CN113517993A

CN113517993A - Configuration method, device, equipment and storage medium of network equipment

Info

Publication number: CN113517993A
Application number: CN202010278231.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 张大钧
Original assignee: Datang Mobile Communications Equipment Co Ltd
Current assignee: Datang Mobile Communications Equipment Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-10
Filing date: 2020-04-10
Publication date: 2021-10-19
Also published as: WO2021203824A1

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a configuration method, a configuration device and a storage medium of network equipment, relates to the technical field of communication, and aims to limit two processes of MN configuration CHO and SN configuration CPC to occur simultaneously when UE is in double connection, so that a protocol stack can keep a simple and efficient processing mechanism. The method comprises the following steps: sending a first request message to an auxiliary node under the condition that a conditional switching (CHO) operation is executed after a first preset time length is determined or the CHO operation is currently executed, wherein the first request message is used for forbidding the auxiliary node to execute a primary cell and auxiliary cell condition updating (CPC) operation; and executing the CHO operation, and sending a second request message to the auxiliary node under the condition that the CHO operation is determined to be completed, wherein the second request message is used for indicating that the auxiliary node is allowed to execute the CPC operation.

Description

Configuration method, device, equipment and storage medium of network equipment

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a method, an apparatus, a device, and a storage medium for configuring a network device.

Background

In order to further improve the mobile performance of the terminal, two technical characteristics, namely, CHO (Conditional Handover) and CPC (primary secondary Cell condition update), are introduced into Release 16 version of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), wherein CHO is limited to be used by primary CG (Cell cluster) of single connection or dual connection, and CPC is limited to be used by secondary CG of dual connection. Thus, in actual operation, there may be two network entities, MN (Master Node) and SN (Secondary Node), which configure both CHO and CPC procedures simultaneously.

Among them, CHO is a technology newly introduced in Release 16, as shown in fig. 1, which roughly comprises the following procedures:

1. the source base station transmits a measurement request to a UE (User Equipment).

2. The UE returns the measurement result to the source base station.

3. The source base station decides to perform the CHO operation.

4. The source base station sends a CHO request message to the target base station and other potential target base stations.

5. The target base station that received the request information and other potential target base stations perform admission control operations.

6. The target base station and other potential target base stations receiving the request message return CHO corresponding messages to the source base station.

7. And the source base station sends an RRC Reconfiguration message to the UE, wherein the RRC Reconfiguration comprises the CHO candidate configuration and the CHO execution condition.

8. And the UE returns an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the source base station.

9. The UE continues to maintain the link with the source base station and starts evaluating CHO execution conditions.

10. And if at least one candidate cell meets the execution condition, the UE disconnects the link with the source base station, and then initiates a random access process to the target cell.

11. The UE starts to send an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the target cell.

The CPC process distinguishes between inter-SN (between different SNs) and intra-SN (within the same SN), the Release 16 only supports the intra-SN CPC process at present, and for the intra-SN CPC process, under the scene of configuring SRB3, as shown in FIG. 2, the process roughly comprises the following procedures:

1. the SN sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE.

2. And the UE returns an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the SN, wherein the RRC reconfiguration complete message comprises the candidate cell configuration message of the CPC and the execution condition of the CPC.

3. And the UE starts to evaluate the candidate cells of the CPC, and initiates a random access process to the target cell if at least one candidate cell can meet the execution condition of the CPC.

In the prior art, the CHO process and the CPC process are two independent processes, so that in the case of UE in dual connectivity, the situation that two processes of MN configuration CHO and SN configuration CPC occur simultaneously may occur, and such operation directly results in that the protocol stack processing at the terminal side is very complex.

In summary, in the prior art, when the UE is in dual connectivity, two processes of MN configuration CHO and SN configuration CPC may occur simultaneously, and the protocol stack cannot maintain a simple and efficient processing mechanism.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the invention provides a configuration method, a configuration device and a storage medium of network equipment, which are used for limiting two processes of MN configuration CHO and SN configuration CPC to occur simultaneously when UE is in double connection, so that a protocol stack can keep a simple and efficient processing mechanism.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for configuring a network device, where the method is used for a primary node and a secondary node in dual connectivity with a user terminal, and the method includes:

sending a first request message to an auxiliary node under the condition that a conditional switching (CHO) operation is executed after a first preset time length is determined or the CHO operation is currently executed, wherein the first request message is used for forbidding the auxiliary node to execute a primary cell and auxiliary cell condition updating (CPC) operation;

and executing the CHO operation, and sending a second request message to the auxiliary node under the condition that the CHO operation is determined to be completed, wherein the second request message is used for indicating that the auxiliary node is allowed to execute the CPC operation.

