Communication method, network device and terminal device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application discloses a communication method, a network device and a terminal device, the method comprising: when the terminal device moves from a first common land mobile network PLMN to a second PLMN or from a first core network to a second core network, the target network device obtains the context information of the terminal device; the target network device communicates with the terminal device according to the context information. The communication method and network device of the embodiment of the present application can save terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method, a network device, and a terminal device. Background Art

[0002] In the existing Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, after a terminal device establishes a connection with the network, the network device serving the terminal device will establish corresponding service information for the terminal device. When a terminal device using network services moves, in order to ensure communication continuity and service quality, the terminal device needs to restore the connection between the terminal device and the network device through switching, and the existing solution has a large network overhead. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, a network device and a terminal device to save terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: when a terminal device moves from a first public land mobile network (PLMN) to a second PLMN or from a first core network to a second core network, a target network device obtains context information of the terminal device; and the target network device communicates with the terminal device based on the context information.

[0005] When the terminal device moves to a different PLMN or a different core network, the target network device can directly obtain the context information of the terminal device without switching with the terminal device, thereby restoring the connection with the terminal device to save terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

[0006] Optionally, the terminal device may be a terminal device in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0007] In a possible implementation manner, the target network device obtains the context information of the terminal device, including: the target network device receives the context information sent by the terminal device.

[0008] In a possible implementation, after the target network device receives the context information sent by the terminal device, the method further includes: the target network device sends first indication information to the terminal device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the context information.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the method also includes: the target network device receives information of the source network device sent by the terminal device; the target network device obtains context information of the terminal device, including: the target network device sends a context acquisition request message to the source network device based on the information of the source network device, the context acquisition request message is used to request the context information, and the context acquisition request message carries an identifier of the terminal device; the target network device receives the context information sent by the source network device.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the target network device is a target core network device, the source network device is a source core network device, and the method further includes: the target core network device sends the context information to the target access network device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, after the target core network device receives the context information sent by the source core network device, the method also includes: the target core network device sends second indication information to the source core network device, and the second indication information is used to instruct the source core network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source core network device to trigger the source access network device to release the context information.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner, the target network device is a target PLMN network device, the source network device is a source PLMN network device, and the method further includes: the target PLMN network device sending the context information to the target access network device.

[0013] In a possible implementation, after the target PLMN network device receives the context information sent by the source PLMN network device, the method further includes: the target PLMN network device sends third indication information to the source PLMN network device, and the third indication information is used to instruct the source PLMN network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source PLMN network device to trigger the source access network device to release the context information.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the target network device is a target access network device, the source network device is a source access network device, and the method further includes: the target access network device sends the context information to a target core network device or a target PLMN network device.

[0015] In one possible implementation, after the target access network device receives the context information sent by the source access network device, the method also includes: the target access network device sends fourth indication information to the source access network device, and the fourth indication information is used to instruct the source access network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source access network device to trigger the source core network device to release the context information.

[0016] In a possible implementation, after the target network device acquires the context information of the terminal device, the method further includes: the target network device sends fifth indication information to the terminal device, where the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the target network device has acquired the context information.

[0017] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which includes: when a terminal device moves from a first common land mobile network PLMN to a second PLMN or from a first core network to a second core network, a source network device receives a first context acquisition request message sent by a target network device, the first context acquisition request message being used to request context information of the terminal device, the first context acquisition request message carrying an identifier of the terminal device; and the source network device sends the context information to the target network device.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the source network device is a source core network device, and the target network device is a target core network device. The method also includes: the source core network device sends a second context acquisition request message to the source access network device, and the second context acquisition request message is used to request to obtain the context information; the source core network device receives the context information sent by the source access network device.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the source network device is a source core network device, and the target network device is a target core network device. After the source core network device sends the context information to the target core network device, the method also includes: the source core network device receives first indication information sent by the target core network device, and the first indication information is used to instruct the source core network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source core network device to trigger the source access network device to release the context information; the source core network device releases the context information according to the first indication information, or the source core network device forwards the first indication information to the source access network device.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the source network device is a source PLMN network device, and the target network device is a target PLMN network device. The method also includes: the source PLMN network device sends a second context acquisition request message to the source access network device, and the second context acquisition request message is used to request to obtain the context information; the source PLMN network device receives the context information sent by the source access network device.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the source network device is a source PLMN network device, and the target network device is a target PLMN network device. After the source PLMN network device sends the context information to the target PLMN network device, the method further includes: the source PLMN network device receives second indication information sent by the target PLMN network device, and the second indication information is used to instruct the source PLMN network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source PLMN network device to trigger the source access network device to release the context information; the source PLMN network device releases the context information according to the second indication information, or the source PLMN network device forwards the second indication information to the source access network device.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the source network device is a source access network device, and the target network device is a target access network device. The method also includes: the source access network device sends a second context acquisition request message to a source core network device or a source PLMN network device, and the second context acquisition request message is used to request to obtain the context information; the source access network device receives the context information sent by the source core network device or the source PLMN network device.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the source network device is a source access network device, and the target network device is a target access network device. After the source access network device sends the context information to the target access network device, the method also includes: the source access network device receives third indication information sent by the target access network device, and the third indication information is used to instruct the source access network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source access network device to trigger the source core network device or the source PLMN network device to release the context information; the source access network device releases the context information according to the third indication information, or the source access network device forwards the third indication information to the source core network device or the source PLMN network device.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the terminal device is a terminal device in a radio resource control RRC inactive state.

