunnel) allocated by the target gNB to the source SeNB. If the source MgNB learns in step 7.2 that direct data forwarding is not possible between the source SeNB and the target gNB, it allocates an address information (which can be called an intermediate tunnel) and sends it to the source SeNB.

Step 7.3c, the source MgNB sends an Xn-U address indication (Xn-U Address Indication) to the source SeNB.

Step 7.4, the source MgNB sends an RRC connection reconfiguration message to the terminal.

Step 7.5, the terminal initiates a random access procedure to the target gNB.

Step 7.6, the terminal sends an RRC connection reconfiguration complete message to the target gNB.

Step 7.7a, the source SeNB sends the SN status transmission message to the source MgNB.

Step 7.7b, the source MgNB sends the SN status transmission message to the target gNB.

Step 7.8, data forwarding. The UPF sends data to the source SeNB, and the source SeNB forwards the data to the target gNB according to the address information (address information of the target gNB) received in step 7.3a.

When the target gNB and the source SeNB can perform direct data forwarding, perform the above step 7.8.

Step 7.8`, data forwarding. The UPF sends data to the source SeNB, the source SeNB forwards data to the source MgNB according to the address information (address information of the source MgNB) received in step 7.3a, and then the source MgNB forwards the data to the target gNB.

When the target gNB and the source SeNB can perform direct data forwarding, perform the above step 7.8'.

Step 7.9a, the source SeNB sends the secondary radio access technology data usage report to the source MgNB.

Step 7.9b, the source MgNB sends the secondary radio access technology data usage report to the AMF.

Step 7.10, the target gNB sends a path switch request message to the AMF.

Step 7.11. The AMF initiates a bearer modification process to the UPF.

Step 7.12, the UPF sends an end marker packet to the source SeNB, the source MgNB, and the target gNB.

Step 7.13, the UPF sends the new path to the target gNB.

Step 7.14, the AMF sends a path switch request confirmation message to the target gNB.

In steps 7.15 and 7.16, the target gNB initiates the UE context release process to the source MgNB and the source SeNB.

The method provided in this embodiment provides a relevant solution for the source SeNB of the terminal to perform data forwarding in the scenario where the terminal works under the MR-DC and the MgNB initiates the Xn base handover to the target gNB, so as to ensure that the data can be successfully transmitted , to improve system performance during handover.

On the network side, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a switching device under multiple connections. As shown in FIG. 8 , the switching device under multiple connections in this embodiment may be a first network device, and the first network device is a terminal in multiple connections. The master node under the connection and the switching device under the multi-connection include: a transceiver 801 , a processor 802 and a memory 803 .

The transceiver 801 is used to receive and transmit data under the control of the processor 802 .

8, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically, one or more processors represented by processor 802 and various circuits of memory represented by memory 803 are linked together. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits, such as peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and, therefore, will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides the interface. Transceiver 801 may be multiple elements, ie, including transmitters and receivers, providing means for communicating with various other devices over transmission media including wireless channels, wired channels, fiber optic cables, and the like. The processor 802 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 803 may store data used by the processor 802 in performing operations.

The processor 802 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device ( Complex Programmable Logic Device, CPLD), the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

The processor 802 invokes the computer program stored in the memory 803 to execute any one of the methods related to the first network device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure according to the obtained executable instructions. The processor and memory may also be physically separated.

Specifically, the processor 802 is configured to perform the following operations:

Optionally, the processor 802 is further configured to perform the following operations:

Send corresponding target address information to the third network device.

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

It should be noted here that the above-mentioned apparatus provided by the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the first network device in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effect, and the method in this embodiment and the method will not be discussed here. The same parts and beneficial effects of the embodiments are described in detail.

On the network side, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a switching apparatus under multiple connections. As shown in FIG. 9 , the switching apparatus under multiple connections in this embodiment may be a second network device, and the switching apparatus under multiple connections includes: : transceiver 901 , processor 902 and memory 903 .

The transceiver 901 is used to receive and transmit data under the control of the processor 902 .

9, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically one or more processors represented by processor 902 and various circuits of memory represented by memory 903 are linked together. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits, such as peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and, therefore, will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides the interface. Transceiver 901 may be multiple elements, ie, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing means for communicating with various other devices over transmission media including wireless channels, wired channels, fiber optic cables, and the like. The processor 902 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 903 may store data used by the processor 902 in performing operations.

The processor 902 may be a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA or a CPLD, and the processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

The processor 902 invokes the computer program stored in the memory 903 to execute any one of the methods related to the second network device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure according to the obtained executable instructions. The processor and memory may also be physically separated.

Specifically, the processor 902 is configured to perform the following operations:

Optionally, the processor 902 is further configured to perform the following operations:

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Receive the handover request message sent by the core network device according to the handover request message from the first network device, wherein the handover request message and the handover request message both include the first information;

Send second information to the first network device, including:

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Send second information to the first network device, including:

A handover request confirmation message is sent to the first network device through the X2 interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information.

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Send second information to the first network device, including:

It should be noted here that the above-mentioned apparatus provided by the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the second network device in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effect, and the method in this embodiment and the method will not be discussed here. The same parts and beneficial effects of the embodiments are described in detail.

On the network side, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a switching device under multiple connections. As shown in FIG. 10 , the switching device under multiple connections in this embodiment may be a first network device, and the first network device is a terminal in The master node under multiple connections and the switching device under multiple connections include: a sending unit 1001 and a receiving unit 1002 .

The sending unit 1001 is configured to send first information to the second network device, the first information is used to request that the service network device of the terminal be switched from the first network device to the second network device, and the first information also includes the information of the third network device. identifier, the third network device is the secondary node where the terminal is under multiple connections;

a receiving unit 1002, configured to receive second information from the second network device, the second information includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding;

The sending unit 1001 is further configured to send corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information, where the target address information is used for the third network device to perform data forwarding on the data of the terminal.

Optionally, the receiving unit 1002 is further configured to receive address information of the second network device from the second network device before the sending unit 1001 sends the corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information.

Send corresponding target address information to the third network device.

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

Send the first information to the second network device, including:

Receive second information from the second network device, including:

On the network side, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a switching apparatus under multiple connections. As shown in FIG. 11 , the switching apparatus under multiple connections in this embodiment may be a second network device, and the switching apparatus under multiple connections includes: : receiving unit 1101 , determining unit 1102 and sending unit 1103 .

The receiving unit 1101 is configured to receive first information from the first network device, the first information is used to request to switch the service network device of the terminal from the first network device to the second network device, and the first information also includes a third network The identification of the device, the first network device is the master node where the terminal is under multiple connections, and the third network device is the secondary node where the terminal is under multiple connections;

a determining unit 1102, configured to determine whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the second network device and the third network device according to the identifier of the third network device;

The sending unit 1103 is configured to send second information to the first network device, where the second information includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding.

Optionally, the sending unit 1103 is further configured to:

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Send second information to the first network device, including:

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Send second information to the first network device, including:

Receive the first information from the first network device, including:

Send second information to the first network device, including:

It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present disclosure is schematic, and is only a logical function division, and other division methods may be used in actual implementation. In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware, or may be implemented in the form of software functional units.

If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it may be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of the present disclosure essentially or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of software products, and the computer software products are stored in a storage medium , including several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM), random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes .

On the network side, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a processor-readable storage medium, where the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute any operation related to the first network device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. a described method. The processor can implement all the method steps implemented by the first network device in the above method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects, and the same parts and beneficial effects in this embodiment as those in the method embodiments will not be described in detail here. .

On the network side, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a processor-readable storage medium, where the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to cause the processor to execute the procedure of the second network device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. any of the described methods. The processor can implement all the method steps implemented by the second network device in the above method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects, and the same parts and beneficial effects in this embodiment as those in the method embodiments will not be described in detail here. .