The configuration method of the network device provided by the embodiment of the present invention is used for a primary node and a secondary node in dual connection with a user terminal, and the configuration method is configured to, first, execute a Conditional Handover (CHO) operation after determining a first preset time duration or send a first request message to the secondary node under a condition that the CHO operation is currently being executed, where the first request message is used to prohibit the secondary node from executing a primary and secondary cell condition update (CPC) operation, then execute the CHO operation, and finally send a second request message to the secondary node under a condition that the CHO operation is determined to be completed, where the second request message is used to instruct the secondary node to allow the secondary node to execute the CPC operation. Compared with the prior art, in the main node and the auxiliary node which are in double connection with the user terminal, the main node sends request information to the auxiliary node to indicate the execution state of the CHO operation at the current moment of the main node, and the auxiliary node obtains an indication according to the information, namely the CPC operation of intra-SN or inter-SN is not allowed to be executed at present, so that the two processes of MN configuration CHO and SN configuration CPC are limited to be executed simultaneously, and a protocol stack can keep a simple and efficient processing mechanism.

In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises:

and receiving a first response message aiming at the first request message and sent by the auxiliary node, wherein the first response message is used for representing that the auxiliary node is forbidden to carry out CPC operation.

In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises:

and receiving a second response message aiming at the second request message and sent by the auxiliary node, wherein the second response message is used for representing that the auxiliary node is allowed to carry out CPC operation.

In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises:

if the CHO information is preconfigured, the method further comprises, before performing the CHO operation: and executing the auxiliary node adding operation.

In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises:

receiving a third request message sent by the auxiliary node, wherein the third request message is used for prohibiting the main node from executing the CHO operation;

and sending a third response message to the auxiliary node under the condition that the CHO operation is not executed within the second preset time length, wherein the third response message is used for indicating that the CPC operation is allowed to be executed by the auxiliary node.

In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises:

and sending a fourth response message to the auxiliary node under the condition that the CHO operation is executed after the first preset time length is determined or the CHO operation is currently executed, wherein the fourth response message is used for indicating that the auxiliary node is forbidden to execute the CPC operation.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for configuring a network device, where the method is used for a secondary node in a primary node and a secondary node that maintain dual connectivity with a user terminal, and the method includes:

after determining a third preset time length, executing a condition updating CPC operation of the main and auxiliary cells or under the condition of executing the CPC operation currently, sending a third request message to the main node, wherein the third request message is used for forbidding the main node to execute a conditional switching (CHO) operation;

and when determining that the third response message sent by the primary node for indicating that the secondary node is allowed to execute the CPC operation is received, executing the CPC operation, and sending a fourth request message to the primary node under the condition of determining that the CPC operation is completed, wherein the fourth request message is used for indicating that the primary node is allowed to execute the CHO operation.

The configuration method of the network device provided by the embodiment of the present invention is used for a primary node and a secondary node in dual connection with a user terminal, and the primary node and the secondary node firstly execute a Conditional Handover (CHO) operation after determining a first preset time duration or send a first request message to the secondary node under a condition that the CHO operation is currently executed, where the first request message is used to prohibit the secondary node from executing a condition for updating a CPC operation for a primary cell and a secondary cell, then wait for a response message of the primary node, execute the CPC operation when determining that a third response message which is sent by the primary node and used to instruct the secondary node to execute the CPC operation is received, and finally send a second request message to the secondary node under a condition that the CHO operation is determined to be completed, where the second request message is used to instruct the secondary node to execute the CPC operation. Compared with the prior art, in the main node and the auxiliary node which are in double connection with the user terminal, the auxiliary node sends request information to the main node to indicate the execution state of the CPC operation of the auxiliary node at the current time, the main node further judges whether the auxiliary node is allowed to execute the CPC operation according to the CHO operation state of the main node at the current time according to the information, the auxiliary node can start the CPC operation after receiving the response allowing message of the main node, otherwise, the CHO operation of the main node is preferentially executed, and the two processes of MN configuration CHO and SN configuration CPC are limited to be simultaneously carried out, so that a protocol stack can keep a simple and efficient processing mechanism.

In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises:

and when determining to receive a fourth response message sent by the primary node and used for indicating that the secondary node is forbidden to execute the CPC operation, forbidding the CPC operation.

In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises:

and receiving a fifth response message aiming at the fourth request message and sent by the main node, wherein the fifth response message is used for representing that the main node is allowed to carry out CHO operation.

In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises:

receiving a first request message sent by a main node, wherein the first request message is used for forbidding an auxiliary node to execute CPC operation;

and sending a first response message to the main node, wherein the first response message is used for representing that the auxiliary node is forbidden to carry out CPC operation.

In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises:

receiving a second request message sent by the main node, wherein the second request message is used for indicating that the auxiliary node is allowed to execute CPC operation;

and sending a second response message to the primary node, wherein the second response message is used for representing that the secondary node is allowed to perform CPC operation.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a configuration apparatus for a network device, where the configuration apparatus is used for a primary node and a secondary node in dual connection with a user terminal, and the apparatus includes:

the first sending unit is configured to send a first request message to the auxiliary node under the condition that a conditional access point (CHO) operation is executed or a CHO operation is currently being executed after a first preset time duration is determined, where the first request message is used to prohibit the auxiliary node from executing a primary and secondary cell condition update (CPC) operation;

a processing unit for performing a CHO operation;

and the second sending unit is used for sending a second request message to the auxiliary node under the condition that the CHO operation is determined to be completed, wherein the second request message is used for indicating that the auxiliary node is allowed to execute the CPC operation.

