WO2023202220A1

WO2023202220A1 - Communication method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2023202220A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/078461
Authority: WO
Inventors: 黄正磊; 潘奇; 倪慧
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2022-04-20
Filing date: 2023-02-27
Publication date: 2023-10-26
Also published as: CN116963204A

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a donor wireless access node determines first information, the first information being information related to a cell that a terminal device accesses, a cell that the terminal device currently accesses being a first cell corresponding to a relay wireless access node, and the relay wireless access node being a child node of the donor wireless access node; and the donor wireless access node controls cell handover of the terminal device according to the first information. According to the present application, the donor wireless access node controls the cell handover of the terminal device according to the information related to the cell that the terminal device accesses, so that the number of cell handovers of the terminal device triggered along with the synchronous movement of the terminal device and the relay wireless access node can be reduced, thereby reducing the time delay generated by multiple cell handovers, and improving the communication stability of the terminal device.

Description

A communication method and device

Cross-references to related applications

This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application submitted to the State Intellectual Property Office of China on April 20, 2022, with application number 202210417145.6 and application title "A communication method and device", the entire content of which is incorporated into this application by reference. middle.

Technical field

The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to a communication method and device.

Background technique

The fifth generation mobile communication system (5th-generation, 5G) introduces integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network technology. The access link and backhaul link in the IAB network (backhaul link) all adopt wireless transmission solutions, which can improve signal coverage and reduce deployment costs. In the IAB network, the IAB host node is connected to the core network through a wired link. In addition, an IAB node is added between the IAB host node and the user equipment (UE), so that the UE can Connect to the IAB host node through the IAB node, and then access the core network.

Currently, the IAB host node controls the cell switching of the UE based on the measurement information reported by the UE. If the measurement information indicates that the signal strength of other cells is higher than the signal strength of the cell currently accessed by the UE, the IAB host node may instruct the UE to perform cell switching. In some scenarios, the UE and the IAB node it accesses can move synchronously. For example, if an ambulance acts as an IAB node and the medical equipment on the ambulance acts as a UE, then the UE and the IAB node can move synchronously. During the synchronous movement of the UE and an IAB node, if the signal strength of other IAB nodes is higher than the signal strength of the IAB node, the IAB host node will instruct the UE to perform cell switching. However, as the UE and the IAB node continue to move synchronously, the signal strength of the IAB node may be higher than the signal strength of other IAB nodes, and the IAB host node may again instruct the UE to switch back to the IAB node. It can be seen that during the process of synchronous movement of the UE and the IAB node, the UE may perform multiple cell switches. These multiple cell switches will cause a large delay and are not conducive to the stability of the UE communication.

Contents of the invention

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device for reducing the cell switching process of terminal equipment, thereby reducing the delay caused by multiple cell switching and improving the stability of terminal equipment communication.

In the first aspect, this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a host wireless access node, or by other devices including the host wireless access node function, or by a chip system or other functional modules, and the chip system or The functional module can realize the function of the host wireless access node, and the chip system or the functional module is, for example, provided in the host wireless access node. Optionally, the host wireless access node is, for example, an IAB host node. The method includes: a host wireless access node determines first information, where the first information is information related to a terminal device accessing a cell, wherein the cell currently accessed by the terminal device is a cell corresponding to the relay wireless access node. In the first cell, the relay wireless access node is a child node of the host wireless access node; the host wireless access node controls cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information.

In this embodiment of the present application, the host wireless access node needs to control the cell switching of the terminal device based on the first information, which is equivalent to adding a judgment condition when the host wireless access node determines whether the terminal device performs cell switching, which can reduce the number of terminal devices. number of switching times. For example, during the synchronous movement of the relay wireless access node and the terminal device, the host wireless access node can no longer frequently trigger the terminal device to perform cell switching based on the signal strength of the cell, even if there are other cells with higher signal strength than the relay. The signal strength of the cell corresponding to the wireless access node, the host wireless access node also needs to consider the first information to determine whether to switch, thereby reducing the number of switching times of the terminal device, reducing the delay caused by multiple switching, and improving the communication efficiency of the terminal device. stability. In addition, the first information is information related to the terminal device accessing the cell. The host wireless node controls the cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information, which can make the control result more accurate, so that the terminal device can perform cell switching at an appropriate time.

In an optional implementation, the first information includes cell switching rules, and the cell switching rules may include one or more of the following rules:

The signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the terminal device does not perform cell switching;

Alternatively, the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, and the terminal device performs cell switching;

Alternatively, the first cell has an associated relationship with the terminal device, and the terminal device does not perform cell switching.

Through the above method, the host wireless access node can control the cell switching of the terminal device according to the cell switching rules, and the cell switching rules include multiple rules, and the implementation method is flexible.

In an optional implementation, the host wireless access node controls the cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information, which may be: the host wireless access node receives measurements from the terminal device. Information, the measurement information includes the signal strength of the first cell; the host wireless access node controls the cell switching of the terminal device according to the cell switching rule and the signal strength of the first cell. For example, if the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the host wireless access node can determine that the terminal device does not perform cell handover according to the cell switching rule, that is, the signal strength of the cell currently accessed by the terminal device is greater than or equal to The first threshold can meet the communication requirements of the terminal device. Even if the signal strength of other cells is higher than the signal strength of the cell currently accessed by the terminal device, the host wireless access node will not trigger the terminal device to perform cell switching. In this way, During the synchronous movement of the terminal device and the relay wireless access node, if the signal strength of the cell corresponding to the relay wireless access node is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the host wireless access node can keep the terminal device connected to the relay wireless access node. The access relationship between the cells corresponding to the ingress node prevents the terminal equipment from performing cell switching, thereby reducing unnecessary cell switching by the terminal equipment. For another example, if the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, the host wireless access node may determine that the terminal device performs cell handover according to the cell switching rule, that is, the signal strength of the cell currently accessed by the terminal device is less than or equal to The second threshold cannot meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, and there are other cells whose signal strength is higher than the signal strength of the cell currently accessed by the terminal device. The host wireless access node can trigger the terminal device to perform cell switching to meet the second threshold. Communication requirements for terminal equipment.

In an optional implementation, the host wireless access node controls the cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information, which may be: the host wireless access node determines whether the terminal device is the same as the terminal device. The first cell has an association relationship; the host wireless access node determines that the terminal device does not perform cell switching based on the cell switching rule and the association relationship. In this way, the host wireless access node can first determine whether there is an association relationship between the terminal device and the cell it is currently accessing, and then control the cell switching of the terminal device according to the cell switching rules. For example, the host wireless access node determines that the terminal device has an association relationship with the cell it is currently accessing. The host wireless access node determines that the terminal device does not perform cell switching based on the cell switching rules and the association relationship, thereby reducing unnecessary cell switching for the terminal device. switch.

In an optional implementation, the method may further include: the host wireless access node sending the first information to the terminal device. In this way, the host wireless access node can send the first information to the terminal device.

In an optional implementation, the first information includes cell reselection rules, and the cell reselection rules include one or more of the following rules:

The signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold, and the terminal device does not perform cell reselection;

Alternatively, the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the terminal device performs cell reselection;

Alternatively, the first cell has an associated relationship with the terminal device, and the terminal device does not perform cell reselection.

Through the above method, the host wireless access node can also determine the cell reselection rule and send the cell reselection rule to the terminal device. In this way, the terminal device can control the cell reselection according to the cell reselection rule, and the cell reselection rule Contains a variety of rules and flexible implementation methods.

In an optional implementation, the method may further include: the host wireless access node sending first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the cell type of the first cell is a relay cell. . In this way, the host wireless access node can broadcast the first indication information to indicate that the cell type of the first cell is a relay cell. In this way, the terminal device can determine whether to perform cell reselection according to the cell reselection rules, instead of just Determine whether to perform cell reselection based on the signal strength of the cell.

In an optional implementation, the method may further include: the host wireless access node determining a first identity of the first cell, wherein the first identity is used for the terminal device to access the The first cell; the host wireless access node sends the first identifier to the terminal device. In this way, the host wireless access node can determine the first identity of the first cell and send the first identity to the terminal device, so that the terminal device accesses the first cell according to the first identity. The first identification is, for example, readable identification information, such as identification information identifiable by the user. In this way, the terminal device can display the first identification so that the user can determine whether to access the first cell based on the first identification, thereby enabling the terminal device to Access a suitable cell, such as the cell corresponding to the user's current location.

In an optional implementation, the host wireless access node determines the first identity of the first cell, which may be: the host wireless access node receives a message from the access and mobility management function network element. the first identifier. In this way, the first identification may come from the access and mobility management function network element. For example, the first identifier may be a preconfigured identifier of the access and mobility management function network element, or an identifier obtained by the access and mobility management function network element from the unified data management function network element or the application function network element.

In an optional implementation manner, the host wireless access node determines the first information, which may be: the host wireless access node receives a third message from the access and mobility management function network element or the terminal device. Two indication information, wherein the second indication information indicates that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell; the host wireless access node determines the first information according to the second indication information. In this way, the host wireless access node can determine that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell based on the second indication information from the access and mobility management function network element or the terminal device, and determine the first information based on the association relationship. . For example, the host wireless access node can configure cell switching rules based on the association relationship. If the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell, the terminal device does not perform cell switching to reduce the synchronization between the terminal device and the relay wireless access node. The number of cell handovers performed by terminal equipment triggered by movement. Furthermore, the host wireless access node can also configure cell reselection rules based on the association relationship. If the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell, the terminal device does not perform cell reselection.

In the second aspect, this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by other devices including terminal device functions, or by a chip system or other functional modules that can implement the terminal device function, the chip system or functional module is, for example, provided in a terminal device. This method includes: terminal device Be prepared to receive first information from the host wireless access node, where the first information is information related to the terminal device accessing a cell, wherein the cell currently accessed by the terminal device is the third cell corresponding to the relay wireless access node. A cell, the relay wireless access node is a child node of the host wireless access node; the terminal device controls cell reselection of the terminal device according to the first information.

In this embodiment of the present application, the terminal device needs to control cell reselection based on the first information, which is equivalent to adding a judgment condition when the terminal device determines the cell to access, which can reduce the number of handovers of the terminal device. For example, during the synchronous movement of the relay wireless access node and the terminal device, the terminal device can no longer determine the cell to be accessed based only on the signal strength of the cell, even if there are other cells with higher signal strength than the relay wireless access node. The terminal device also needs to consider the first information before determining the cell to access based on the signal strength of the cell corresponding to the ingress node, thereby reducing the frequent synchronous movement of the terminal device and the relay wireless access node after the terminal device accesses other cells. Trigger terminal equipment to perform cell switching, reduce the delay caused by multiple handovers, and improve the stability of terminal equipment communication. In addition, the first information is information related to the terminal device accessing the cell. The terminal device controls cell reselection based on the first information, which can make the control result more accurate and the terminal device can select a suitable cell for access.

In an optional implementation, the terminal device controls cell reselection of the terminal device according to the first information, which may be: the terminal device determines measurement information, and the measurement information includes the first The signal strength of the cell; the terminal device controls the cell reselection of the terminal device according to the cell reselection rule and the signal strength of the first cell.

In an optional implementation manner, the terminal device controls cell reselection of the terminal device according to the first information, which may be: the terminal device determines that the terminal device is associated with the first cell. Relationship; the terminal device determines not to perform cell reselection based on the cell reselection rule and the association relationship.

In an optional implementation, the method may further include: the terminal device receiving first indication information from the host wireless access node, wherein the first indication information indicates the location of the first cell. The cell type is a relay cell.

In an optional implementation, the method may further include: the terminal device receiving a first identifier of the first cell from the host wireless access node; the terminal device receiving the first identifier according to the first identifier. Access the first cell.

In an optional implementation, the method may further include: the terminal device sending second indication information to the host wireless access node, the second indication information instructing the terminal device to communicate with the first The communities are related.

In an optional implementation, the method may further include: the terminal device determining, according to the first identification and status information, that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell, wherein the status The information includes location information of the terminal device and/or a location relationship between the terminal device and the relay wireless access node.

Regarding the technical effects of the second aspect or various embodiments, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or corresponding embodiments.

In the third aspect, this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by an access and mobility management function network element, or by other devices including access and mobility management function network element functions, or by a chip system or other Function module execution, the chip system or functional module can realize the functions of access and mobility management functional network elements, the chip system or The functional module is, for example, provided in the access and mobility management functional network element. Optionally, the access and mobility management function network element is, for example, an AMF network element. The method includes: the access and mobility management function network element determines second information, the second information is used for the terminal device to access the cell; wherein the second information includes the first identifier of the first cell or indicates the The terminal device has an association relationship with a first cell, the first cell is a cell that the terminal device currently accesses, the first cell corresponds to a relay wireless access node, and the relay wireless access node is a host A child node of a wireless access node; the access and mobility management network element sends the second information to the host wireless access node.