On the network side, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product, including a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements all the method steps implemented by the first network device in the above method embodiments, and can achieve the same technology Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects in this embodiment as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

On the network side, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product, including a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements all the method steps implemented by the second network device in the above method embodiments, and can achieve the same technology Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects in this embodiment as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

The processor-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that can be accessed by a processor, including, but not limited to, magnetic storage (eg, floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk (MO), etc.), optical storage (eg, CD, DVD, BD, HVD, etc.), and semiconductor memory (eg, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, non-volatile memory (NAND FLASH), solid-state disk (SSD)), etc.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as a method, system, or computer program product. Accordingly, the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media having computer-usable program code embodied therein, including but not limited to disk storage, optical storage, and the like.

The present disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus, and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each flow and/or block in the flowcharts and/or block diagrams, and combinations of flows and/or blocks in the flowcharts and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions may be provided to the processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, embedded processor or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce Means for implementing the functions specified in a flow or flow of a flowchart and/or a block or blocks of a block diagram.

These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory result in the manufacture of means including the instructions product, the instruction means implements the functions specified in the flow or flow of the flowchart and/or the block or blocks of the block diagram.

These processor-executable instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process that Execution of the instructions provides steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart or blocks and/or the block or blocks of the block diagrams.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, provided that these modifications and variations of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and their equivalents, the present disclosure is also intended to cover such modifications and variations.

Claims

A handover method under multiple connections, characterized in that it is applied to a first network device, where the first network device is a master node where a terminal is under multiple connections, and the method includes:

Sending first information to the second network device, where the first information is used to request that the service network device of the terminal be switched from the first network device to the second network device, and the first information further includes a third network The identifier of the device, the third network device is the secondary node of the terminal under multiple connections;

Receive second information from the second network device, the second information includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding change;

According to the indication information, corresponding target address information is sent to the third network device, where the target address information is used by the third network device to perform data forwarding on the data of the terminal.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding, and the target address information is the second network address information of the device, where the address information of the second network device is used by the third network device to directly forward the data of the terminal to the second network device; or,

The indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device cannot perform direct data forwarding, the target address information is the address information of the first network device, and the address information of the first network device is The address information is used by the third network device to indirectly forward data of the terminal to the second network device through the first network device.
The method according to claim 2, wherein before the sending the corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information, the method further comprises:

Address information of the second network device is received from the second network device.
The method according to claim 3, wherein the indication information and the address information of the second network device are included in the same message received by the first network device.
The method according to claim 2, wherein the sending corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information comprises:

If the indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device cannot perform direct data forwarding, assigning corresponding target address information to the third network device;

Sending the corresponding target address information to the third network device.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the sending the corresponding target address information to the third network device comprises:

Send a secondary node release request message to the third network device, where the secondary node release request message includes the target address information.
The method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the first network device is a network device supporting LTE, and the second network device is a network device supporting NR;

The sending the first information to the second network device includes:

Send a handover request message to the core network device, where the handover request message is used by the core network device to send a handover request message to the second network device, wherein the handover request message and the handover request message both include the the first information;

The receiving the second information from the second network device includes:

A handover command message sent by the core network device according to the handover request confirmation message from the second network device is received, wherein both the handover request confirmation message and the handover command message include the second information.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the first information is a transparent container from the source network device to the target network device;

The second information is a transparent container from the target network device to the source network device.
The method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the first network device and the second network device are network devices supporting LTE;

The sending the first information to the second network device includes:

Send a handover request message to the second network device through the X2 interface, where the handover request message includes the first information;

The receiving the second information from the second network device includes:

The handover request confirmation message sent by the second network device is received through the X2 interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information.
The method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the first network device and the second network device are network devices supporting e-LTE or NR;

The sending the first information to the second network device includes:

Send a handover request message to the second network device through the Xn interface, where the handover request message includes the first information;

The receiving the second information from the second network device includes:

The handover request confirmation message sent by the second network device is received through the Xn interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information.
A handover method under multiple connections, characterized in that, applied to a second network device, the method comprising:

Receive first information from a first network device, where the first information is used to request to switch the service network device of the terminal from the first network device to the second network device, and the first information further includes the first information. Three identifiers of network devices, the first network device is the primary node where the terminal is under multiple connections, and the third network device is the secondary node where the terminal is under multiple connections;

determining, according to the identifier of the third network device, whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the second network device and the third network device;

Send second information to the first network device, where the second information includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding .
The method according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises:

The address information of the second network device is sent to the first network device, where the address information of the second network device is further used for the second network device to perform direct data forwarding on the data of the terminal.
The method according to claim 12, wherein the second information and the address information of the second network device are included in the same message sent by the second network device.
The method according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the first network device is a network device supporting LTE, and the second network device is a network device supporting NR;

The receiving the first information from the first network device includes:

receiving a handover request message sent by a core network device according to a handover request message from a first network device, wherein both the handover request message and the handover request message include the first information;

The sending the second information to the first network device includes:

Sending a handover request confirmation message to the core network device, where the handover request confirmation message is used by the core network device to send a handover command message to the first network device, wherein the handover request confirmation message and the handover command The messages all include the second information.
The method according to claim 14, wherein the first information is a transparent container from the source network device to the target network device;

The second information is a transparent container from the target network device to the source network device.
The method according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the first network device and the second network device are network devices supporting LTE;

The receiving the first information from the first network device includes:

receiving, through the X2 interface, a handover request message sent by the first network device, where the handover request message includes the first information;

The sending the second information to the first network device includes:

Send a handover request confirmation message to the first network device through the X2 interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information.
The method according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the first network device and the second network device are network devices supporting e-LTE or NR;

The receiving the first information from the first network device includes:

receiving, through the Xn interface, a handover request message sent by the first network device, where the handover request message includes the first information;

The sending the second information to the first network device includes:

Send a handover request confirmation message to the first network device through the Xn interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information.
A switching device under multiple connections, characterized in that it is applied to a first network device, the first network device is a master node where a terminal is under multiple connections, and the device includes: a memory, a transceiver and a processor;

the memory for storing computer programs;

the transceiver, configured to send and receive data under the control of the processor;

The processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

Sending first information to the second network device, where the first information is used to request that the service network device of the terminal be switched from the first network device to the second network device, and the first information further includes a third network The identifier of the device, the third network device is the secondary node of the terminal under multiple connections;

Receive second information from the second network device, the second information includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding change;

According to the indication information, corresponding target address information is sent to the third network device, where the target address information is used by the third network device to perform data forwarding on the data of the terminal.
The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding, and the target address information is the second network address information of the device, where the address information of the second network device is used by the third network device to directly forward the data of the terminal to the second network device; or,

The indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device cannot perform direct data forwarding, the target address information is the address information of the first network device, and the address information of the first network device is The address information is used by the third network device to indirectly forward data of the terminal to the second network device through the first network device.
The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

According to the indication information, before sending the corresponding target address information to the third network device, the address information of the second network device is received from the second network device.
The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the indication information and the address information of the second network device are included in the same message received by the first network device.
The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the sending corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information comprises:

If the indication information indicates that the second network device and the third network device cannot perform direct data forwarding, assigning corresponding target address information to the third network device;

Sending the corresponding target address information to the third network device.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 18-22, wherein the first network device is a network device supporting LTE, and the second network device is a network device supporting NR;

The sending the first information to the second network device includes:

Send a handover request message to the core network device, where the handover request message is used by the core network device to send a handover request message to the second network device, wherein the handover request message and the handover request message both include the the first information;

The receiving the second information from the second network device includes:

A handover command message sent by the core network device according to the handover request confirmation message from the second network device is received, wherein both the handover request confirmation message and the handover command message include the second information.
The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the first information is a transparent container from the source network device to the target network device;

The second information is a transparent container from the target network device to the source network device.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 18-22, wherein the first network device and the second network device are network devices supporting LTE;