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a first receiving unit, configured to receive a first response message, which is sent by the secondary node and is for the first request message, where the first response message is used to characterize that the secondary node is prohibited from performing CPC operation.

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a second receiving unit, configured to receive a second response message, which is sent by the secondary node and is for the second request message, where the second response message is used to characterize that the secondary node is allowed to perform CPC operation.

In a possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to: and if the CHO information is configured in advance, executing the auxiliary node adding operation before the CHO operation is executed.

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a third receiving unit, configured to receive a third request message sent by the secondary node, where the third request message is used to prohibit the master node from executing the CHO operation;

and a third sending unit, configured to send a third response message to the secondary node on the condition that the CHO operation is not executed within the second preset time period, where the third response message is used to indicate that the secondary node is allowed to execute the CPC operation.

In a possible implementation, the third sending unit is further configured to:

In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a configuration apparatus for a network device, where the configuration apparatus is used for a secondary node in a primary node and a secondary node that maintain dual connectivity with a user terminal, and the apparatus includes:

the first sending unit is configured to send a third request message to the master node under the condition that the master and secondary cells perform condition-update CPC operation after determining a third preset time duration or currently perform CPC operation, where the third request message is used to prohibit the master node from performing a Conditional Handover (CHO) operation;

the processing unit is used for executing the CPC operation when determining that a third response message which is sent by the main node and used for indicating that the auxiliary node is allowed to execute the CPC operation is received;

and the second sending unit is used for sending a fourth request message to the master node under the condition that the CPC operation is determined to be completed, wherein the fourth request message is used for indicating that the master node is allowed to execute the CHO operation.

In a possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to:

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

and the second receiving unit is used for receiving a fifth response message aiming at the fourth request message and sent by the main node, and the fifth response message is used for representing that the main node is allowed to carry out CHO operation.

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a third receiving unit, configured to receive a first request message sent by a master node, where the first request message is used to prohibit a secondary node from executing CPC operation;

and a third sending unit, configured to send a first response message to the master node, where the first response message is used to characterize that the secondary node is prohibited from performing CPC operation.

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a fourth receiving unit, configured to receive a second request message sent by the master node, where the second request message is used to instruct the auxiliary node to allow the auxiliary node to perform CPC operation;

and a fourth sending unit, configured to send a second response message to the master node, where the second response message is used to characterize that the secondary node is allowed to perform CPC operation.

In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a configuration device for a network device, where the device includes: a processor, a memory, and a transceiver;

a processor for reading the computer instructions in the memory and performing the steps of:

In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to:

In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to: if the CHO information is configured in advance, the auxiliary node adding operation is executed before the CHO operation is executed.

In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to:

In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a configuration device for a network device, where the device includes: a processor, a memory, and a transceiver;

In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to:

In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, which when executed by a processor implements the steps of any of the methods provided by the first aspect of the present invention or the steps of any of the methods provided by the second aspect of the present invention.

Drawings

The above and other objects, features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the CHO technology in the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of CPC technology in the prior art;

fig. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a configuration method of a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a configuration method of another network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a configuration method of another network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a configuration method of another network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a configuration method of another network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a configuration method of another network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a configuration method of a master node side network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 10 is a schematic flowchart of a configuration method for a secondary node side network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a configuration apparatus of a master node side network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a configuration apparatus of a secondary node side network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a configuration device of a master node side network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a configuration device of an auxiliary node side network device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and it is obvious that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments, which can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the embodiments given herein without making any creative effort, shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

Some of the words that appear in the text are explained below:

1. in the embodiment of the present application, with the term "primary node", a UE may simultaneously maintain connection with two or more nodes under dual connection or multi-connection, where one node is referred to as a primary node and the other nodes are referred to as secondary nodes.

2. In the embodiment of the present application, with the term "secondary node", a UE may simultaneously maintain connection with two or more nodes under dual connection or multi-connection, and nodes other than the primary node are referred to as secondary nodes.

3. The term "user terminal" in the embodiments of the present application may include a mobile phone, a computer, a tablet, and the like.

The application scenario described in the embodiment of the present application is for more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, and does not form a limitation on the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application, and it can be known by a person skilled in the art that with the occurrence of a new application scenario, the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application is also applicable to similar technical problems. In the description of the present application, the term "plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specified.

In view of the fact that in the prior art, under the condition that the UE is in dual connectivity, two processes of the MN configuring the CHO and the SN configuring the CPC may occur simultaneously, an embodiment of the present invention provides a configuration scheme of a network device, so as to limit the two processes of the MN configuring the CHO and the SN configuring the CPC to occur simultaneously when the UE is in dual connectivity, so that a protocol stack can maintain a simple and efficient processing mechanism.

The following describes a configuration method of a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example one

As shown in fig. 3, in the NR-DC (dual connectivity of 4G radio access network and 5G NR) scenario, the primary node MN informs the secondary node SN of the current state of CHO or CPC, which may include the following steps:

step 301, the UE maintains dual connectivity with the primary node MN and the secondary node SN.

Step 302, the MN decides to execute the CHO operation after a first preset duration, and meanwhile, in order to prevent the SN from executing the CPC operation at the same time, the MN sends a first request message, where the message carries an instruction: the MN is about to perform a CHO operation or the SN is not allowed to perform a CPC operation.