In an optional implementation manner, the second information determined by the access and mobility management function network element may be: the access and mobility management function network element receives data from the unified data management function network element or application The first identification of the functional network element.

In an optional implementation manner, the access and mobility management function network element determines the second information, which may be: the access and mobility management function network element receives access information from the UE, and the The access information includes the identification information of the first cell; the access and mobility management function network element receives third information from the unified data management function network element, and the third information includes one or more information associated with the UE. Identification information of a cell, the one or more cells including the first cell; the access and mobility management function network element determines the relationship between the UE and the third cell based on the access information and the third information. A neighborhood has an associated relationship.

Regarding the technical effects of the third aspect or various embodiments, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or corresponding embodiments.

In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be the host wireless access node described in any one of the above first to third aspects. The communication device has the function of the above-mentioned host wireless access node. The communication device is, for example, a host wireless access node, or a larger device including the host wireless access node, or a functional module in the host wireless access node, such as a baseband device or a chip system. In an optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing module (sometimes also called a processing unit) and a transceiver module (sometimes also called a transceiver unit). The transceiver module can realize the sending function and the receiving function. When the transceiver module realizes the sending function, it can be called the sending module (sometimes also called the sending unit). When the transceiver module realizes the receiving function, it can be called the receiving module (sometimes also called the sending unit). receiving unit). The sending module and the receiving module can be the same functional module, which is called the sending and receiving module. This functional module can realize the sending function and the receiving function; or the sending module and the receiving module can be different functional modules, and the sending and receiving module is responsible for these functions. The collective name for functional modules. Optionally, the host wireless access node is, for example, an IAB host node.

For example, the processing module may be used to determine the first information, which is information related to the terminal device accessing a cell, wherein the cell currently accessed by the terminal device is corresponding to the relay wireless access node. In the first cell, the relay wireless access node is a child node of the host wireless access node; and, the cell switching of the terminal device is controlled according to the first information. For example, the transceiver module (or sending module) may be used to send the first information to the terminal device. For another example, the transceiver module (or receiving module) may be configured to receive second indication information from the access and mobility management function network element or the terminal device, wherein the second indication information indicates that the terminal The device has an association relationship with the first cell; the host wireless access node determines the first information according to the second indication information.

In an optional implementation, the communication device further includes a storage unit (sometimes also referred to as a storage module), the processing unit is configured to be coupled with the storage unit and execute the program in the storage unit or Instructions enable the communication device to perform the functions of the host wireless access node described in any one of the above first to third aspects.

In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be the above-mentioned first to third aspects any aspect of the terminal equipment. The communication device has the function of the above-mentioned terminal device. The communication device is, for example, a terminal device, or a larger device including the terminal device, or a functional module in the terminal device, such as a baseband device or a chip system. In an optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing module (sometimes also called a processing unit) and a transceiver module (sometimes also called a transceiver unit). The transceiver module can realize the sending function and the receiving function. When the transceiver module realizes the sending function, it can be called the sending module (sometimes also called the sending unit). When the transceiver module realizes the receiving function, it can be called the receiving module (sometimes also called the sending unit). receiving unit). The sending module and the receiving module can be the same functional module, which is called the sending and receiving module. This functional module can realize the sending function and the receiving function; or the sending module and the receiving module can be different functional modules, and the sending and receiving module is responsible for these functions. The collective name for functional modules.

For example, the transceiver module (or receiving module) may be used to receive first information from the host wireless access node, where the first information is information related to the terminal device accessing the cell, wherein the terminal device is currently The accessed cell is the first cell of the relay wireless access node, and the relay wireless access node is a child node of the host wireless access node. For example, the processing module may be configured to control cell reselection of the terminal device according to the first information. For another example, the transceiver module (or sending module) may be configured to send second indication information to the host wireless access node, where the second indication information indicates that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell. .

In an optional implementation, the communication device further includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module), the processing unit is configured to be coupled with the storage unit and execute the program in the storage unit or Instructions enable the communication device to perform the functions of the terminal device described in any one of the above first to third aspects.

In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be the access and mobility management function network element described in any one of the above first to third aspects. The communication device has the functions of the above-mentioned access and mobility management function network element. The communication device is, for example, an access and mobility management functional network element, or a larger device including an access and mobility management functional network element, or a functional module in an access and mobility management functional network element, for example Baseband device or chip system, etc. In an optional implementation, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing module (sometimes also called a processing unit) and a transceiver module (sometimes also called a transceiver unit). The transceiver module can realize the sending function and the receiving function. When the transceiver module realizes the sending function, it can be called the sending module (sometimes also called the sending unit). When the transceiver module realizes the receiving function, it can be called the receiving module (sometimes also called the sending unit). receiving unit). The sending module and the receiving module can be the same functional module, which is called the sending and receiving module. This functional module can realize the sending function and the receiving function; or the sending module and the receiving module can be different functional modules, and the sending and receiving module is responsible for these functions. The collective name for functional modules. Optionally, the access and mobility management function network element is, for example, an AMF network element.

For example, the processing module may be used to determine second information, the second information is used for the terminal device to access the cell; wherein the second information includes the first identification of the first cell and/or indicates that the terminal device It has an association relationship with a first cell, the first cell is a cell currently accessed by the terminal device, the first cell corresponds to a relay wireless access node, and the relay wireless access node is a host wireless access node. The child node of the entry node. For example, the transceiver module (or sending module) may be used to send the second information to the host wireless access node. For another example, the transceiver module (or receiving module) may be configured to receive the second information from a unified data management function network element or an application function network element.

In an optional implementation, the communication device further includes a storage unit (sometimes also called a storage module), the processing unit is configured to be coupled with the storage unit and execute the program in the storage unit or Instructions to enable the communication device to execute the access and mobility management function network element described in any one of the above first to third aspects. function.

In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication system, including at least one of the communication device described in the fourth aspect, the communication device described in the fifth aspect, or the communication device described in the sixth aspect.

In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium is used to store computer programs or instructions, and when executed, the host wireless access node, terminal device or Methods executed by access and mobility management functional network elements are implemented.

In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product containing instructions, which, when run on a computer, enables the methods described in the above aspects to be implemented.

In a tenth aspect, this application provides a chip system, including a processor and an interface. The processor is configured to call and run instructions from the interface, so that the chip system implements the methods of the above aspects.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 is an architectural diagram of a 5G network;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an independent networking scenario of the IAB network applicable to the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the non-independent networking scenario of the IAB network applicable to the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario applicable to the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of establishing an association relationship between a UE and a first cell provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the disassociation relationship between the UE and the first cell provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 7 is another schematic flow diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of yet another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of yet another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 11 is another structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 12 is another structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 13 is another structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed ways

Before introducing this application, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will first be briefly explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

(1) Host wireless access point (donor wireless access point), which can also be called host node, host base station (donor base station), or integrated access and backhaul (IAB) host node, etc., is It refers to the node through which the core network can be accessed. It is the device in the communication system that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. Host wireless access nodes are typically connected to the core network through wired links (such as fiber optic cables). The host wireless access node may be responsible for receiving data from the core network and forwarding it to the wireless backhaul device, or receiving data from the wireless backhaul device and forwarding it to the core network. The host wireless access node can generally be connected to the network through wired means.

As an example, the host wireless access node may include a radio network controller (RNC), a Node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (base transceiver) station, BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), etc., which may also include evolutionary base stations (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutionary Node B) in the evolved LTE system (LTE-Advanced, LTE-A), or It may also include the next generation node B (next generation node B, gNB) in the fifth generation mobile communication technology (fifth generation, 5G) new radio (new radio, NR) system, etc.

As another example, the host wireless access node may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). Among them, CU is the logic that carries the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the host wireless access node. Node, used to control the operation of one or more DUs. DU is a logical node that carries the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC) and physical layer of the host wireless access node. The CU is connected to the DU it controls through the F1 interface. The F1 interface is used to transmit the lower-layer configuration information of the wireless bearer between the CU and the DU, and to establish a GTP tunnel between the DU and the CU for each wireless bearer. The F1 interface may further include a control plane interface (F1-C) and a user plane interface (F1-U). The CU and the core network are connected through the next generation (NG) interface. Among them, CU can also exist in the form of separation of user plane (UP) (such as CU-UP) and control plane (CP) (such as CU-CP), that is, CU is composed of CU- Composed of CP and CU-UP. A CU may include one CU-CP and at least one CU-UP.

The function of the host wireless access node may be implemented by hardware components inside the host wireless access node, for example, a processor and/or a programmable chip inside the host wireless access node. For example, the chip can be implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD). The above-mentioned PLD can be a complex programmable logical device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a general array logic (GAL), a system on a chip (system on a chip) , SOC) or any combination thereof.

In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following introduction takes the host wireless access node as an IAB host node as an example.

(2) Relay wireless access point (relay wireless access point), which can also be called relay node, wireless backhaul device, or IAB node, etc., refers to the node located between the host wireless access node and the terminal device. The relay wireless access node can be responsible for forwarding data from the terminal device to the host wireless access node and forwarding the host wireless access node to the core network, or receiving core network data from the host wireless access node and transmitting the data. forwarded to the terminal device.

As an example, the relay wireless access node may include a mobile terminal (mobile termination, MT) part and a distributed unit (distributed unit, DU) part. When the relay wireless access node faces its parent node (that is, the previous hop node of the relay wireless access node), it can be regarded as a terminal device, that is, it plays the role of MT; when the relay wireless access node faces its child node (that is, the next hop node of the relay wireless access node, the child node may be another relay wireless access node, or it may be a terminal device), it can be regarded as providing backhaul services for the child node The network device plays the role of DU. The MT part of the relay wireless access node may have some or all of the functions of the terminal device. The DU part of the relay wireless access node can include the functions of the physical layer (PHY)/MAC layer/RLC layer, communicate with the sub-nodes, and provide access services for the sub-nodes. When the child node is another relay wireless access node, a backhaul adaptation protocol (BAP) layer may also be included above the RLC layer.

It should be understood that when applied in home access scenarios, the relay wireless access node can also be called user premises equipment (customer premises equipment, CPE), the relay wireless access node can also have other names, which is not limited by this application.

The function of the relay wireless access node may be implemented by hardware components inside the relay wireless access node, for example, a processor and/or a programmable chip inside the relay wireless access node. For example, the chip can be implemented by ASIC, or PLD. The above-mentioned PLD can be any one of CPLD, FPGA, GAL, SOC or any combination thereof.

In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following introduction takes the relay wireless access node as an IAB node as an example.

(3) Cell, also called cellular cell, refers to the area covered by one of the wireless access nodes or part of the wireless access nodes (sector antenna) in the cellular mobile communication system. In this area, terminal equipment can pass through Wireless channels communicate reliably with wireless access nodes.

In this embodiment of the present application, the cell type of the cell corresponding to the relay wireless access node may be called a relay cell. The relay cell refers to the area covered by the relay wireless access node. In this area, the terminal equipment does not directly communicate with the host wireless access node, but communicates with the host wireless access node through the forwarding of the relay wireless access node. Ingress node to communicate. In addition, the non-relay cell involved in the embodiments of this application, that is, the ordinary cell, refers to the area covered by the wireless access node. In this area, the terminal equipment directly communicates with the wireless access node without the need for relay wireless access. node forwards.

(4) Terminal equipment is a device that provides voice and/or data connectivity to users. The terminal device involved in this application may be a terminal device or a terminal, or a hardware component inside the terminal device that can implement the functions of the terminal device.

In the embodiment of this application, the terminal device may be called a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), etc., and may include, for example, a handheld device with a wireless connection function. device, or processing device connected to a wireless modem. The terminal can communicate with the core network via the radio access network (RAN) and exchange voice and/or data with the RAN. Some examples of terminal devices are: personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (personal digital assistant, PDA), barcode, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, satellite navigation systems, such as global positioning system (global positioning system, GPS), Beidou positioning system, laser scanners and other information sensing equipment and other equipment.

Terminal devices can also be wearable devices. Wearable devices can also be called wearable smart devices. It is a general term for applying wearable technology to intelligently design daily wear and develop wearable devices, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing and shoes, etc. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly defined wearable smart devices include full-featured, large-sized devices that can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, and those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to cooperate with other devices such as smartphones. Used, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, smart jewelry, etc. for physical sign monitoring. The terminal can also be a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control (industrial control), a wireless terminal in self-driving (self driving), or remote surgery Wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grid, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart city, and smart home Wireless terminals, terminal equipment in the future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), or vehicle equipment in the Internet of Vehicles (vehicle to everything, V2X), customer premises equipment (CPE) )wait. The terminal equipment can also be a vehicle-mounted terminal equipment, For example, terminal equipment located on the vehicle (for example, placed or installed in the vehicle), such as medical equipment on the ambulance, vehicle-mounted cameras, etc. The vehicle-mounted terminal device is also called an on-board unit (OBU), for example.