The sending the first information to the second network device includes:

Send a handover request message to the second network device through the X2 interface, where the handover request message includes the first information;

The receiving the second information from the second network device includes:

receiving, through the X2 interface, a handover request confirmation message sent by the second network device, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information;

or,

The first network device and the second network device are network devices supporting e-LTE or NR;

The sending the first information to the second network device includes:

Send a handover request message to the second network device through the Xn interface, where the handover request message includes the first information;

The receiving the second information from the second network device includes:

The handover request confirmation message sent by the second network device is received through the Xn interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information.
A switching device under multiple connections, characterized in that, applied to a second network device, the device comprises: a memory, a transceiver and a processor;

the memory for storing computer programs;

the transceiver, configured to send and receive data under the control of the processor;

The processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

Receive first information from a first network device, where the first information is used to request to switch the service network device of the terminal from the first network device to the second network device, and the first information further includes the first information. Three identifiers of network devices, the first network device is the primary node where the terminal is under multiple connections, and the third network device is the secondary node where the terminal is under multiple connections;

determining, according to the identifier of the third network device, whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the second network device and the third network device;

Send second information to the first network device, where the second information includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding .
The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

The address information of the second network device is sent to the first network device, where the address information of the second network device is further used for the second network device to perform direct data forwarding on the data of the terminal.
The apparatus according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the first network device is a network device supporting LTE, and the second network device is a network device supporting NR;

The receiving the first information from the first network device includes:

receiving a handover request message sent by a core network device according to a handover request message from a first network device, wherein both the handover request message and the handover request message include the first information;

Sending second information to the first network device includes:

Sending a handover request confirmation message to the core network device, where the handover request confirmation message is used by the core network device to send a handover command message to the first network device, wherein the handover request confirmation message and the handover command The messages all include the second information.
The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the first information is a transparent container from the source network device to the target network device;

The second information is a transparent container from the target network device to the source network device.
The apparatus according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the first network device and the second network device are network devices supporting LTE;

The receiving the first information from the first network device includes:

Receive the handover request message sent by the first network device through the X2 interface, and the handover request message includes the first information;

The sending the second information to the first network device includes:

Send a handover request confirmation message to the first network device through the X2 interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information;

or,

The first network device and the second network device are network devices supporting e-LTE or NR;

The receiving the first information from the first network device includes:

receiving, through the Xn interface, a handover request message sent by the first network device, where the handover request message includes the first information;

The sending the second information to the first network device includes:

Send a handover request confirmation message to the first network device through the Xn interface, where the handover request confirmation message includes the second information.
A switching device under multiple connections, characterized in that it is applied to a first network device, where the first network device is a master node where a terminal is under multiple connections, and the device includes:

A sending unit, configured to send first information to a second network device, where the first information is used to request that the service network device of the terminal be switched from the first network device to the second network device, and the first information contains Also includes an identifier of a third network device, where the third network device is a secondary node of the terminal under multiple connections;

a receiving unit, configured to receive second information from the second network device, the second information includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can perform direct data forwarding;

The sending unit is further configured to send corresponding target address information to the third network device according to the indication information, where the target address information is used for the third network device to perform data before the data of the terminal. change.
A switching device under multiple connections, characterized in that, applied to a second network device, the device comprising:

a receiving unit, configured to receive first information from a first network device, where the first information is used to request to switch the service network device of the terminal from the first network device to the second network device, the first network device The information further includes an identifier of a third network device, where the first network device is a master node where the terminal is under multiple connections, and the third network device is a secondary node where the terminal is under multiple connections;

a determining unit, configured to determine whether direct data forwarding can be performed between the second network device and the third network device according to the identifier of the third network device;

a sending unit, configured to send second information to the first network device, where the second information includes indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate whether the second network device and the third network device can communicate with each other Direct data forwarding.
A processor-readable storage medium, characterized in that the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to cause the processor to execute any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 17 The method of any one.
A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or any one of claims 11 to 17 is implemented.