In a specific implementation, the MN determines to execute the CHO operation after a first preset time period, that is, the MN is about to execute the CHO operation, where the first preset time period may be set according to an empirical value, for example, 30s, 10s, 5s, and the like, which is not limited in the present invention.

It should be noted that, in addition to the first request message sent by the MN, other related procedures in the UE may be used to inform the SN, such as the configuration procedure of CHO.

Step 303, after receiving the first request message, the SN returns a first response message, and accordingly, the SN does not perform CPC operation any more.

In specific implementation, when the SN receives the first request message, if the CPC operation is not executed, the SN returns a first response message indicating that the CPC operation is not executed for the moment, and if the CPC operation needs to be executed after the first response message is returned, waits for the second request message sent by the MN, and can execute the CPC operation after receiving the second request message; when the SN receives the first request message and is executing CPC operation, the SN immediately stops executing CPC operation and returns a first response message, and the SN can continue executing after receiving a second request message sent by the MN.

It should be noted that, for this type of configuration message, the SN does not allow rejection, and the CHO operation of the MN is performed preferentially.

At step 304, the MN continues to perform CHO operations.

At step 305, the MN completes the CHO operation, including either a CHO operation success or a CHO operation failure.

Step 306, the MN no longer intends to execute the CHO operation, and the MN sends a second request message to the SN, where the message carries an indication: the master node does not intend to perform or complete the CHO operation or otherwise allow the SN to perform the CPC operation.

It should be noted that other related procedures in the UE are also allowed to be used to inform the SN.

Step 307, after receiving the second request message, the SN returns a second response message, and accordingly, the SN may subsequently perform CPC operation.

It should be noted that the SN does not allow rejection for this type of configuration message.

Example two

As shown in fig. 4, in an EN-DC (dual connectivity of 5G NR with 4G radio access network), MR-DC (multi RAT dual connectivity) scenario, the primary node MeNB informs the secondary node SgNB of the current CHO or CPC status, which may include the following steps:

step 401, the UE maintains dual connectivity with the primary node MeNB and the secondary node SgNB.

Step 402, the MeNB decides to execute the CHO operation after the first preset duration, and meanwhile, in order to prevent the SgNB from executing the CPC operation at the same time, the MeNB sends a first request message, where the message carries an instruction: the MeNB is about to perform a CHO operation or the SgNB is not allowed to perform a CPC operation.

In an implementation, the MeNB determines to perform the CHO operation after a first preset time period, that is, the MeNB is about to perform the CHO operation, wherein the first preset time period may be set according to an empirical value, for example, 30s, 10s, 5s, and the like, which is not limited in the present invention.

It should be noted that, in addition to the MeNB sending the first request message, other related procedures in the UE may be used to notify the SgNB, for example, the configuration procedure of CHO.

In step 403, after receiving the first request message, SgNB returns a first response message, and accordingly, SgNB does not perform CPC operation any more.

In specific implementation, when the SgNB receives the first request message, if the CPC operation is not executed, the SgNB returns a first response message indicating that the CPC operation is not executed for the moment, and if the CPC operation needs to be executed after the first response message is returned, the SgNB waits for the second request message sent by the MeNB and executes the second request message after receiving the second request message; and when the SgNB receives the first request message and is executing the CPC operation, the SgNB immediately stops executing the CPC operation and returns a first response message, and the execution can be continued after receiving a second request message sent by the MeNB.

It should be noted that, for this type of configuration message, SgNB does not allow rejection, and the CHO operation of MeNB is performed preferentially.

At step 404, the MeNB continues to perform CHO operations.

In step 405, the MeNB completes the CHO operation, including either a CHO operation success or a CHO operation failure.

Step 406, the MeNB no longer intends to perform the CHO operation, and the MeNB sends a second request message to the SgNB, where the message carries an indication: the primary node does not intend to perform or have completed the CHO operation or the secondary node is allowed to perform the CPC operation.

It should be noted that other related procedures in the UE are also allowed to be used to notify the SgNB.

Step 407, after receiving the second request message, SgNB returns a second response message, and accordingly, SgNB may subsequently perform CPC operation.

It should be noted that, for this type of configuration message, SgNB does not allow rejection.

EXAMPLE III

As shown in fig. 5, in the NR-DC scenario, the secondary node SN informs the primary node MN of the current state of the CHO or CPC, which may include the following steps:

step 501, the UE keeps dual connectivity with the primary node MN and the secondary node SN.

Step 502, the SN determines to execute the intra-SN CPC or inter-SN CPC operation after a third preset duration, and in order to prevent the MN from executing the CHO operation at the same time, the SN sends a third request message to the MN, where the message carries an instruction: the SN is about to perform either intra-SN CPC or inter-SN CPC operations, or the MN is not allowed to perform CHO operations.

In an implementation, the SN determines to perform the CPC operation after a third preset time period, that is, the SN is about to perform the CPC operation, where the third preset time period may be set according to an empirical value, for example, 30s, 10s, 5s, and the like, which is not limited in the present invention.