The functions of the terminal device may be implemented by hardware components inside the terminal device, and the hardware components may be processors and/or programmable chips inside the terminal device. Optionally, the chip can be implemented by ASIC, or PLD. The above-mentioned PLD can be any one of CPLD, FPGA, GAL, SOC or any combination thereof.

(5) “Multiple” in the embodiments of this application means two or more. In view of this, “plurality” in the embodiments of this application can also be understood as “at least two”. "At least one" can be understood as one or more, for example, one, two or more. For example, including at least one means including one, two or more, and it does not limit which ones are included. For example, if it includes at least one of A, B and C, then it can include A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. "And/or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and/or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character "/", unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application may be used interchangeably.

Unless otherwise stated, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority or importance of multiple objects.

Some terms involved in this application have been introduced previously. Next, the communication systems and application scenarios applicable to the embodiments of this application will be introduced.

It should be noted that the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as long term evolution (long term evolution, LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, and LTE time division duplex systems. (time division duplex, TDD), fifth generation (5th generation, 5G) mobile communication system or new wireless (new radio, NR) system, or applied to future communication systems or other similar communication systems. The embodiments of this application are introduced by taking the 5G communication system as an example.

Figure 1 shows the architecture of a 5G communication system, which may include: (wireless) access network ((R)AN in Figure 1), terminal equipment and core network. For example, in the architecture of the communication system, the (wireless) access network may include access network elements. Among them, for the introduction of terminal equipment, please refer to the previous description. For convenience of description, in the embodiment of this application, the terminal device is described by taking a UE as an example.

In the embodiment of this application, the access network element, which may also be called an access network device, is a device with wireless transceiver functions and is used to communicate with terminal devices. The access network elements include but are not limited to base stations (base transceiver station (BTS), Node B, eNodeB/eNB, or gNodeB/gNB), transceiver points (transmission reception point, TRP), third Base stations for the subsequent evolution of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), access nodes in wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, etc. The base station may be: a macro base station, a micro base station, a pico base station, a small station, a relay station, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks with the same access technology or networks with different access technologies. A base station may contain one or more co-located or non-co-located transmission and reception points. The access network element may also be a wireless controller, a centralized unit (CU), and/or a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (cloud radio access network, CRAN) scenario. . For example, the access network element in vehicle to everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU). The following description takes the access network element as a base station as an example. The base station can communicate with the terminal device or communicate with the terminal device through the relay station. Terminal devices can communicate with multiple base stations in different access technologies.

Equipment in the core network includes but is not limited to implementing mobility management, data processing, session management, policy and billing equipment with other functions. Taking 5GS as an example, the core network equipment may include network exposure function (NEF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, unified data management (UDM), application Function (application function, AF) network element, access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, user plane function, UPF) network elements, etc.

Access and mobility management function network elements, the main functions may include managing user registration, SMF network element selection, mobility management, access authentication/authorization, etc. For example, in the 5G communication system, the access and mobility management function network element can be an AMF network element, as shown in Figure 1; in future communication systems, such as the 6G communication system, the access and mobility management function network element will still be It may be an AMF network element, or it may have other names, which are not limited in the embodiment of this application.

The unified data management network element is responsible for the management of user identification, contract data, authentication data, and user service network element registration management. For example, in a 5G communication system, the unified data management network element can be a UDM network element, as shown in Figure 1; in future communications, such as a 6G communication system, the unified data management network element can still be a UDM network element, or have Other names are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

Application function network element. In the 5G communication system, the application function network element can be an AF network element, which represents the application function of a third party or operator. It is the interface for the 5G network to obtain external application data, and is mainly used to transmit application side information to the network. side needs. It should be understood that in future communications, such as 6G communication systems, the application function network element can still be an AF network element, or have other names, which are not limited by the embodiments of this application.

The above mainly introduces some network elements that may be involved in various embodiments of the present application. In addition, Figure 1 also involves other network elements, so no further introduction will be given here.

Among them, each network element in the core network can be either a network element implemented on dedicated hardware, a software instance running on dedicated hardware, or an instance of a virtualization function on an appropriate platform, for example, the above-mentioned virtualization The platform can be a cloud platform. Moreover, each network element in the core network can also be called a functional entity or device. For example, a user plane functional network element can also be called a user plane functional entity or a user plane functional device, and a policy control functional network element can also be called a policy. Control function entity or policy control function device, unified data management network element may also be called unified data management entity or unified data management device.

In Figure 1, Nnef, Namf, Npcf, Nsmf, Nudm, Naf, N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface serial numbers. The meaning of these interface serial numbers can be found in the meaning defined in the 3GPP standard protocol, and is not limited here.

It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the communication system shown in Figure 1. The names of the network elements shown in Figure 1 are only used as an example here and are not used as a communication system architecture applicable to the methods of the embodiments of the present application. Limitation of network elements included in . The names of devices that implement core network functions in systems with different access technologies may be different, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

It should be noted that the communication system shown in Figure 1 does not constitute a limitation of the communication systems to which the embodiments of the present application can be applied. The communication system architecture shown in Figure 1 is a 5G system architecture. Optionally, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application can be applied not only to the 5G system, but also to the fourth generation mobile communication technology (the 4th generation, 4G). systems, such as LTE systems, or can also be applied to next-generation mobile communication systems or other similar communication systems, without specific limitations.

It should be noted that the architecture of the communication system shown in Figure 1 is not limited to including only the network elements shown in the figure, but may also include other devices not shown in the figure, which will not be listed here.

It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the distribution form of each network element. The distribution form shown in Figure 1 is only exemplary and is not limited by the embodiments of the present application.

For convenience of explanation, the network elements involved in the embodiments of this application will be described by taking the network element shown in Figure 1 as an example, and the XX network element will be directly referred to as XX. For example, the AMF network element will be referred to as AMF, and the UDM network element will be referred to as XX. The network element is abbreviated as UDM, and the AF network element is abbreviated as AF, etc. It should be understood that the names of all network elements in the embodiments of this application are only as examples, and they may also be called other names in future communications, or in future communications, the network elements involved in the embodiments of this application may also be named by other entities with the same functions. Or equipment, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. A unified explanation is given here and will not be repeated later.

The embodiment of this application relates to the IAB network. Figures 2 and 3 respectively show a schematic diagram of the standalone networking (SA) scenario of the IAB network and a schematic diagram of the non-standalone networking (NSA) scenario of the IAB network. The independent networking scenario refers to that both the IAB node and the terminal device establish connections with the network through the air interface of the same communication format (for example, NR format). The non-independent networking scenario refers to that the IAB node and the terminal device establish a connection with the network through the air interface of two or more communication standards.

Specifically, in Figure 2, the parent node of the IAB node is the IAB host node. It should be understood that one or more IAB nodes may be included between the UE and the IAB host node. In Figure 2, one IAB node is taken as an example. After the UE's uplink data is transmitted to the IAB host node through one or more IAB nodes, the IAB host node then sends it to the mobile network element device (such as the UPF network element in the 5G core network (5G core, 5GC)). The UE's downlink data packet is received by the IAB host node from the mobile gateway device, and then sent to the UE through one or more IAB nodes.

It should be noted that the independent networking scenario shown in Figure 2 is only exemplary. In the scenario of combining multi-hop with dual connections or multiple connections, there are other possibilities, such as those shown in Figure 2 The IAB host node shown can also form a dual connection with an IAB node under another IAB host node to provide services for terminal devices. There are many similar examples, so I won’t list them all here.

Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the non-standalone (NSA) scenario of the IAB network provided by the embodiment of the present application. In Figure 3, the IAB node supports dual connectivity of 4G and 5G networks, that is, evolved universal terrestrial wireless access and new air interface dual connectivity (E-UTRAN NR dual connectivity, EN-DC), in which the LTE base station eNB is the main base station , providing LTE air interface (LTE Uu) connection for IAB nodes, and establishing an S1 interface with the 4G core network evolved packet core (EPC) for user plane and control plane transmission. The IAB host node is a secondary base station, which provides NR air interface (NR Uu) connection for the IAB node, and establishes an S1 interface with the core network EPC for user plane transmission. Similarly, UE also supports EN-DC. The UE is connected to the main base station eNB through the LTE Uu interface and the secondary base station IAB node through the NR Uu interface. The secondary base station of the UE can also be an IAB host node.

It should be noted that the non-independent networking scenario shown in Figure 3 can also be called the IAB EN-DC networking scenario. This networking scenario is just an example of the non-independent networking scenario. It should be understood that the non-independent networking scenario can also support multi-hop networking, that is, the IAB node is connected to the IAB host node (specifically, the IAB host) via at least one intermediate IAB node (or through a multi-hop wireless backhaul link). The DU of the node, that is, IAB donor DU), Figure 3 takes an IAB node as an example.

It should be noted that for an introduction to the IAB host node, please refer to the aforementioned introduction to the host wireless access node, and for an introduction to the IAB node, please refer to the aforementioned introduction to the relay wireless access node, which will not be described again here.

In addition, the meaning of each interface serial number involved in Figures 2 and 3 can be found in the meaning defined in the 3GPP standard protocol, and is not limited here.

The embodiment of the present application relates to a scenario in which the UE and the IAB node move synchronously (or simultaneously), but the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto. Figure 4 shows an application scenario to which this application is applicable. As shown in Figure 4, the UE establishes a connection with the IAB host node 1 through the IAB node 1, and accesses the 5GC through the IAB host node 1; after that, the UE and the IAB node 1 Synchronous movement. As the UE moves synchronously with the IAB node 1, the IAB node 1 can switch from the IAB host node 1 to the IAB host node 2. That is, the UE accesses the 5GC through the IAB host node 2.

The synchronous movement of UE and IAB node 1 can not only trigger the handover of the IAB host node but also trigger the cell handover. For example, during the synchronous movement of the UE and IAB node 1, the UE sends measurement information to the IAB host node 1. If the measurement information indicates that the signal strength of the cell corresponding to IAB node 2 is higher than the signal strength of the cell corresponding to IAB node 1, then IAB host node 1 may instruct the UE to switch from the cell corresponding to IAB node 1 to the cell corresponding to IAB node 2. As the UE and IAB node 1 continue to move synchronously, the signal strength of the cell corresponding to the IAB node 1 may be higher than the signal strength of the cell corresponding to the IAB node 2. If the UE moves out of the coverage of IAB node 2, the IAB host node 1 may instruct the UE again to switch from the cell corresponding to IAB node 2 back to the cell corresponding to IAB node 1. It can be seen that during the synchronous movement of the UE and the IAB node 1, the UE will perform multiple cell handovers. These multiple cell handovers will produce a large delay and are not conducive to the stability of the UE communication.

In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, including the host wireless access node determining first information, and controlling the cell switching of the terminal device based on the first information, which means that the host wireless access node determines the terminal device. When deciding whether to perform cell switching, a judgment condition is added, which can reduce the number of switching times of the terminal equipment. For example, in the process of synchronous movement of the relay wireless access node and the terminal device, the host wireless access node can no longer frequently trigger the terminal device to perform cell switching based only on the signal strength of the cell, even if there are other cells whose signal strengths are higher than the middle one. Following the signal strength of the cell corresponding to the wireless access node, the host wireless access node also needs to consider the first information to determine whether to switch, thereby reducing the number of switching times of the terminal device and reducing the delay caused by multiple switchings, which can improve the terminal The stability of device communication. In addition, the first information is information related to the terminal device accessing the cell. The host wireless node controls the cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information, which can make the control result more accurate, so that the terminal device can perform cell switching at an appropriate time.

In order to better introduce the embodiments of the present application, the methods provided by the embodiments of the present application are introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings corresponding to various embodiments of the present application, all optional steps are represented by dotted lines. The methods provided by various embodiments of the present application can be applied to the network architectures shown in Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4. For example, the host wireless access node involved in various embodiments of this application may be the IAB host node in Figure 2 or Figure 3 or Figure 4; the relay wireless access node involved in various embodiments of this application may be 2 or the IAB node in Figure 3 or Figure 4; the terminal equipment involved in various embodiments of the present application may be the UE in Figure 1, Figure 2, or Figure 3 or Figure 4; the interface involved in various embodiments of the present application The access and mobility management function network element may be the AMF in Figure 1; the unified data management network element involved in various embodiments of this application may be the UDM in Figure 1; the application function network involved in various embodiments of this application The element can be AF in Figure 1.