[0025] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: when a terminal device moves from a first public land mobile network PLMN to a second PLMN or from a first core network to a second core network, the terminal device triggers a target network device to obtain context information of the terminal device.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner, the terminal device triggers the target network device to obtain the context information of the terminal device, including: the terminal device sends the context information to the target network device.

[0027] In a possible implementation, after the terminal device sends the context information to the target network device, the method further includes: the terminal device receives indication information sent by the target network device, the indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to release the context information; and the terminal device releases the context information according to the indication information.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the terminal device triggers the target network device to obtain the context information of the terminal device, including: the terminal device sends the information of the source network device to the target network device, so that the target network device obtains the context information from the source network device.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the target network device is a target core network device, the source network device is a source core network device, or the target network device is a target PLMN network device, the source network device is a source PLMN network device, or the target network device is a target access network device, the source network device is a source access network device.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the terminal device is a terminal device in a radio resource control RRC inactive state.

[0031] In a fourth aspect, a network device is provided, which is used to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. Specifically, the network device includes a unit for executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0032] In a fifth aspect, a network device is provided, which is used to execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. Specifically, the network device includes a unit for executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0033] In a sixth aspect, a terminal device is provided, which is used to execute the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. Specifically, the terminal device includes a unit for executing the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0034] In a seventh aspect, a network device is provided, the network device comprising: a memory, a processor, an input interface, and an output interface. The memory, the processor, the input interface, and the output interface are connected via a bus system. The memory is used to store instructions, and the processor is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory, so as to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0035] In an eighth aspect, a network device is provided, the network device comprising: a memory, a processor, an input interface, and an output interface. The memory, the processor, the input interface, and the output interface are connected via a bus system. The memory is used to store instructions, and the processor is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory, so as to execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0036] In a ninth aspect, a terminal device is provided, the terminal device comprising: a memory, a processor, an input interface, and an output interface. The memory, the processor, the input interface, and the output interface are connected via a bus system. The memory is used to store instructions, and the processor is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory, so as to execute the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0037] In the tenth aspect, a computer storage medium is provided for storing computer software instructions used to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, which includes a program designed for executing the above aspects.

[0038] In the eleventh aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method in the first aspect or any optional implementation of the first aspect, or the method in the second aspect or any optional implementation of the second aspect, or the method in the third aspect or any optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0039] These and other aspects of the present application will become more clearly understood in the description of the following embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an implementation environment involved in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic flow chart of a cell switching method is shown.

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0043] Figure 4 Another schematic block diagram of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0044] Figure 5 Another schematic block diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0045] Figure 6 Another schematic block diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0046] Figure 7 Another schematic block diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0047] Figure 8 Another schematic block diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0048] Fig. 9 A schematic block diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0049] Fig.10 Another schematic block diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0050] Fig.11 A schematic flowchart of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0051] Fig.12 Another schematic block diagram of the network device provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0052] Fig.13 Another schematic block diagram of the network device provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0053] Fig.14 Another schematic flowchart of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0055] It should be understood that the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system or future New Radio (NR) system, etc.

[0056] In particular, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to various communication systems based on non-orthogonal multiple access technology, such as sparse code multiple access (SCMA) system, low density signature (LDS) system, etc. Of course, the SCMA system and the LDS system may also be called other names in the field of communication; further, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to multi-carrier transmission systems using non-orthogonal multiple access technology, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM), filtered orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (F-OFDM) system, etc.

[0057] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an implementation environment involved in an embodiment of the present application is shown. The implementation environment includes: a terminal device 110, an access network device 120, and a core network device 130. Among them, the S1 interface is used for communication between the access network device and the core network device, the X2 interface is used for communication between access network devices, and the Uu interface is used for communication between the terminal device and the access network device.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device 110 can communicate with one or more core networks via a radio access network (RAN), and the terminal device can be referred to as an access terminal, a user equipment (UE), a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent or a user device. The access terminal can be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, and a terminal device in a future 5G (5th Generation) network.