It should be noted that, in addition to the SN sending the third request message, other related procedures in the UE may be used to notify the MN, for example, a configuration procedure of the CPC. At the same time, the MN allows rejection for this type of configuration message.

Step 503, the MN receives the third request message and determines that the CHO operation is not performed within the second preset duration, and then returns a third response message, where the message carries an indication: the secondary node is allowed to perform CPC operations.

In specific implementation, when the MN determines that the CHO operation is not executed within a second preset time length when the MN determines that the third request message is received, the MN returns a third response message and allows the SN to execute the CPC operation; when the MN receives the third request message, the CHO operation is to be performed within a second preset time period, or the CHO operation is being performed, the MN rejects the message request, and returns a fourth response message, where the message carries an indication: the secondary node is prohibited from performing the CPC operation. At this time, the CHO related operation of the MN is preferentially executed, after the MN completes the CHO operation, a third response message is sent to the SN, and the SN starts to execute the CPC operation. The second preset time period may be set according to an empirical value, for example, 30s, 10s, 5s, and the like, which is not limited in the present invention.

Of course, it should be noted that, in other embodiments of the present invention, when the MN determines that the CHO operation is not performed within the second preset time period when determining that the third request message is received, the MN returns a third response message to allow the SN to perform the CPC operation; when the MN receives the third request message, the CHO operation is to be performed within the second preset time period, or the CHO operation is being performed, the MN may also suspend performing the CHO operation, return the third response message, and continue performing the CHO operation after waiting for receiving the fourth request message sent by the SN.

At step 504, the SN begins performing CPC operations.

In step 505, the SN completes the CPC operation, including success of the CPC operation or failure of the CPC operation.

In step 506, the SN no longer intends to perform CPC operation, and the SN sends a fourth request message to the MN, where the message carries an indication: the SN does not intend to perform or complete CPC operations or the master node is allowed to perform CHO operations.

It should be noted that other related procedures in the UE are also allowed to be used to inform the MN.

In step 507, after receiving the fourth request message, the MN returns a fifth response message, and accordingly, the MN may subsequently perform CHO operation.

It should be noted that the MN is not allowed to reject this type of configuration message.

Example four

As shown in fig. 6, in an EN-DC, MR-DC scenario, the secondary node SgNB informs the primary node MeNB of the current CHO or CPC status, which may include the following steps:

step 601, the UE keeps dual connectivity with the primary node MeNB and the secondary node SgNB.

Step 602, SgNB determines to execute intra-SN CPC or inter-SN CPC operation after a third preset duration, and in order to prevent MeNB from executing CHO operation at the same time, SgNB sends a third request message to MeNB, where the message carries an instruction: the SgNB is about to perform intra-SN CPC or inter-SN CPC operations, or the MeNB is not allowed to perform CHO operations.

In a specific implementation, the SgNB determines to perform the CPC operation after a third preset time period, that is, the SgNB is to perform the CPC operation, where the third preset time period may be set according to an empirical value, for example, 30s, 10s, 5s, and the like, which is not limited in the present invention.

It should be noted that, in addition to the SgNB sending the third request message, other related procedures in the UE may be used to notify the MeNB, for example, the configuration procedure of CPC. Meanwhile, the MeNB allows rejection for this type of configuration message.

Step 603, the MeNB receives the third request message and determines that the CHO operation is not performed within the second preset time, and then returns a third response message, where the message carries an indication: the secondary node is allowed to perform CPC operations.

In specific implementation, when the MeNB determines that the CHO operation is not executed within the second preset time period when receiving the third request message, the MeNB returns a third response message to allow the SgNB to execute the CPC operation; when the MeNB receives the third request message, the MeNB is about to execute the CHO operation within the second preset time duration, or is executing the CHO operation, the MeNB rejects the message request and returns a fourth response message, where the message carries an indication: the secondary node is prohibited from performing the CPC operation. At this time, the CHO related operation of the MeNB is preferentially executed, after the MeNB completes the CHO operation, a third response message is sent to the SgNB, and the SgNB starts to execute the CPC operation. The second preset time period may be set according to an empirical value, for example, 30s, 10s, 5s, and the like, which is not limited in the present invention.

Of course, it should be noted that, in other embodiments of the present invention, when the MeNB determines that the CHO operation is not performed within the second preset time period when determining that the third request message is received, the MeNB returns a third response message to allow the SgNB to perform the CPC operation; when the MeNB receives the third request message, the MeNB is going to execute the CHO operation within the second preset time duration, or is executing the CHO operation, the MeNB may also suspend executing the CHO operation, return the third response message, and wait for receiving the fourth request message sent by the SgNB, and then continue executing the CHO operation.

In step 604, SgNB starts performing CPC operation.

In step 605, SgNB completes the CPC operation, including either success or failure of the CPC operation.

Step 606, SgNB no longer intends to perform CPC operation, SgNB sends a fourth request message to MeNB, where the message carries an indication: the SgNB does not intend or have completed the CPC operation or the master node is allowed to perform the CHO operation.

It should be noted that other related procedures in the UE are also allowed to be used to inform the MeNB.