For convenience of explanation, in the following embodiments, the host wireless access node can be replaced by an IAB host node, the relay wireless access node can be replaced by an IAB node, the terminal device can be replaced by UE, and the access and mobility can be replaced. The performance management function network element is replaced by AMF, the application function network element is replaced by AF, and the unified data management network element is replaced by UDM.

It should be noted that the embodiments of this application are described by taking an application scenario in which a terminal device and a relay wireless access node move synchronously as an example. For convenience of explanation, in the following embodiments, the relay wireless access node that moves synchronously with the terminal device or the wireless access node that carries the terminal device and moves synchronously may be replaced by IAB node 1. With the synchronous movement of IAB node 1 and the terminal equipment, the terminal equipment may be triggered to perform cell switching and host wireless access node switching (as shown in Figure 4). For the convenience of explanation, in the following embodiments, the relay wireless access node corresponding to the cell after the terminal device is switched can be replaced by IAB node 2; the host wireless access node corresponding to IAB node 1 before movement can be replaced by IAB. Replace host node 1; replace the host wireless access node with IAB host node 2 after switching the host wireless access node. replace. In addition, it should be understood that the host wireless access node corresponding to the IAB node 1 can be understood as the IAB node 1 accessing the 5GC through the host wireless access node. The host wireless access node can be the parent node of the IAB node 1. Or there are one or more other relay wireless access nodes between the host wireless access node and the IAB node 1. For ease of understanding, in the following embodiments, descriptions will be made taking the IAB node 1 as a child node of the host wireless access node as an example.

Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the method may include the following content.

S501: IAB node 1 establishes a connection with IAB host node 1.

IAB node 1 may be a child node of IAB host node 1, or there may be at least one other IAB node between IAB node 1 and IAB host node 1, which is not limited in the embodiment of this application. For ease of description, in the embodiment of this application, IAB node 1 is a child node of IAB host node 1 as an example.

In S501, the IAB node 1 establishes a connection with the IAB host node 1, and accesses the 5GC through the IAB host node 1. The embodiment of this application does not limit the specific implementation process of establishing the connection between the IAB node 1 and the IAB host node 1.

In a possible implementation manner, the IAB host node 1 can allocate cell resources to the IAB node 1 . For example, IAB host node 1 may allocate one or more cells to IAB node 1 . Any one of the one or more cells may be used for communication between IAB node 1 and IAB host node 1, or for communication between a child node of IAB node 1 (such as UE or other IAB node) and IAB host node 1. communication between. For ease of understanding, in the embodiment of this application, the IAB host node 1 allocates a cell to the IAB node 1 as an example. In the embodiment of the present application, the cell corresponding to the IAB node 1 can be understood as the cell allocated by the IAB host node 1 to the IAB node 1 . For convenience of description, the cell corresponding to IAB node 1 is called the first cell in the following embodiments.

For example, the IAB host node 1 may send the identification information of the first cell to the IAB node 1, and accordingly, the IAB node 1 receives the identification information of the first cell. In this embodiment of the present application, the first cell can be used for communication between a child node of the IAB node 1 (such as a UE or other IAB node) and the IAB host node 1 . The cell type of the first cell is a relay cell. For the description of the relay cell, please refer to the foregoing description and will not be repeated here.

As an example, the identification information of the first cell may include the first identification. For example, the first identification may be related to the IAB node 1 and be an identification identifiable (or readable) by the user. For example, the first identification may be the No. 509 bus IAB community.

As an example, IAB host node 1 may determine the first identification. For example, the IAB host node 1 may configure a first identity for the cell corresponding to the IAB node 1 (ie, the first cell) according to the identity information of the IAB node 1 . For another example, IAB host node 1 may receive the first identifier from the AMF corresponding to IAB node 1 (hereinafter, the AMF corresponding to IAB node 1 is recorded as AMF 1).

For example, the IAB node 1 may send the identification information of the IAB node 1 to the AMF 1. For example, the IAB node 1 sends the identification information of the IAB node 1 to the AMF 1 during the registration process, but this is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. AMF 1 may determine the first identity of the cell corresponding to the IAB node 1. For example, AMF 1 may configure a first identity for the cell corresponding to IAB node 1 based on the identity information of IAB node 1, or AMF 1 may receive the first identity from UDM or AF. For example, the subscription information of IAB node 1 includes the first identifier. For another example, the AF may configure the first identity for the cell corresponding to the IAB node 1 based on the identity information of the IAB node 1 . It should be understood that the specific implementation manner of obtaining the first identifier by UDM or AF in the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto. The UDM or AF may proactively send the first identity to AMF 1, or may send the first identity to AMF 1 after receiving a request message from AMF 1 for obtaining the first identity. Further, AMF 1 may send second information to IAB host node 1, where the second information includes the first identifier, such as sending the second information to IAB host node 1 through an N2 message; Accordingly, the IAB host node 1 receives the second information and obtains the first identification. It should be understood that AMF 1 may actively send the second information to IAB host node 1, or may send the second information to IAB host node 1 after receiving a request message from IAB host node 1 for obtaining the first identity. The second information is not limited by the embodiments of this application.

S502: The UE establishes a connection with the IAB host node 1 through the IAB node 1.

In S502, the UE can establish a connection with the IAB node 1, and establish a connection with the IAB host node 1 through the IAB node 1. For example, to establish an RRC connection, access the 5GC through the IAB host node 1. In this embodiment, the UE passes the IAB The specific implementation process of establishing a connection between node 1 and IAB host node 1 is not limited.

In this embodiment of the present application, the UE establishes a connection with the IAB host node 1 by accessing the first cell. For example, the UE may receive the identification information of the first cell from the IAB host node 1. For example, the IAB host node 1 broadcasts the identification information of the first cell through the IAB node 1, and the UE accesses the first cell based on the identification information of the first cell. Optionally, the UE may send the identification information of the first cell to the IAB host node 1, such as sending the identification information of the first cell to the IAB host node 1 through an RRC message. Correspondingly, the IAB host node 1 may determine that the UE is a child node of the IAB node 1 based on the identification information of the first cell, or determine that the UE is a terminal device that accesses the first cell through the IAB node 1 . It should be understood that the UE may send the identification information of the first cell to the IAB host node 1 after accessing the first cell, or the UE may also send the first cell identification information to the IAB host node 1 during the process of accessing the first cell. identification information, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

Through the above steps S501 and S502, the UE accesses the first cell, that is, accesses the 5GC through the IAB host node 1.

S503: The IAB host node 1 determines the first information, which is information related to the UE's access to the cell.

The IAB host node 1 may determine the first information, which is information related to the UE's access to the cell, such as information related to the UE's access to the relay cell. In this embodiment of the present application, the first information can be used for the IAB host node 1 to control the cell switching of the UE. For example, the first information includes cell switching rules (or called relay cell switching rules); or the first information can be used for The UE controls cell reselection, for example, the first information includes cell reselection rules (also known as relay cell reselection rules); or the first information can be used by the IAB host node 1 to control the cell handover of the UE and for the UE to control cell reselection. selection, for example, the first information includes cell switching rules and cell reselection rules.

In S503, the IAB host node 1 may determine the cell switching rule. The cell switching rules may include, for example, but are not limited to one or more of the following rules.

Cell handover rule 1: UE does not perform cell handover. In cell switching rule 1, the priority of the cell currently accessed by the UE (the first cell is taken as an example below) is higher than the priority of other cells, which means that no matter whether there are other cells whose signal strength is higher than that of the first cell, Strength, the UE does not perform cell switching. This allows the UE to maintain the connection relationship with the IAB node 1 during the synchronous movement with the IAB node 1, thereby preventing the UE from performing unnecessary cell switching.

Cell switching rule 2: the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the UE does not perform cell switching. In cell switching rule 2, the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the first threshold and can meet the communication requirements of the UE. Even if the signal strength of other cells is higher than the signal strength of the first cell, the UE will not perform cell switching. This can reduce cell switching during the synchronous movement of the UE and the IAB node 1, thereby reducing the delay caused by multiple cell switching and improving communication stability and user experience.

Cell switching rule 3: the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, and the UE performs cell switching. In cell switching rule 3, if the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the second threshold and cannot meet the communication requirements of the UE, then the UE can perform cell switching to meet the communication requirements of the UE.

Cell switching rule 4: The first cell has an association relationship (or binding relationship) with the UE, and the UE does not perform cell switching. In cell switching rule 4, the priority of the first cell associated with the UE is higher than the priority of other cells. Regardless of whether the signal strength of other cells is higher than the signal strength of the first cell, the UE will not perform cell switching. , this allows the UE to maintain the connection relationship between the IAB node 1 corresponding to its associated cell during the synchronous movement of the UE and the IAB node 1, thereby preventing the UE from performing unnecessary cell switching.

Cell switching rule 5: the first cell has an association relationship with the UE, and the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, the UE does not perform cell switching. In cell switching rule 5, the first cell has an associated relationship with the UE, and the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, which meets the communication requirements of the UE, even if there are other cells whose signal strengths are higher than those of the first cell. Strength, the UE does not perform cell switching, which can reduce cell switching during the synchronous movement of the UE and IAB node 1, thereby reducing the delay caused by multiple cell switching, and improving communication stability and user experience.

Cell switching rule 6: the first cell has an association relationship with the UE, and the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the sixth threshold, the UE performs cell switching. In cell switching rule 6, the first cell has an association relationship with the UE, but the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the sixth threshold and does not meet the communication requirements of the UE, then the UE can perform cell switching to meet the communication requirements of the UE. .

It should be noted that the first cell in the above cell handover rule can be understood as the cell currently accessed by the UE. For the description of the first cell, please refer to the relevant contents of S501 and S502, which will not be described again here. In addition, the above-mentioned first threshold, second threshold, fifth threshold and sixth threshold may be predefined or configured by the IAB host node 1, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The first threshold may be greater than or equal to the second threshold. If the first threshold is equal to the second threshold, then the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the UE does not perform cell switching, and the signal strength of the first cell is less than the first threshold, the UE performs cell switching; or, the first If the signal strength of the cell is greater than the first threshold, the UE does not perform cell switching, but if the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the first threshold, the UE performs cell switching; this is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Similarly, the fifth threshold may be greater than or equal to the sixth threshold. For the relevant description of the fifth threshold being equal to the sixth threshold, please refer to the relevant description of the first threshold being equal to the second threshold, which will not be described again here.

It should be noted that the embodiment of this application takes a cell corresponding to IAB node 1 as an example to describe, then the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, which can also be understood as the UE has an association relationship with the IAB node 1. In addition, the association relationship between the UE and the first cell can be understood as a synchronous movement relationship between the UE and the IAB node 1; or it can be understood as a relationship between the UE establishing a connection with the IAB host node 1 through the IAB node 1; or it can be understood as a relationship between the UE and the IAB host node 1. There is a fixed position relationship with IAB node 1 within the set time period; however, the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

As an example, the IAB host node 1 can configure cell switching rules for the UE. For example, IAB host node 1 may configure cell switching rules for UEs that access the first cell through IAB node 1. Specifically, the IAB host node 1 may receive the identification information of the first cell from the UE, determine based on the identification information of the first cell that the UE is a terminal device that accesses the first cell through the IAB node 1, and configure the cell for the UE. Switch rules. It should be understood that the specific implementation manner in which the IAB host node 1 determines that the UE is a terminal device that accesses the first cell through the IAB node 1 is not limited to this. For example, the IAB host node 1 can configure one or more of the following rules for the UE that the IAB node 1 accesses the first cell: the UE does not perform cell switching; the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the UE does not perform cell switching. Cell switching; or, the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, and the UE performs cell switching.

As another example, the IAB host node 1 may receive second indication information from the AMF corresponding to the UE (hereinafter referred to as AMF 2). The second indication information may be used to indicate that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell; and, the IAB host node Node 1 determines (or configures) cell switching rules according to the second indication information. AMF 2 may determine second information, which may indicate that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and send the second information to IAB host node 1 (or second indication information), such as sending the second information to the IAB host node through the N2 message. Further, the IAB host node 1 can configure one or more of the following rules according to the association relationship between the UE and the first cell: the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and the UE does not perform cell switching; the UE has an association relationship with the first cell. If the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, but the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the sixth threshold, the UE will not perform cell switching. Cell switching.