[0059] The access network device 120 is a network element in the access network. Figure 1 As shown, taking the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) as an example, the access network device 120 can be a base station (Node Base, NB) or a radio network controller (Radio Network Controller, RNC). In the LTE wireless network architecture, the base station can be an evolved Node Base station (eNB).

[0060] The core network device 130 is a network element in the core network (CN). Taking the LTE wireless network architecture as an example, the core network device 130 includes a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (S-GW) and a packet data gateway (P-GW). The MME is mainly used to complete the mobility management and session management of the terminal device 110. The S-GW is mainly responsible for forwarding data between the eNB and the P-GW. The P-GW is mainly responsible for processing Internet Protocol (IP) data services.

[0061] In the existing LTE system, after the terminal device establishes a connection with the network, the network device serving the terminal device will establish corresponding service information for the terminal device. When the terminal device using the network service moves from one public land mobile network (PLMN) to another PLMN or from one core network to another core network, in order to ensure the continuity of communication and service quality, the terminal device needs to restore the connection between the terminal device and the network device through switching.

[0062] For ease of understanding, first combine Figure 2 Briefly introduce the method of cell switching. Figure 2 A schematic flow chart of a cell switching method is shown. Figure 2 The methods shown include:

[0063] 201. The terminal completes the initial access process with the source access network device (the access network device to which the source cell belongs). At this time, the terminal enters the connected state from the idle state.

[0064] 202. The source access network device acquires context information of the terminal by establishing a context session with the MME to which the terminal belongs.

[0065] 203. The source access network device stores the context information of the terminal.

[0066] 204. The terminal completes the measurement process of the neighboring cell. The terminal measures the measurement object according to the configuration information sent by the source access network device, and sends a measurement report to the source access network device, so that the access network device can determine whether the terminal performs cell handover according to the measurement report.

[0067] 205. When the source access network device determines that the terminal needs to be switched, the source access network device sends a switching request to the target access network device, where the switching request carries the context information of the terminal.

[0068] 206. The target access network device stores the context information of the terminal.

[0069] 207. The target access network device sends a switching confirmation request to the source access network device.

[0070] 208. The source access network device switches the terminal to the target access network device.

[0071] 209. Transfer the S1 path from the source access network device to the target access network device. When the terminal accesses the target access network device, the target access network device sends a path change request to the core network element to notify the core network element to transfer the terminal's service to the target access network device and update the node relationship between the user plane and the control plane.

[0072] It can be seen from the above scheme that when a terminal device moves from a cell covered by a source access network device to a cell covered by a target access network device, the terminal device restores the connection between the terminal device and the access network entity by switching. In other words, the terminal device needs to first notify the source access network device, and the source access network device then requests switching from the target access network device and carries the context information of the terminal device. The terminal device needs to interact with the source access network device multiple times to restore the connection, which consumes a lot of energy.

[0073] In the study of LTE evolution and future wireless systems, the terminal can move autonomously without switching when in a connected state, and the mobility method used is similar to cell selection or cell reselection in the LTE network. That is, the terminal moves autonomously according to the parameters set by the network and does not inform the network (the difference from switching). When the terminal moves to a different core network or a different PLMN, the context information of the terminal device may be stored in the terminal device itself or in the access network device or core network device or PLMN device that previously served the terminal device. When the terminal device needs to transmit data in the current core network or PLMN, the current network device can obtain the context information of the terminal device from the terminal device or the previous network device to resume transmission.

[0074] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this article. The term "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0075] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a communication method 300 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, the communication method 300 includes part or all of the following contents:

[0076] S310, when the terminal device moves from the first common land mobile network PLMN to the second PLMN or moves from the first core network to the second core network, the target network device obtains the context information of the terminal device;

[0077] S320: The target network device communicates with the terminal device according to the context information.

[0078] The embodiments of the present application may be applicable to a terminal device connected to a target network device, but the context information of the terminal device is stored in a source network device. In other words, any network device that stores the context information of the terminal device may serve as a source network device in the embodiments of the present application.

[0079] It should be understood that the network device in the embodiment of the present application can be an access network device, a core network device, or a PLMN network device. That is to say, the source network device and the target network device can be different access network devices, or the source network device and the target network device can be different core network devices, or the source network device and the target network device can be different PLMN network devices, and the core networks to which they belong can be the same or different. It should also be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the functions implemented by the PLMN network device are similar to the functions implemented by the core network device. The following mainly describes the core network device as an example, and the PLMN network device can refer to the specific implementation of the core network device.