In step 607, after receiving the fourth request message, the SgNB returns a fifth response message, and accordingly, the MeNB may subsequently perform the CHO operation.

It should be noted that the MeNB does not allow rejection for this type of configuration message.

EXAMPLE five

As shown in fig. 7, in the NR-DC scenario, the primary node MN informs the secondary node SN of the current state of CHO or CPC, which may include the following steps:

in step 701, the UE maintains dual connectivity with the primary node MN and the secondary node SN, and the MN has configured the CHO.

Step 702, the MN determines to execute SN adding operation after a first preset duration, and meanwhile, in order to prevent the SN from executing CPC operation at the same time, the MN sends a first request message, where the message carries an instruction: either the MN is about to perform a CHO operation or the SN is not allowed to perform a CPC operation.

In step 703, after receiving the first request message, the SN returns a first response message, and accordingly, the SN does not perform CPC operation any more.

In step 704, the MN continues to perform SN addition operations.

In step 705, the MN completes the CHO operation, including either a CHO operation success or a CHO operation failure.

Step 706, the MN no longer intends to perform the CHO operation, and the MN sends a second request message to the SN, where the message carries an indication: the primary node does not intend to perform or have completed the CHO operation or the secondary node is allowed to perform the CPC operation.

In step 707, after receiving the second request message, the SN returns a second response message, and accordingly, the SN may subsequently perform CPC operation.

EXAMPLE six

As shown in fig. 8, in an EN-DC, MR-DC scenario, the primary node MeNB informs the secondary node SgNB of the current CHO or CPC status, which may include the following steps:

in step 801, the UE maintains dual connectivity with the primary node MeNB and the secondary node SgNB, and the MeNB has configured CHO.

Step 802, the MeNB determines to execute SgNB addition operation after a first preset duration, and meanwhile, in order to prevent the SgNB from executing CPC operation at the same time, the MeNB sends a first request message, where the message carries an instruction: the MeNB is about to perform a CHO operation or the SgNB is not allowed to perform a CPC operation.

Step 803, after receiving the first request message, SgNB returns the first response message, and accordingly, SgNB does not perform CPC operation any more.

In step 804, the MeNB continues to perform SgNB add operations.

In step 805, the MeNB completes the CHO operation, including either a CHO operation success or a CHO operation failure.

Step 806, the MeNB no longer intends to perform the CHO operation, the MeNB sends a second request message to the SgNB, the message carries an indication: the primary node does not intend to perform or have completed the CHO operation or the secondary node is allowed to perform the CPC operation.

In step 807, after receiving the second request message, SgNB returns a second response message, and accordingly, SgNB may subsequently perform CPC operation.

As shown in fig. 9, at the master node side, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for configuring a network device, where the method is used for a master node in a master node and a slave node that maintain dual connections with a user terminal, and the method may include the following steps:

step 901, after determining a first preset time length, executing a Conditional Handover (CHO) operation or sending a first request message to the secondary node under the condition that the CHO operation is currently being executed, where the first request message is used to prohibit the secondary node from executing a primary and secondary cell condition update (CPC) operation.

In step 902, a CHO operation is performed.

Step 903, sending a second request message to the secondary node under the condition that the CHO operation is determined to be completed, wherein the second request message is used for indicating that the secondary node is allowed to execute the CPC operation.

In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises:

As shown in fig. 10, on the secondary node side, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for configuring a network device, where the method is used for a secondary node in a primary node and a secondary node that maintain dual connectivity with a user terminal, and the method may include the following steps:

1001, after a third preset time is determined, executing a condition updating CPC operation of the primary and secondary cells or under the condition that the CPC operation is currently executed, sending a third request message to the master node, where the third request message is used to prohibit the master node from executing a conditional switching CHO operation;

step 1002, when it is determined that the third response message sent by the primary node for indicating that the secondary node is allowed to perform the CPC operation is received, perform the CPC operation.

Step 1003, under the condition that the CPC operation is determined to be completed, sending a fourth request message to the master node, where the fourth request message is used to instruct the master node to allow the CHO operation to be performed.

In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises:

As shown in fig. 11, at the master node side, an embodiment of the present invention provides a configuration apparatus for a network device, where the configuration apparatus is used for a master node in a master node and a slave node that maintain dual connection with a user terminal, and the apparatus includes:

a first sending unit 111, configured to send a first request message to the secondary node when a first preset duration is determined and then a Conditional Handover (CHO) operation is executed or a CHO operation is currently being executed, where the first request message is used to prohibit the secondary node from executing a primary and secondary cell condition update (CPC) operation;

a processing unit 112 for performing CHO operations;

a second sending unit 113, configured to send, to the secondary node, a second request message on a condition that it is determined that the CHO operation is completed, where the second request message is used to indicate that the secondary node is allowed to perform the CPC operation.

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a first receiving unit 114, configured to receive a first response message, sent by the secondary node, for the first request message, where the first response message is used to characterize that the secondary node is prohibited from performing CPC operation.

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a second receiving unit 115, configured to receive a second response message, sent by the secondary node, for the second request message, where the second response message is used to characterize that the secondary node is allowed to perform CPC operation.