Among them, the specific implementation process of AMF 2 determining the second information may include but is not limited to the following: AMF 2 receives access information from the UE. For example, the UE may send the access information to AMF 2 during the registration process. The access information includes The identification information of the first cell (and/or the identification information of the IAB node 1); AMF 2 obtains the third information from the UDM. The third information is, for example, the subscription information of the UE. The third information includes the association relationship with the UE. Identification information of one or more cells (and/or identification information of one or more IAB nodes that are associated with the UE), where one or more cells include the first cell (and/or one or more IAB nodes) The node includes an IAB node 1); further, the AMF 2 can determine the second information according to the access information and the third information, that is, determine that there is an association relationship between the UE and the first cell. The UDM may actively send the third information to AMF 2, or may send the third information to AMF 2 after receiving a request message from AMF 2 for obtaining the third information. This is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

As another example, the IAB host node 1 may receive second indication information from the UE, and the second indication information may be used to indicate that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell; and, the IAB host node 1 determines the cell based on the second indication information. Switch rules. The UE may generate second indication information and send the second indication information to the IAB host node 1, such as sending the second indication information to the IAB host node through an RRC message. Further, the IAB host node 1 can configure one or more of the following rules according to the association relationship between the UE and the first cell: the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and the UE does not perform cell switching; the UE has an association relationship with the first cell. If the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, but the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the sixth threshold, the UE will not perform cell switching. Cell switching.

The specific implementation process in which the UE can generate the second indication information and send the second indication information to the IAB host node 1 may include but is not limited to the following: the first identifier broadcast by the IAB host node 1; the UE receiving the second indication information from the IAB host node 1 The first identifier can be related to the IAB node 1 and is an identifier identifiable (or readable) by the user; the UE displays the first identifier, such as displaying the first identifier through a human-computer interaction interface; the user displays the first identifier according to the first To identify whether to choose to access the first cell, the embodiment of this application takes the user's choice to access the first cell as an example. Correspondingly, the UE receives an operation instruction from the user to choose to access the first cell, and according to the operation instruction, it can determine whether the UE is connected to the first cell. The first cell is associated; further, in response to the operation instruction, the UE establishes a connection with the IAB host node 1 through the IAB node 1, generates second indication information, and sends the second indication information to the IAB host node 1. For the description of the first identifier, please refer to the relevant content of S501 and will not be repeated here.

Figure 6A takes IAB node 1 as an IAB node installed in bus No. 509, and the first identifier is the IAB cell of bus No. 509. The UE displays available cells, and the display area of the available cells includes the first identifier of the first cell. For example, the UE is located within the coverage of the first cell, and the UE displays the first identification in the display area of the available cell. For another example, the UE may actively search for available cells or search for available cells in response to a user operation instruction to search for available cells, and display the search results in the display area of the user-available cells, where the search results include the first identifier. Further, the user can click (or touch) the IAB cell option on the No. 509 bus to choose to access the first cell. For example, if the user takes the No. 509 bus, the user can choose to access the first cell; accordingly, the UE responds to the user's operation Access the first cell, and determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell. In addition, the user can also choose not to access the first cell, for example, the user does not take the No. 509 bus, etc.

In a possible implementation, the UE can cancel the association relationship with the first cell, and send third indication information to the IAB host node 1, where the third indication information is used to cancel the association relationship between the UE and the first cell. connection relation. Correspondingly, after receiving the third indication information, the IAB host node 1 releases the association relationship between the UE and the first cell. For example, the UE may cancel the association with the first cell based on the human-computer interaction interface, as shown in Figure 6B. In Figure 6B, the UE displays whether to disconnect from the IAB cell of bus No. 509. If the user clicks (or touches) the option, and if the user gets off at the station, the UE disconnects from the first cell. Connect and cancel the association with the first cell. For another example, the UE may receive indication information from the IAB host node 1 about the failure of the IAB node 1, and disconnect the connection with the first cell according to the indication information, and cancel the association with the first cell. For another example, if the signal strength of the first cell does not meet the communication requirements of the UE, the UE may disconnect from the first cell and terminate the association with the first cell. For another example, the UE may disconnect the connection with the first cell and cancel the association relationship with the first cell according to the positional relationship between the UE and the IAB node 1 . For example, if the distance between the UE and the IAB node 1 is greater than the set threshold, the UE releases the association relationship with the first cell. It should be understood that the UE can also cancel the association relationship with the first cell through other equivalent methods, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

In the above introduction, the UE displays the first identifier, determines that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell according to the operation instruction of the user selecting to access the first cell, and sends the second indication information to the IAB host node 1 . In another possible implementation, the UE may determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell based on the first identification and status information, and send the second indication information to the IAB host node 1 . The status information includes the location information of the UE, or the location relationship between the UE and the IAB node 1, or the location information of the UE and the location relationship between the UE and the IAB node 1. For example, if the distance between the UE and the IAB node 1 corresponding to the first identifier remains unchanged within a set time period, the UE may determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell. For another example, if the location of the UE coincides with the location of the IAB node 1 corresponding to the first identifier within a set time period, the UE may also determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell. It should be understood that the embodiment of the present application is not limited to the specific implementation process of the UE determining that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell based on the first identification and status information.

It was introduced earlier that the IAB host node 1 determines the cell switching rules. In another possible implementation, the IAB host node 1 may determine the cell reselection rule. The cell reselection rules may include, for example, one or more of the following rules:

Cell reselection rule 1: UE does not perform cell reselection. In cell reselection rule 1, the UE does not perform cell reselection, which means that no matter whether there are other cells whose signal strength is higher than the signal strength of the first cell, the UE does not perform cell reselection. This allows the UE to communicate with the IAB node. 1. During the synchronous movement, other cells are not accessed, thereby avoiding the process of the UE accessing other cells and then switching to the first cell.

Cell reselection rule 2: the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold, and the UE does not perform cell reselection. In cell reselection rule 2, the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold and can meet the communication requirements of the UE. Even if the signal strength of other cells is higher than the signal strength of the first cell, the UE will not access other cells. cell, this can reduce cell switching during the synchronous movement of the UE and IAB node 1, thereby reducing the delay caused by multiple cell switching and improving communication stability and user experience.

Cell reselection rule 3: the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the UE performs cell reselection. In cell reselection rule 3, if the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the fourth threshold and cannot meet the UE's communication requirements, the UE can perform cell reselection and enter other cells to meet the UE's communication requirements.

Cell reselection rule 4: the first cell has an association relationship with the UE, and the UE does not perform cell reselection. In cell reselection rule 4, the first cell has an association relationship with the UE, regardless of whether there are other cells with higher signal strength than the first cell. signal strength, the UE does not perform cell reselection. This allows the UE to maintain the connection relationship between the IAB node 1 corresponding to its associated cell during the synchronous movement of the UE and the IAB node 1, thus preventing the UE from accessing other cells. Then switch to the first cell.

Cell reselection rule 5: the first cell has an association relationship with the UE, and the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold, the UE does not perform cell reselection. In cell reselection rule 5, the first cell has an association relationship with the UE, and the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold, which meets the communication requirements of the UE, even if there are other cells whose signal strengths are higher than the first cell. Signal strength, the UE does not perform cell reselection, which can reduce cell switching during the synchronous movement of the UE and IAB node 1, thereby reducing the delay caused by multiple cell switching, and improving communication stability and user experience.

Cell reselection rule 6: the first cell has an association relationship with the UE, and the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the eighth threshold, the UE performs cell reselection. In cell reselection rule 6, the first cell has an association relationship with the UE, but the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the eighth threshold and does not meet the communication requirements of the UE, then the UE can perform cell reselection and access other cells. , to meet the communication requirements of the UE.

It should be noted that if the UE does not perform cell reselection, it can be understood that the UE determines to access the first cell. When the UE performs cell reselection, it can be understood that the UE determines to access other cells, such as cells other than the first cell.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned third threshold, fourth threshold, seventh threshold and eighth threshold may be predefined or configured by the IAB host node 1, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The third threshold may be greater than or equal to the fourth threshold. If the third threshold is equal to the fourth threshold, then the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the UE does not perform cell reselection, and the signal strength of the first cell is less than the third threshold, the UE performs cell reselection; or, If the signal strength of the first cell is greater than the third threshold, the UE does not perform cell reselection, but if the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the third threshold, the UE performs cell reselection; this is not limited in the embodiments of this application. Similarly, the seventh threshold may be greater than or equal to the eighth threshold. For the description of the seventh threshold being equal to the eighth threshold, please refer to the related description of the third threshold being equal to the fourth threshold, which will not be described again here.

As an example, the IAB host node 1 can configure cell reselection rules for the UE. For example, IAB host node 1 may configure cell reselection rules for UEs that access the first cell through IAB node 1. Specifically, the IAB host node 1 may receive the identification information of the first cell from the UE, determine based on the identification information of the first cell that the UE is a terminal device that accesses the first cell through the IAB node 1, and configure the cell for the UE. Reselection rules. It should be understood that the specific implementation manner in which the IAB host node 1 determines that the UE is a terminal device that accesses the first cell through the IAB node 1 is not limited to this. For example, the IAB host node 1 can configure one or more of the following rules for the UE that the IAB node 1 accesses the first cell: the UE does not perform cell reselection; the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the UE does not Perform cell reselection; or, if the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, the UE performs cell reselection.

As another example, the IAB host node 1 may receive second indication information from the AMF corresponding to the UE (hereinafter referred to as AMF 2). The second indication information may be used to indicate that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell; and, the IAB host node Node 1 determines (or configures) cell reselection rules according to the second indication information. AMF 2 may determine second information, which may indicate that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and send the second information (or second indication information) to the IAB host node 1, such as to the IAB host node through an N2 message. Send a second message. Further, the IAB host node 1 can configure one or more of the following rules according to the association relationship between the UE and the first cell: the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and the UE does not perform cell reselection; the UE and the first cell There is an association relationship, and the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold, the UE does not perform cell reselection; or, the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, but the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the eighth threshold, The UE performs cell reselection. Among them, AMF 2 determines the specificity of the second information For the entity implementation process, please refer to the foregoing description and will not be repeated here.

As another example, the IAB host node 1 may receive second indication information from the UE, and the second indication information may be used to indicate that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell; and, the IAB host node 1 determines the cell based on the second indication information. Reselection rules. The UE may generate second indication information and send the second indication information to the IAB host node 1, such as sending the second indication information to the IAB host node through an RRC message. Further, the IAB host node 1 can configure one or more of the following rules according to the association relationship between the UE and the first cell: the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and the UE does not perform cell reselection; the UE and the first cell There is an association relationship, and the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, the UE does not perform cell reselection; or, the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, but the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the sixth threshold, The UE performs cell reselection. For the specific implementation process of the UE generating the second indication information and sending the second indication information to the IAB host node 1, please refer to the foregoing description, which will not be described again here.

It should be understood that in S503, the IAB host node 1 can determine the cell switching rule and the cell reselection rule. Please refer to the foregoing description for the specific implementation process, which will not be described again here.

In a possible implementation, the IAB host node 1 may send the first information to the IAB host node 2. The IAB host node 2 is the IAB host node after IAB node 1 switches the IAB host node. For example, the movement of IAB node 1 triggers IAB host node switching, and IAB node 1 switches from IAB host node 1 to IAB host node 2. IAB host node 1 can send the first information to IAB host node 2, such as carrying the first information in Sent to IAB host node 2 in the UE context. After receiving the first information, the IAB host node 2 can control the cell switching of the UE according to the first information. Optionally, after receiving the first information, the IAB host node 2 can reconfigure the first information, such as adjusting the threshold, and control the cell switching of the UE according to the reconfigured first information. For the specific implementation process of the IAB host node 2 reconfiguring the first information, please refer to the specific implementation process of the IAB host node 1 determining the first information, which will not be described again here.

In S503, the IAB host node 1 determines the first information. If the first information includes a cell reselection rule, the contents shown in steps S504, S505, and S506 may be performed. If the first information does not include the cell reselection rule, the content shown in step S505 may be performed.

S504: The IAB host node 1 sends the first information to the UE; accordingly, the UE receives the first information from the IAB host node 1.

S504 is an optional step. For example, the first information includes cell reselection rules, and the IAB host node 1 sends the first information to the UE. Of course, the IAB host node 1 can also send cell switching rules to the UE, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

Optionally, the first information may also include fourth indication information, the fourth indication information indicating the cell switching rule of the non-relay cell. The cell switching rule of the non-relay cell may be, for example, controlling cell reselection according to the signal strength of the cell.

S505: The IAB host node 1 controls the cell switching of the UE according to the first information.

In S505, the first information includes cell switching rules, and the IAB host node 1 can control (or determine) the cell switching of the UE according to the cell switching rules. Wherein, the UE is in a connected state, and the cell currently accessed by the UE is the first cell. In addition, the IAB host node 1 controls the UE's cell switching, which can be understood as the IAB host node 1 triggers the UE to perform cell switching or does not trigger the UE to perform cell switching; or it can be understood as the IAB host node 1 initiating (or activating) the UE's cell switching or Cell switching of the UE is not initiated (or not activated); however, the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

As an example, the cell switching rules include cell switching rule 1. According to the cell switching rule 1, the IAB host node 1 can control the UE not to perform cell switching.