[0080] Specifically, if the terminal device determines that its current mobile core network or PLMN is different from the previous one, the terminal device may not establish the context information of the terminal device through signaling interaction with the network device. The target network device may obtain the context information of the terminal device from the terminal device or the source network device. For example, if the terminal device has uplink data to send, and the context information of the terminal device is stored in the terminal device, the terminal device can directly send its context information to the target access network device. In this way, the network device can quickly resume transmission with the terminal device, and the terminal device can then send uplink data directly to the network device.

[0081] Therefore, in the communication method of the embodiment of the present application, when the terminal device moves to a different PLMN or a different core network, the target network device can directly obtain the context information of the terminal device without switching with the terminal device, thereby being able to restore the connection with the terminal device, thereby saving terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

[0082] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the context information of the terminal device may be stored at the terminal device, the source access network device, and the source core network device. In other words, the target network device may obtain the context information of the terminal device from any one of the terminal device, the source access network device, and the source core network device.

[0083] The following will be combined Figures 4 to 6 The specific processes of the target network device obtaining the context information of the terminal device from the terminal device, from the source access network device and from the source core network are described respectively.

[0084] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 10 is applicable to a scenario in which the context information of a terminal device is stored at the terminal device. Figure 4 As shown, the method 10 includes some or all of the following contents:

[0085] S11, when the terminal device can determine that it has moved to a different core network, the terminal device can directly send the context information of the terminal device to the target access network device.

[0086] S12, after receiving the context information of the terminal device sent by the terminal device, the target access network device may forward the context information of the terminal device to the target core network device.

[0087] S13, when the terminal device determines that it has moved to a different core network, the terminal device may directly send the context information of the terminal device to the target core network device.

[0088] S14, after receiving the context information of the terminal device sent by the terminal device, the target access network device may send instruction information to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to release the context information.

[0089] S15, after receiving the context information forwarded by the terminal device or the target access network device, the target core network device may also send instruction information to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to release the context information.

[0090] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0091] Figure 5 FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow chart of a communication method 20 according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 20 is applicable to a scenario in which the context information of a terminal device is stored in a source access network device. Figure 5As shown, the method 20 includes some or all of the following contents:

[0092] S21, when the terminal device can determine that it has moved to a different core network, it can send some information of the source access network device to the target access network device, and the target access network device can find the source access network device with this information. For example, the information can be an identifier assigned by the core network device to the source access network device, or a path identifier between the terminal device and the source access network device, or a path identifier between the core network device and the source access network device. Any identifier of the source access network device can be used as the identification information in the embodiment of the present application, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0093] S22. After receiving the information of the source access network device, the target access network device can send a context acquisition request message to the source access network device. Optionally, the context acquisition request message can carry identification information of the terminal device. For example, the identification information of the terminal device can be an identifier assigned to the terminal device by the source access network device, or a globally unique temporary UE identifier (Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity, GUTI), or an international mobile user identification number (International Mobile Subscriber Identification Number, IMSI) and other terminal identifiers. Any identifier that can identify the terminal device can be used as identification information of an embodiment of the present application.

[0094] S23, after receiving the context acquisition request message sent by the target access network device, the source access network device may first search for context information of the terminal device according to the carried identification information of the terminal device, and then send the found context information to the target access network device.

[0095] S24, after receiving the context information of the terminal device sent by the source access network device, the target access network device may choose to forward the context information to the target core network device.

[0096] S25, after receiving the context information of the terminal device forwarded by the target access network device, the target core network device may choose to send indication information to the source core network device, instructing the source core network device to trigger the source access network device to release the context information of the terminal device.

[0097] S26, after the source core network device receives the indication information sent by the target core network device, the source core network device may send indication information to the source access network device, instructing the source access network device to release the context information of the terminal device.

[0098] S27, the target access network device may also directly instruct the source access network device to release the context information of the terminal device after receiving the context information of the terminal device sent by the source access network device.

[0099] S28, after receiving the context information of the terminal device sent by the source access network device, the target access network device may also send indication information to the terminal device, which may notify the terminal device that the target access network device has obtained the context information of the terminal device, that is, notify the terminal device that the target access network device is ready to communicate with the terminal device.

[0100] S29. After receiving the context information of the terminal device forwarded by the target access network device, the target core network device may also send indication information to the terminal device, which may notify the terminal device that the target core network device has obtained the context information of the terminal device, that is, notify the terminal device that the target core network device is ready to communicate with the terminal device.