In a possible implementation, the processing unit 112 is further configured to: and executing the auxiliary node adding operation.

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a third receiving unit 116, configured to receive a third request message sent by the secondary node, where the third request message is used to prohibit the primary node from performing a CHO operation;

a third sending unit 117, configured to send a third response message to the secondary node on a condition that the CHO operation is not performed within the second preset time period, where the third response message is used to indicate that the secondary node is allowed to perform the CPC operation.

In a possible implementation, the third sending unit 117 is further configured to:

As shown in fig. 12, on the secondary node side, an embodiment of the present invention provides a configuration apparatus for a network device, where the configuration apparatus is used for a primary node and a secondary node in a secondary node that maintain dual connection with a user terminal, and the apparatus includes:

a first sending unit 121, configured to send a third request message to the master node under the condition that the condition updating CPC operation is performed on the primary and secondary cells after the third preset time duration is determined or the CPC operation is currently performed, where the third request message is used to prohibit the master node from performing a conditional switching CHO operation;

a processing unit 122, configured to perform the CPC operation when it is determined that a third response message sent by the primary node and indicating that the secondary node is allowed to perform the CPC operation is received;

a second sending unit 123, configured to send a fourth request message to the master node on a condition that it is determined that the CPC operation is completed, where the fourth request message is used to instruct the master node to allow the master node to perform the CHO operation.

In a possible implementation, the processing unit 122 is further configured to:

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a second receiving unit 124, configured to receive a fifth response message sent by the master node for the fourth request message, where the fifth response message is used to characterize that the master node is allowed to perform a CHO operation.

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a third receiving unit 125, configured to receive a first request message sent by the master node, where the first request message is used to prohibit the secondary node from performing CPC operation;

a third sending unit 126, configured to send a first response message to the primary node, where the first response message is used to characterize that the secondary node is prohibited from performing CPC operation.

In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a fourth receiving unit 127, configured to receive a second request message sent by the master node, where the second request message is used to instruct the secondary node to perform CPC operation;

a fourth sending unit 128, configured to send a second response message to the primary node, where the second response message is used to characterize that the secondary node is allowed to perform CPC operation.

Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiment of the invention also provides a configuration device of the network device.

As shown in fig. 13, on the master node side, an embodiment of the present invention provides a configuration device 1300 of a network device, including: a processor 131, a memory 132, and a transceiver 133;

the processor 131 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 132 may store data used by the processor 131 in performing operations. The transceiver 133 is used to receive and transmit data under the control of the processor 131.

The bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, with one or more processors, represented by processor 131, and various circuits, represented by memory 132, being linked together. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripherals, voltage regulators, power management circuits, and the like, which are well known in the art, and therefore, will not be described any further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The processor 131 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 132 may store data used by the processor 131 in performing operations.

The processes disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be applied to the processor 131, or implemented by the processor 131. In implementation, the steps of the signal processing flow may be implemented by integrated logic circuits of hardware or instructions in the form of software in the processor 131. The processor 131 may be a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof that may implement or perform the methods, steps, and logic blocks disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor or the like. The steps of a method disclosed in connection with the embodiments of the present application may be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in a processor. The software module may be located in ram, flash memory, rom, prom, or eprom, registers, etc. storage media as is well known in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory 132, and the processor 131 reads the information in the memory 132 and completes the steps of the signal processing flow in combination with the hardware thereof.

The processor 131 is configured to read the computer instructions in the memory 132 and execute the following steps:

In one possible implementation, the processor 131 is further configured to:

In one possible implementation, the processor 131 is further configured to: if the CHO information is configured in advance, the auxiliary node adding operation is executed before the CHO operation is executed.

In one possible implementation, the processor 131 is further configured to:

As shown in fig. 14, on the secondary node side, an embodiment of the present invention provides a configuration device 1400 of a network device, including: a processor 141, a memory 142, and a transceiver 143;

the processor 141 is responsible for managing a bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 142 may store data used by the processor 141 in performing operations. The transceiver 143 is used to receive and transmit data under the control of the processor 141.

The bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, with one or more processors, represented by processor 141, and various circuits, represented by memory 142, being linked together. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripherals, voltage regulators, power management circuits, and the like, which are well known in the art, and therefore, will not be described any further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The processor 141 is responsible for managing a bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 142 may store data used by the processor 141 in performing operations.

The processes disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be applied to the processor 141, or implemented by the processor 141. In implementation, the steps of the signal processing flow may be implemented by integrated logic circuits of hardware or instructions in the form of software in the processor 141. The processor 141 may be a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof that may implement or perform the methods, steps, and logic blocks disclosed in embodiments of the present application. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor or the like. The steps of a method disclosed in connection with the embodiments of the present application may be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in a processor. The software module may be located in ram, flash memory, rom, prom, or eprom, registers, etc. storage media as is well known in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory 142, and the processor 141 reads the information in the memory 142 and completes the steps of the signal processing flow in combination with the hardware thereof.

The processor 141 is configured to read the computer instructions in the memory 142 and execute the following steps:

In one possible implementation, processor 141 is further configured to:

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer storage medium having stored thereon a computer program that, when executed by processor 131 and/or processor 141, performs the steps of any of the methods as provided in embodiments of the present invention.