As yet another example, the cell switching rules include cell switching rule 2 and cell switching rule 3. The IAB host section Point 1 may receive measurement information from the UE, the measurement information including the signal strength of the first cell, and control the cell switching of the UE according to the measurement information and the cell switching rule. For example, if the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the IAB host node 1 may control the UE not to perform cell switching according to the cell switching rule 2. For another example, if the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, the IAB host node 1 can control the UE to perform cell switching according to the cell switching rule 3, such as switching from the first cell to the cell corresponding to the IAB node 2.

As another example, the cell switching rule includes cell switching rule 4. The IAB host node 1 can determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and control the UE not to perform cell switching based on the association relationship and the cell switching rule 4. For example, the IAB host node 1 may determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell based on the second indication information from the AMF 2 or the UE, but the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto. For a description of the second instruction information, please refer to the relevant content of S503, which will not be described again here.

As another example, the cell switching rules include cell switching rule 5 and cell switching rule 6. The IAB host node 1 can determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell; the IAB host node 1 receives measurement information from the UE, and the measurement information includes the first cell. The signal strength of a cell; and, the IAB host node 1 controls the cell switching of the UE according to the association relationship, measurement information and cell switching rules. For example, if the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, the IAB host node 1 may control the UE not to perform cell switching based on the association relationship between the UE and the first cell and the cell switching rule 5 . For another example, if the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the sixth threshold, the IAB host node 1 may control the UE to perform cell switching based on the association relationship between the UE and the first cell and the cell switching rule 6 . The IAB host node 1 may determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell based on the second indication information from the AMF 2 or the UE, but the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto. For a description of the second instruction information, please refer to the relevant content of S503, which will not be described again here.

S506: The UE controls cell reselection according to the first information.

S506 is an optional step. For example, the UE receives first information including cell reselection rules, and the UE can control (or determine) cell reselection according to the first information. For example, the UE controls cell reselection according to cell reselection rules. Among them, the UE controls cell reselection, which can be understood as the UE triggering itself to perform cell reselection or not triggering itself to perform cell reselection; or it can be understood as the UE initiating (or activating) cell reselection or not initiating (or inactivating) cell reselection. selection; however, the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

In a possible implementation manner, the UE may receive first indication information from the IAB host node 1, and the first indication information may be used to indicate the cell type of the first cell. For example, the IAB host node 1 can broadcast the first indication information, such as carrying the first indication information in the system information for broadcast. Correspondingly, the UE receives the first indication information from the IAB host node 1 . After receiving the first indication information, the UE may determine whether to use the cell reselection rule to control cell reselection based on the first indication information. The cell types include relay cells and non-relay cells. For descriptions of cell types, please refer to the foregoing description and will not be repeated here. For example, the cell type of the first cell is a relay cell, and the UE controls cell reselection according to the cell reselection rules. For another example, the cell type of the first cell is a non-relay cell, and the UE controls cell reselection based on signal strength. In this embodiment of the present application, the cell type of the first cell is a relay cell as an example for description.

As an example, the cell reselection rules include cell reselection rule 1. According to the cell reselection rule 1, the UE may determine not to perform cell reselection, that is, determine to access the first cell.

As another example, the cell reselection rules include cell reselection rule 2 and cell reselection rule 3. The UE obtains measurement information, which includes the signal strength of the first cell, and controls the cell according to the measurement information and the cell reselection rules. Reselect. For example, if the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the UE may determine not to perform cell reselection according to cell reselection rule 2, that is, determine to access the first cell. For another example, the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the fourth cell threshold, the UE can determine to perform cell reselection according to cell reselection rule 3, such as determining to access the cell corresponding to IAB node 2.

As another example, the cell reselection rules include cell reselection rule 4. The UE may determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and determine not to perform cell reselection based on the association relationship and the cell reselection rule 4, that is, determine access The first district. For example, the UE may display the first identification, and determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell according to the user's operation instructions. For another example, the UE may determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell according to the first identification and status information. For a specific implementation process in which the UE determines that it is associated with the first cell, reference may be made to the relevant content of step S503, which will not be described again here.

As another example, the cell reselection rules include cell reselection rule 5 and cell reselection rule 6. The UE can determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell; the UE obtains measurement information, and the measurement information includes the signal strength of the first cell; And, the UE controls cell reselection based on the association relationship, measurement information and cell reselection rules. For example, if the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold, the UE may determine not to perform cell reselection based on the association relationship between the UE and the first cell and the cell reselection rule 5, that is, determine to access the first cell. For another example, if the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the eighth threshold, the UE may control the UE to perform cell reselection based on the association relationship between the UE and the first cell and the cell reselection rule 6, such as determining that the access IAB node 2 corresponds to community. The specific implementation process for the UE to determine that it is associated with the first cell can refer to the relevant content of step S503, which will not be described again here.

In the above embodiment of the present application, when determining whether the UE performs cell switching, the IAB host node 1 adds a judgment condition, which can reduce the number of switching times of the terminal device. Moreover, the first information is information related to the UE's access to the cell. In this way, the IAB host node 1 can accurately control the cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information, so that the terminal device can perform cell switching at an appropriate time. In addition, during the synchronous movement of the IAB node 1 and the UE, the IAB host node 1 no longer frequently triggers the UE to perform cell switching only based on the signal strength of the cell, even if there are other cells whose signal strengths are higher than the signal strength of the first cell. The IAB host node 1 also needs to consider the first information, such as whether the UE is associated with the currently accessed cell, to control the cell handover of the UE, thereby reducing the number of handovers of the terminal equipment and reducing the delay caused by multiple cell handovers. , and improve the stability and user experience of terminal device communication.

The communication method shown in Figure 5 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 7-8.

Figure 7 is another schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 7, the IAB host node 1 configures the first information for the UE according to the UE accessing the first cell through the IAB node 1. As shown in Figure 7, the method may include the following content.

S701: IAB node 1 establishes a connection with IAB host node 1.

S702: The UE establishes a connection with the IAB host node 1 through the IAB node 1.

For the specific implementation processes of step S701 and step S702, please refer to S501 and S502 respectively. Through the above steps S701 and S702, the UE accesses the first cell, that is, accesses the 5GC through the IAB host node 1.

S703: The UE sends the identification information of the first cell to the IAB host node 1; accordingly, the IAB host node 1 can receive the identification information of the first cell.

S703 is an optional step. For example, the UE may send the identification information of the first cell to the IAB host node after the UE establishes a connection with the IAB host node 1; it may also send the first cell identification information to the IAB host node during the process of the UE establishing a connection with the IAB host node 1. identification information, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

S704: The IAB host node 1 determines that the UE is a UE that accesses the first cell through the IAB node 1 based on the identification information of the first cell.

S704 is an optional step. For example, the IAB host node 1 can determine that the UE is a terminal device that accesses the first cell through the IAB node 1 based on the identification information of the first cell, and then configure the first information for the UE; or, it can also determine based on the identification information of the first cell. The first information is configured for the UE, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

S705: IAB host node 1 determines the first information.

The first information includes cell switching rules, or includes cell reselection rules, or includes cell switching rules and cell reselection rules. For example, the IAB host node 1 can configure one or more of the following rules for the UE that the IAB node 1 accesses the first cell: the UE does not perform cell switching; the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the UE does not perform cell switching. Cell switching; or, the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, and the UE performs cell switching. For another example, the IAB host node 1 may configure one or more of the following rules for the UE of the IAB node 1 that accesses the first cell: the UE does not perform cell reselection; the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold. , the UE does not perform cell reselection; or, the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the UE performs cell reselection. For the specific implementation method of S705, please refer to the relevant content of S503 and will not be repeated here. For ease of introduction, FIG. 7 takes as an example that the first information at least includes cell switching rules.

Optionally, the first information may also include fourth indication information, the fourth indication information indicating the cell switching rule of the non-relay cell. For example, the cell switching rule of the non-relay cell may be to control cell reselection according to the signal strength of the cell.

S706: The IAB host node 1 sends the first information to the UE; accordingly, the UE receives the first information.

S706 is an optional step. For example, the first information includes cell reselection rules, and the IAB host node 1 may send the first information to the UE. Optionally, the first information may also include fourth indication information. Figure 7 takes the IAB host node 1 as an example to send cell reselection rules to the UE.

Next, descriptions will be given respectively when the UE is in the connected state and when the UE is in the idle state. Among them, S707, S708 and S709 are the contents executed by the UE in the connected state. S710, S711 and S712 are contents executed by the UE in the idle state. In addition, S707, S708, S710, S711 and S712 are optional steps.

S707: The UE obtains measurement information.

The measurement information includes the signal strength of the first cell. For example, the UE may periodically or aperiodicly measure the signal strength of the first cell to obtain the measurement information.

S708: The UE sends measurement information to the IAB host node 1; accordingly, the IAB host node 1 receives the measurement information.

S709: The IAB host node 1 controls the cell switching of the UE according to the cell switching rules.

For example, the IAB host node 1 can determine that the UE will not perform cell switching based on the cell switching rules; or, the IAB host node 1 can determine not to perform cell switching or perform cell switching based on the cell switching rules and measurement information. For the specific implementation process, please refer to S505. The contents will not be repeated here.

S710: IAB host node 1 broadcasts the first indication information; accordingly, the UE receives the first indication information.

In this embodiment, the first indication information is used to indicate that the cell type of the first cell is a relay cell.

S711: The UE determines to use the cell reselection rule to control cell reselection according to the first indication information.

For example, the UE may determine to use cell reselection rules to control cell reselection based on the first indication information, or the UE may also control cell reselection based on the first indication information and the cell reselection rules.

S712: The UE controls the cell switching of the UE according to the cell reselection rules.

For example, the UE may determine not to perform cell reselection based on the cell reselection rules; or the UE may determine not to perform cell reselection or perform cell reselection based on the cell reselection rules and measurement information. For the specific implementation process, please refer to S506. The content will not be repeated here.

Figure 8 is another schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 8, the IAB host node 1 determines the first information for the UE based on the second indication information from the AMF 2.

Among them, the specific implementation processes of S801, S802, and S810-S814 are similar to those of S701, S702, S706-S709, and S712 in Figure 7. The differences are:

S803: The UE sends access information to the AMF corresponding to the UE (that is, AMF 2) through IAB host node 1; accordingly, AMF 2 can receive the access information.

The access information includes the identification information of the first cell and/or the identification information of the IAB node 1 . For convenience of description, this embodiment is described by taking the access information including the identification information of the first cell as an example.

S804: AMF 2 obtains the third information from UDM.

The third information is, for example, the subscription information of the UE. The third information includes identification information of one or more cells that are associated with the UE, and one or more of the cells includes the first cell.

S805: AMF 2 determines that there is an association relationship between the UE and the first cell based on the access information and the third information.

S806: AMF 2 sends the second indication information to the IAB host node 1; accordingly, the IAB host node 1 receives the second indication information. The second indication information indicates that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell.

S807: The IAB host node 1 determines the first information based on the second indication information.

The first information includes cell switching rules, or includes cell reselection rules, or includes cell switching rules and cell reselection rules. For example, the IAB host node 1 may configure one or more of the following rules according to the second indication information: the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and the UE does not perform cell switching; the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and the first cell If the signal strength of the cell is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, the UE does not perform cell switching; or, the UE is associated with the first cell, but the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the sixth threshold, and the UE performs cell switching. For another example, the IAB host node 1 may configure one or more of the following rules according to the second indication information: the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and the UE does not perform cell reselection; the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and If the signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold, the UE does not perform cell reselection; or, the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, but the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the eighth threshold, the UE performs cell reselection. . Figure 8 takes the example that the first information includes cell switching rules and cell reselection rules.

The movement of IAB node 1 triggers the switching of the IAB host node, that is, the contents of S808 are executed.

S808: IAB node 1 carries the UE and switches from IAB host node 1 to IAB host node 2.

S809: IAB host node 1 sends the first information to IAB host node 2. Correspondingly, IAB host node 2 receives the first information.

For example, IAB host node 1 can send the first information to IAB host node 2 after the IAB host node switch is completed, or IAB host node 1 can send the first information to IAB host node 2 during the IAB host node switch process, such as The first information is carried in the UE context and sent to the IAB host node 2.

Optionally, after receiving the first information, the IAB host node 2 may reconfigure the first information, or may not reconfigure the first information. In this embodiment, the IAB host node 2 does not reconfigure the first information. For example.

Figure 9 is another schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 9, the IAB host node 1 determines the first information based on the second indication information from the UE.

Among them, the specific implementation process of S901, S902, and S912-S916 is similar to that of S801, S802, and S810-S814 in Figure 8. The difference is that, as shown in Figure 9, the method may include the following content.

S903: AMF 1 determines the first identity of the first cell.

S903 is an optional step. The AMF 1 is the AMF corresponding to IAB node 1. For example, AMF 1 can receive the identification information of IAB node 1 from the IAB node 1 corresponding to the first cell, and configure the first identification for the first cell according to the identification information of the IAB node 1; or, AMF 1 can receive the identification information from UDM or The first logo of AF. For the specific implementation process of S903, please refer to the relevant content of S501 and will not be repeated here.

S904: AMF 1 sends the first identifier to IAB host node 1; accordingly, IAB host node 1 receives the first identifier. S904 is an optional step.

S905: IAB host node 1 determines the first identifier.

For example, the IAB host node 1 may configure a first identity for the cell corresponding to the IAB node 1 (ie, the first cell) according to the identity information of the IAB node 1 . As another example, IAB host node 1 may receive the first identity from AMF 1. For the specific implementation process of S905, please refer to the relevant content of S501 and will not be repeated here.

S906: IAB host node 1 sends the first identifier. Correspondingly, the UE receives the first identification. For example, IAB host node 1 broadcasts the first identifier.

S907: The UE displays the first identifier, as shown in Figure 6A.

S908: The UE obtains the user's operation instructions.

The operation instructions are used to enable the UE to access the first cell.

S909: The UE determines that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell according to the user's operation instruction.

S910: The UE sends the second indication information to the IAB host node 1; accordingly, the IAB host node 1 receives the second indication information. The second indication information indicates that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell.

For the specific implementation process of S907-S910, please refer to the relevant content of S503 and will not be repeated here.

S911: The IAB host node 1 determines the first information based on the second indication information.

For example, the IAB host node 1 can configure one or more of the following rules according to the association relationship between the UE and the first cell: the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, and the UE does not perform cell switching; the UE has an association relationship with the first cell. If the UE has an association relationship with the first cell, but the signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the sixth threshold, the UE will not perform cell switching. Cell switching.

S917: The UE releases the association relationship with the first cell.

S917 is an optional step. For example, the UE may cancel the association with the first cell based on the human-computer interaction interface, as shown in Figure 6B. For another example, the UE may receive indication information from the IAB host node 1 about the failure of the IAB node 1, and disconnect the connection with the first cell according to the indication information, and cancel the association with the first cell. For another example, if the signal strength of the first cell does not meet the communication requirements of the UE, the UE may disconnect from the first cell and terminate the association with the first cell. For another example, the UE may disconnect the connection with the first cell and cancel the association relationship with the first cell according to the positional relationship between the UE and the IAB node 1 . For example, if the distance between the UE and the IAB node 1 is greater than the set threshold, the UE releases the association relationship with the first cell. It should be understood that the UE can also cancel the association relationship with the first cell through other equivalent methods, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

S918: The UE sends the third indication information to the IAB host node 1; accordingly, the IAB host node 1 receives the third indication information. S918 is an optional step. The third indication information is used to instruct to release the association between the UE and the first cell.

S919: The IAB host node 1 releases the association between the UE and the first cell according to the third indication information. This S919 is an optional step.

In the above embodiments provided by this application, the host wireless access node, terminal equipment, and access and mobility The method provided by the embodiment of this application is introduced from the perspective of interaction between management function network elements. In order to implement each function in the method provided by the above embodiments of the present application, the host wireless access node, terminal device, and access and mobility management functional network element may include hardware structures and/or software modules. In the form of hardware structures, software modules, Or in the form of hardware structure plus software modules to realize the above functions.

The communication device used to implement the above method in the embodiment of the present application will be introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the above content can be used in subsequent embodiments, and repeated content will not be described again.

Figure 10 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1000. The communication device 1000 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the host wireless access node, the terminal device, or the access and mobility management function network element in each of the above method embodiments. The communication device may include a processing unit 1010 and a transceiver unit 1020. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage unit (not shown in FIG. 10 ), which may be used to store instructions (codes or programs) and/or data. The processing unit 1010 and the transceiver unit 1020 can be coupled with the storage unit. For example, the processing unit 1010 can read the instructions (code or program) and/or data in the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. Each of the above units can be set up independently or partially or fully integrated. For example, the transceiver unit 1020 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit.

As an example, the communication device 1000 can implement the functions or steps implemented by the host wireless access node in each of the above method embodiments. The processing unit 1010 may be used to determine the first information, which is information related to the terminal device accessing a cell, wherein the cell currently accessed by the terminal device is the first cell corresponding to the relay wireless access node. In a cell, the relay wireless access node is a child node of the host wireless access node; and controlling cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information.

In an optional implementation, when controlling cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information, the transceiver unit 1020 may be configured to receive measurement information from the terminal device, where the measurement information includes the third The signal strength of a cell; the processing unit 1010 may be configured to control cell switching of the terminal device according to the cell switching rule and the signal strength of the first cell.

In an optional implementation, when controlling the cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information, the processing unit 1010 may be configured to determine that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell; and according to The cell switching rule and the association relationship determine that the terminal device does not perform cell switching.

In an optional implementation, the transceiving unit 1020 is further configured to send the first information to the terminal device.

In an optional implementation, the transceiver unit 1020 is further configured to send first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the cell type of the first cell is a relay cell.

In an optional implementation, the processing unit 1010 is further configured to determine a first identity of the first cell, where the first identity is used for the terminal device to access the first cell; a transceiver unit 1020 is further used to send the first identification to the terminal device.

In an optional implementation, when determining the first identity of the first cell, the transceiver unit 1020 may be configured to receive the first identity from the access and mobility management function network element.

In an optional implementation, when determining the first information, the transceiver unit 1020 may be configured to receive second indication information from the access and mobility management function network element or the terminal device, wherein the second The indication information indicates that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell; the processing unit 1010 may be configured to determine the first information according to the second indication information.

As yet another example, the communication device 1000 can implement the functions or steps implemented by the terminal device in each of the above method embodiments. The transceiver unit 1020 may be configured to receive first information from the host wireless access node, where the first information is information related to a terminal device accessing a cell, wherein the cell currently accessed by the terminal device is a relay wireless access node. The first cell corresponding to the access node, the relay wireless access node is a child node of the host wireless access node. The processing unit 1010 may be configured to control cell reselection of the terminal device according to the first information.

In an optional implementation, when controlling cell reselection of the terminal device according to the first information, the processing unit 1010 may be used to determine measurement information, where the measurement information includes the signal strength of the first cell. ; and, controlling cell reselection of the terminal device according to the cell reselection rule and the signal strength of the first cell.

In an optional implementation, when controlling cell reselection of the terminal device according to the first information, the processing unit 1010 may be used to determine that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell; and, According to the cell reselection rule and the association relationship, it is determined not to perform cell reselection.

In an optional implementation, the transceiver unit 1020 may be configured to receive first indication information from the host wireless access node, wherein the first indication information indicates that the cell type of the first cell is relay. community.

In an optional implementation, the transceiving unit 1020 is further configured to receive a first identity of the first cell from the host wireless access node; the processing unit 1010 is further configured to access according to the first identity. The first cell.

In an optional implementation, the transceiver unit 1020 is further configured to send second indication information to the host wireless access node, where the second indication information indicates that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell. .

In an optional implementation, the processing unit 1010 is further configured to determine that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell according to the first identification and status information, wherein the status information includes the Location information of the terminal device and/or the location relationship between the terminal device and the relay wireless access node.

As another example, the communication device 1000 can implement the functions or steps implemented by the access and mobility management function network element in each of the above method embodiments. Wherein, the processing unit 1010 may be used to determine second information, the second information is used for the terminal device to access the cell; wherein the second information includes a first identification of the first cell and/or indicates that the terminal device is connected to the first cell. A cell has an association relationship, the first cell is a cell currently accessed by the terminal device, the first cell corresponds to a relay wireless access node, and the relay wireless access node is a host wireless access node. child node; collect The sending unit 1020 may be configured to send the second information to the host wireless access node.

In an optional implementation, when determining the second information, the transceiver unit 1020 may be configured to receive the first identification from the unified data management function network element or the application function network element.

In an optional implementation, when determining the second information, the transceiver unit 1020 may be configured to receive access information from the UE, where the access information includes identification information of the first cell; and, receive access information from the unified The third information of the data management function network element, the third information includes identification information of one or more cells that have an association relationship with the UE, and the one or more cells include the first cell; the processing unit 1010 may be configured to perform the processing according to the connection The input information and the third information are used to determine that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell.

More detailed descriptions about the processing unit 1010 and the transceiver unit 1020 can be obtained directly by referring to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown in Figure 5, Figure 7, Figure 8 or Figure 9, and will not be described again here.

Figure 11 shows a communication device 1100 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1100 may be an IAB host node 1, capable of implementing the host wireless access node function in the method provided by an embodiment of the present application, or the communication device 1100 It may be a terminal device, capable of realizing the functions of the terminal device in the method provided by the embodiments of this application, or the communication device 1100 may be an access and mobility management functional network element, capable of realizing the access and mobility management functions of the method provided by the embodiments of this application. The function of the mobility management function network element; or, the communication device 1100 can also be a device that can support the source host wireless access node to implement the corresponding functions in the method provided by the embodiment of the present application, or can support the terminal device to implement the embodiment of the present application. Devices with corresponding functions in the methods provided, or devices that can support access and mobility management function network elements to implement corresponding functions in the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 1100 may be a chip system. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

In terms of hardware implementation, the above-mentioned transceiver unit 1020 may be a transceiver, and the transceiver is integrated in the communication device 1100 to form the communication interface 1110.

The communication device 1100 includes at least one processor 1120, which is used to implement or support the communication device 1100 to implement the functions of hosting a wireless access node, a terminal device, or an access and mobility management function network element in the method provided by the embodiments of this application. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the method example and will not be repeated here.

Communication device 1100 may also include at least one memory 1130 for storing program instructions and/or data. Memory 1130 and processor 1120 are coupled. The coupling in the embodiment of this application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which may be in electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information interaction between devices, units or modules. The processor 1120 may cooperate with the memory 1130. The processor 1120 may execute program instructions and/or data stored in the memory 1130, so that the communication device 1100 implements the corresponding method. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

The communication device 1100 may also include a communication interface 1110 for communicating with other devices through a transmission medium, so that the devices used in the communication device 1100 can communicate with other devices. For example, when the communication device is a host wireless access node, the other device is a terminal device or an access and mobility management function network element; or, when the communication device is a terminal device, the other device is a host wireless access node. An access node or an access and mobility management function network element; or, when the communication device is an access and mobility management function network element, the other device is a terminal device or a host wireless access node. Processor 1120 may utilize communication interface 1110 to send and receive data. The communication interface 1110 may specifically be a transceiver.

The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 1110, the processor 1120, and the memory 1130. In the embodiment of the present application, the memory 1130, the processor 1120 and the communication interface 1110 are connected through a bus 1100 in Figure 11. The bus 1140 is represented by a thick line in Figure 11. The connection between other components is only schematic. Description, not limitative. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. for For ease of presentation, only one thick line is used in Figure 11, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

In this embodiment of the present application, the processor 1120 may be a general processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, which can be implemented Or execute the disclosed methods, steps and logical block diagrams in the embodiments of this application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor for execution, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

In this embodiment of the present application, the memory 1130 may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), etc., or it may be a volatile memory (volatile memory). For example, random-access memory (RAM). Memory is, but is not limited to, any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. The memory in the embodiment of the present application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of realizing a storage function, used to store program instructions and/or data.

It should be understood that when the communication device 1100 is a host wireless access node, FIG. 12 shows another form of the communication device 1100. In Figure 12, the communication device 1200 is a host wireless access node. It should be understood that the host wireless access node includes CU and DU. The CU may include a communication interface, a processor, and a memory, as well as a bus connecting the communication interface, the processor, and the memory. The communication interface may be used to communicate with a CU of another host wireless access node or a DU of an IAB node. The DU may also include a communication interface, a processor and a memory, and a bus connecting the communication interface, the processor and the memory, where the communication interface is used to communicate with the MT of the IAB node.

Figure 13 shows another form of a communication device. For ease of understanding and illustration, in Figure 13, the communication device 1300 is another example of a host wireless access node. The communication device 1300 can be applied in the system shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, and can be the IAB host node in Figure 2 or Figure 3, performing the functions of the host wireless access node in the above method embodiment. The communication device 1300 may include one or more radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU) 1310 and one or more baseband units (BBU) (also called a digital unit, DU). )1320. The RRU 1310 can be called a communication module, corresponding to the transceiver unit 1020 in Figure 10. Optionally, the communication module can also be called a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., and it can include at least one antenna 1311 and radio frequency unit 1312. The RRU 1310 part is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals and baseband signals. The BBU 1320 part is mainly used for baseband processing, base station control, etc. The RRU 1310 and the BBU 1320 may be physically installed together or physically separated, that is, a distributed base station.