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

The present application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to the application. It will be understood that each flow and/or block of the flow diagrams and/or block diagrams, and combinations of flows and/or blocks in the flow diagrams and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart flow or flows and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified in the flowchart flow or flows and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart flow or flows and/or block diagram block or blocks.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made in the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Thus, if such modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include such modifications and variations as well.

Claims

1. A configuration method of a network device, configured to maintain a primary node of a primary node and a secondary node in dual connection with a user terminal, the method comprising:

performing a CHO operation, and sending a second request message to the secondary node on a condition that the CHO operation is determined to be completed, the second request message indicating that the secondary node is allowed to perform a CPC operation.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a first response message sent by the secondary node for the first request message, wherein the first response message is used for representing that the secondary node is prohibited from performing CPC operation.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a second response message sent by the secondary node for the second request message, wherein the second response message is used for representing that the secondary node is allowed to perform CPC operation.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein if the CHO information is preconfigured, then prior to said performing the CHO operation, the method further comprises: and executing the auxiliary node adding operation.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a third request message sent by the secondary node, wherein the third request message is used for prohibiting the primary node from executing CHO operation;

and sending a third response message to the auxiliary node under the condition that the CHO operation is not executed within a second preset time length, wherein the third response message is used for indicating that the CPC operation is allowed to be executed by the auxiliary node.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

and sending a fourth response message to the auxiliary node under the condition that a CHO operation is executed after the first preset time length is determined or the CHO operation is currently executed, wherein the fourth response message is used for indicating that the auxiliary node is prohibited from executing a CPC operation.

7. A configuration method of a network device, configured to be used by a secondary node of a primary node and a secondary node that maintain dual connectivity with a user terminal, the method comprising:

after a third preset time length is determined, executing a primary and secondary cell condition updating (CPC) operation or sending a third request message to a master node under the condition that the CPC operation is currently executed, wherein the third request message is used for forbidding the master node to execute a conditional switching (CHO) operation;

when determining that the third response message sent by the primary node is received and used for indicating that the secondary node is allowed to execute the CPC operation, executing the CPC operation, and sending a fourth request message to the primary node under the condition that the CPC operation is determined to be completed, wherein the fourth request message is used for indicating that the primary node is allowed to execute the CHO operation.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

and when determining to receive a fourth response message sent by the primary node and used for indicating that the secondary node is prohibited from executing CPC operation, prohibiting CPC operation.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

receiving a first request message sent by the primary node, wherein the first request message is used for prohibiting the secondary node from executing CPC operation;

and sending a first response message to the primary node, wherein the first response message is used for representing that the secondary node is prohibited from performing CPC operation.

11. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

receiving a second request message sent by the primary node, where the second request message is used to indicate that the secondary node is allowed to perform CPC operation;

12. A configuration apparatus of a network device for maintaining a primary node of a primary node and a secondary node in dual connectivity with a user terminal, the apparatus comprising:

a first sending unit, configured to send a first request message to an auxiliary node under a condition that a conditional access point (CHO) operation is executed or a CHO operation is currently being executed after a first preset duration is determined, where the first request message is used to prohibit the auxiliary node from executing a primary and auxiliary cell condition update (CPC) operation;

a processing unit for performing a CHO operation;

a second sending unit, configured to send, to the secondary node, a second request message on a condition that it is determined that the CHO operation is completed, where the second request message is used to indicate that the secondary node is allowed to perform CPC operation.

13. An apparatus for configuring a network device, the apparatus being configured to maintain a primary node and a secondary node in dual connectivity with a user terminal, the apparatus comprising:

a first sending unit, configured to send a third request message to a master node under a condition that a condition of a primary and secondary cell is executed to update CPC operation after a third preset time is determined or the CPC operation is currently being executed, where the third request message is used to prohibit the master node from executing a Conditional Handover (CHO) operation;

a second sending unit, configured to send a fourth request message to the master node on a condition that it is determined that the CPC operation is completed, where the fourth request message is used to indicate that the master node is allowed to perform a CHO operation.

14. A configuration device for a network device, the device comprising: a processor, a memory, and a transceiver;

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to:

receiving a first response message sent by a secondary node for the first request message, wherein the first response message is used for representing that the secondary node is prohibited from performing CPC operation.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to:

receiving a second response message sent by a secondary node for the second request message, wherein the second response message is used for representing that the secondary node is allowed to perform CPC operation.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to: and if the CHO information is configured in advance, executing the auxiliary node adding operation before the CHO operation is executed.

18. The device of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to:

receiving a third request message sent by a secondary node, wherein the third request message is used for forbidding the primary node to execute CHO operation;

19. The device of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to:

20. A configuration device for a network device, the device comprising: a processor, a memory, and a transceiver;

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the processor is further configured to:

22. The device of claim 20, wherein the processor is further configured to:

23. The device of claim 20, wherein the processor is further configured to:

24. The device of claim 20, wherein the processor is further configured to:

25. A computer storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the program, when being executed by a processor, performing the steps of the method according to any of the claims 1 to 6 or the steps of the method according to any of the claims 7 to 11.