The BBU 1320 is the control center of the base station, which can also be called a processing module. It can correspond to the processing unit 1010 in Figure 10 and is mainly used to complete baseband processing functions, such as channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, spread spectrum, etc. For example, the BBU (processing module) can be used to control the base station to execute the operation process of the network device in the above method embodiment, for example, generate the above indication information, etc.

In one example, the BBU 1320 may be composed of one or more single boards. Multiple single boards may jointly support a single access standard wireless access network (such as an LTE network), or may respectively support different access standard wireless access networks. Wireless access network (such as LTE network, 5G network or other networks). The BBU 1320 also includes a memory 1321 and a processor 1322. The memory 1321 is used to store necessary instructions and data. The processor 1322 is used to control the base station to perform necessary actions, for example, to control the base station to perform the operation process of the host wireless access node in the above method embodiment. The memory 1321 and processor 1322 may serve one or more single boards. In other words, the memory and processor can be set independently on each board. It is also possible for multiple boards to share the same memory and processor. In addition, necessary circuits can also be installed on each board.

Embodiments of the present application also provide a communication system. Specifically, the communication system includes at least one of a host wireless access node, a terminal device, or an access and mobility management functional network element.

An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which includes instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the methods in each of the above embodiments.

An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the methods in each of the above embodiments.

Embodiments of the present application provide a chip system. The chip system includes a processor and may also include a memory, which is used to implement the functions of a host wireless access node, a terminal device, or an access and mobility management function network element in the foregoing method. The chip system can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete devices.

It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its functions and internal logic, and should not be used in the embodiments of the present application. The implementation process constitutes any limitation.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented with electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality using different methods for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be described again here.

In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or can be integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored, or not implemented. On the other hand, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between each other shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of the devices or units may be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into one processing unit, each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the existing technology or the part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including Several instructions are used to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage media include: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code. .

The above are only specific implementation modes of the present application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. or replacement, all should be covered by the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application should be described as The scope of protection of the claims shall prevail.

Claims

A communication method, characterized in that the method includes:

The host wireless access node determines first information, where the first information is information related to the terminal device accessing a cell, where the cell currently accessed by the terminal device is the first cell corresponding to the relay wireless access node, The relay wireless access node is a child node of the host wireless access node;

The host wireless access node controls cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the first information includes cell switching rules, and the cell switching rules include one or more of the following rules:

The signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the terminal device does not perform cell switching; or,

The signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, and the terminal device performs cell switching; or,

The first cell has an associated relationship with the terminal device, and the terminal device does not perform cell switching.
The method according to claim 2, wherein the host wireless access node controls the cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information, including:

The host wireless access node receives measurement information from the terminal device, where the measurement information includes the signal strength of the first cell;

The host wireless access node controls cell switching of the terminal device according to the cell switching rule and the signal strength of the first cell.
The method according to claim 2, wherein the host wireless access node controls the cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information, including:

The host wireless access node determines that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell;

The host wireless access node determines that the terminal device does not perform cell switching based on the cell switching rule and the association relationship.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the method further includes:

The host wireless access node sends the first information to the terminal device.
The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the first information includes cell reselection rules, and the cell reselection rules include one or more of the following rules:

The signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold, and the terminal device does not perform cell reselection; or,

The signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the terminal device performs cell reselection; or,

The first cell has an associated relationship with the terminal device, and the terminal device does not perform cell reselection.
The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, the method further includes:

The host wireless access node sends first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the cell type of the first cell is a relay cell.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the method further includes:

The host wireless access node determines a first identity of the first cell, wherein the first identity is used for the terminal device to access the first cell;

The host wireless access node sends the first identification to the terminal device.
The method of claim 8, wherein the host wireless access node determines the first identity of the first cell, including:

The host wireless access node receives the first identification from the access and mobility management function network element.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the host wireless access node determines the first information, including:

The host wireless access node receives second indication information from the access and mobility management function network element or the terminal device, wherein the second indication information indicates that the terminal device is associated with the first cell. relation;

The host wireless access node determines the first information according to the second indication information.
A communication method, characterized in that the method includes:

The terminal device receives first information from a host wireless access node, where the first information is information related to a cell accessed by the terminal device, wherein the cell currently accessed by the terminal device is a relay wireless access node Corresponding to the first cell, the relay wireless access node is a child node of the host wireless access node;

The terminal device controls cell reselection of the terminal device according to the first information.
The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the first information includes cell reselection rules, and the cell reselection rules include one or more of the following rules:

The signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold, and the terminal device does not perform cell reselection; or,

The signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the terminal device performs cell reselection; or,

The first cell has an associated relationship with the terminal device, and the terminal device does not perform cell reselection.
The method of claim 12, wherein the terminal device controls cell reselection of the terminal device according to the first information, including:

The terminal device determines measurement information, where the measurement information includes the signal strength of the first cell;

The terminal device controls cell reselection of the terminal device according to the cell reselection rule and the signal strength of the first cell.
The method of claim 12, wherein the terminal device controls cell reselection of the terminal device according to the first information, including:

The terminal device determines that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell;

The terminal device determines not to perform cell reselection based on the cell reselection rule and the association relationship.
The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the method further includes:

The terminal device receives first indication information from the host wireless access node, wherein the first indication information indicates that the cell type of the first cell is a relay cell.
The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the method further includes:

The terminal device receives a first identifier of the first cell from the host wireless access node;

The terminal device accesses the first cell according to the first identification.
The method of claim 16, further comprising:

The terminal device sends second indication information to the host wireless access node, and the second indication information indicates that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell.
The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, the method further includes:

The terminal device determines that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell based on the first identification and status information, wherein the status information includes location information of the terminal device and/or the terminal device The location relationship with the relay wireless access node.
A communication method, characterized in that the method includes:

The access and mobility management function network element determines second information, the second information is used for the terminal device to access the cell; wherein the second information includes a first identifier of the first cell or indicates that the terminal device is connected to the third cell. A neighborhood has an associated relationship, The first cell is a cell currently accessed by the terminal device, the first cell corresponds to a relay wireless access node, and the relay wireless access node is a child node of a host wireless access node;

The access and mobility management network element sends the second information to the host wireless access node.
The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the access and mobility management function network element determines the second information, including:

The access and mobility management function network element receives the first identification from the unified data management function network element or the application function network element.
The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the access and mobility management function network element determines the second information, including:

The access and mobility management function network element receives access information from the terminal device, where the access information includes identification information of the first cell;

The access and mobility management function network element receives third information from the unified data management function network element. The third information includes identification information of one or more cells that are associated with the UE. The one or more cells Including the first community;

The access and mobility management function network element determines that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell based on the access information and the third information.
A communication device, characterized in that the device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit;

Wherein, the processing unit is configured to determine first information, where the first information is information related to the terminal device accessing a cell, wherein the cell currently accessed by the terminal device is the first cell corresponding to the relay wireless access node. In a cell, the relay wireless access node is a child node of the host wireless access node; and controlling cell switching of the terminal device according to the first information.
The device according to claim 22, wherein the first information includes cell switching rules, and the cell switching rules include one or more of the following rules:

The signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the terminal device does not perform cell switching; or,

The signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, and the terminal device performs cell switching; or,

The first cell has an associated relationship with the terminal device, and the terminal device does not perform cell switching.
The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein when controlling cell switching of the terminal equipment according to the first information, the transceiver unit is configured to receive measurement information from the terminal equipment, and the measurement The information includes the signal strength of the first cell;

The processing unit is configured to control cell switching of the terminal device according to the cell switching rule and the signal strength of the first cell.
The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein when controlling cell switching of the terminal equipment according to the first information, the processing unit is specifically configured to:

Determine that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell;

According to the cell switching rule and the association relationship, it is determined that the terminal equipment does not perform cell switching.
The device according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the transceiver unit is further used to:

Send the first information to the terminal device.
The device according to claim 26, wherein the first information includes cell reselection rules, and the cell reselection rules include one or more of the following rules:

The signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold, and the terminal device does not perform cell reselection; or,

The signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the terminal device performs cell reselection; or,

The first cell has an associated relationship with the terminal device, and the terminal device does not perform cell reselection.
The device according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the transceiver unit is further used to:

Send first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates that the cell type of the first cell is a relay cell.
The device according to any one of claims 22 to 28, characterized in that:

The processing unit is further configured to determine a first identifier of the first cell, wherein the first identifier is used for the terminal device to access the first cell;

The transceiver unit is further configured to send the first identification to the terminal device.
The device according to claim 29, wherein when determining the first identity of the first cell, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to:

Receive the first identification from the access and mobility management function network element.
The device according to any one of claims 22 to 30, characterized in that when determining the first information, the transceiver unit is used to:

Receive second indication information from the access and mobility management function network element or the terminal device, wherein the second indication information indicates that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell;

The processing unit is configured to determine the first information according to the second indication information.
A communication device, characterized in that the device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit;

Wherein, the transceiver unit is configured to receive first information from the host wireless access node, where the first information is information related to the cell accessed by the terminal equipment, wherein the cell currently accessed by the terminal equipment is in Following the first cell corresponding to the wireless access node, the relay wireless access node is a child node of the host wireless access node;

The processing unit is configured to control cell reselection of the terminal device according to the first information.
The device according to claim 32, wherein the first information includes cell reselection rules, and the cell reselection rules include one or more of the following rules:

The signal strength of the first cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold, and the terminal device does not perform cell reselection; or,

The signal strength of the first cell is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the terminal device performs cell reselection; or,

The first cell has an associated relationship with the terminal device, and the terminal device does not perform cell reselection.
The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein when controlling cell reselection of the terminal equipment according to the first information, the processing unit is specifically configured to:

Determine measurement information, the measurement information including the signal strength of the first cell;

Cell reselection of the terminal device is controlled according to the cell reselection rule and the signal strength of the first cell.
The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein when controlling cell reselection of the terminal equipment according to the first information, the processing unit is specifically configured to:

Determine that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell;

According to the cell reselection rule and the association relationship, it is determined not to perform cell reselection.
The device according to any one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that the transceiver unit is further used for:

Receive first indication information from the host wireless access node, wherein the first indication information indicates that the cell type of the first cell is a relay cell.
The device according to any one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that,

The transceiver unit is further configured to receive the first identifier of the first cell from the host wireless access node;

The processing unit is further configured to access the first cell according to the first identification.
The device according to claim 37, characterized in that the transceiver unit is further used to:

Send second indication information to the host wireless access node, where the second indication information indicates that the terminal device has an association relationship with the first cell.
The device according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that the processing unit is further used for:

According to the first identification and status information, it is determined that the terminal equipment has an association relationship with the first cell, wherein the status information includes location information of the terminal equipment and/or the terminal equipment and the Following the location relationship between wireless access nodes.
A communication device, characterized in that the device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit;

Wherein, the processing unit is used to determine second information, and the second information is used for the terminal device to access the cell; wherein the second information includes a first identification of the first cell or indicates that the terminal device is connected to the first cell. A cell has an association relationship, the first cell is a cell currently accessed by the terminal device, the first cell corresponds to a relay wireless access node, and the relay wireless access node is a host wireless access node. child node;

The transceiver unit is configured to send the second information to the host wireless access node.
The device according to claim 40, characterized in that when determining the second information, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to:

Receive the first identification from a unified data management function network element or an application function network element.
The device according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that when determining the second information, the transceiver unit is specifically used to:

Receive access information from the terminal device, where the access information includes identification information of the first cell;

Receive third information from the unified data management function network element, where the third information includes identification information of one or more cells that are associated with the UE, and the one or more cells include the first cell;

The processing unit is specifically configured to determine, according to the access information and the third information, that the UE has an association relationship with the first cell.
A communication system, characterized in that the communication system includes a communication device according to any one of claims 22 to 31, a communication device according to any one of claims 32 to 39, or a communication device according to any one of claims 32 to 39. One or more of the communication devices described in any one of 40 to 42.
A communication device, characterized in that it includes a processor and a memory, the memory is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or to perform A method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 18.
A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that the computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to execute any one of claims 1 to 10. The method described in claim 11, or causing the computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 11 to 18.
A chip system, characterized in that the chip system includes:

A processor and an interface, the processor is configured to call and run instructions from the interface, and when the processor executes the instructions, the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 is implemented, or the method as claimed in claim 1 is implemented. The method of any one of claims 11 to 18.
A computer program product, characterized in that the computer program product includes a computer program, which when the computer program is run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Or causing the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 11 to 18.