[0101] Optionally, the terminal device may also directly report the information of the source core network device to the target core network device, then the target core network device may send a context acquisition request message to the source core network device based on the reported information of the source core network device, the source core network device may directly forward the context acquisition request message to the source access network device, or resend another context acquisition request message to the source access network, and the context acquisition request message sent by the source core network device to the source access network device may include the identifier of the terminal device, which may be different from the identifier of the terminal device carried in the context acquisition request message sent by the target core network device to the source core network device, or may be the same, or may not carry the identifier of the terminal device, and the embodiments of the present application do not impose any restrictions. After receiving the context acquisition request message sent by the source core network device, the source access network device may send the context information of the terminal device to the source core network device, and the source core network device may then forward the context information to the target core network device, and further, the target core network device may forward the context information to the target access network device.

[0102] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0103] Figure 6 FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 30 according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 30 is applicable to a scenario in which the context information of a terminal device is stored in a source core network device. Figure 6 As shown, the method 30 includes some or all of the following contents:

[0104] S31, when the terminal device can determine that it has moved to a different core network, it can send some information of the source core network device to the target core network device, and the target core network device can use this information to find the source core network device.

[0105] S32. After receiving the information of the source core network device, the target core network device can send a context acquisition request message to the source core network device. Optionally, the context acquisition request message can carry the identification information of the terminal device. For example, the identification information of the terminal device can be an identifier assigned to the terminal device by the source access network device, or it can be a GUTI, or other terminal identifiers such as IMSI. Any identifier that can identify the terminal device can be used as the identification information of the embodiment of the present application.

[0106] S33, after receiving the context acquisition request message sent by the target core network device, the source core network device can first search for the context information of the terminal device according to the identification information of the carried terminal device, and then send the found context information to the target core network device.

[0107] S34, after receiving the context information of the terminal device sent by the source core network device, the target core network device may choose to forward the context information to the target access network device.

[0108] S35, after receiving the context information of the terminal device forwarded by the target access network device, the target core network device may choose to send instruction information to the source core network device to instruct the source core network device to directly release the context information of the terminal device.

[0109] S36, after receiving the context information of the terminal device forwarded by the target core network device, the target access network device may also send indication information to the source access network device, instructing the source access network device to trigger the source core network device to release the context information of the terminal device.

[0110] S37, after receiving the indication information sent by the target access network device to trigger the source core network to release the context information, the source access network device can directly send indication information to the source core network device to instruct the release of the context information.

[0111] S38. After receiving the context information of the terminal device forwarded by the target core network device, the target access network device can send indication information to the terminal device, and can notify the terminal device that the target access network device has obtained the context information of the terminal device, that is, notify the terminal device that the target access network device is ready to communicate with the terminal device.

[0112] S39. After receiving the context information of the terminal device sent by the source core network device, the target core network device may also send indication information to the terminal device, which may notify the terminal device that the target core network device has obtained the context information of the terminal device, that is, notify the terminal device that the target core network device is ready to communicate with the terminal device.

[0113] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0114] It should be understood that the above methods 10, 20 and 30 are described from the perspective of context information being stored in a device, and the embodiments of the present application should not be limited thereto. For example, the context information of a terminal device can be stored in the terminal device and the source access network device, so the terminal device can directly send the context information of the terminal device to the target core network device, and the terminal device can also send some information of the source access network device to the target access network device, so that the target access network device can obtain the context information of the terminal device from the source access network device.

[0115] It should also be understood that the above description is based on the core network equipment as an example. Since the functions of the PLMN network equipment and the core network equipment are similar, they will not be repeated here.

[0116] It should also be understood that the context information of the terminal device sent by the terminal device to the target network device or the information of the source network device can be carried in a random access request message, that is, an uplink resource request is sent to the target access network device. At this time, the terminal device may be in an idle state, but the context information of the terminal device is stored in the terminal device or the source access network device or the source core network device (PLMN network device). The terminal device may also be in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state, but the context information of the terminal device is stored in the terminal device or the source access network device or the source core network device (PLMN network device). This application does not limit the state of the terminal device.

[0117] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a communication method 400 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the method 400 includes some or all of the following contents:

[0118] S410, when the terminal device moves from the first common land mobile network PLMN to the second PLMN or from the first core network to the second core network, the source network device receives a first context acquisition request message sent by the target network device, the first context acquisition request message is used to request to obtain context information of the terminal device, and the first context acquisition request message carries an identifier of the terminal device;

[0119] S420: The source network device sends the context information to the target network device.

[0120] Therefore, in the communication method of the embodiment of the present application, when the terminal device moves to a different PLMN or a different core network, the source network device sends the context information of the terminal device to the target network device after receiving the context acquisition request message sent by the target network device, thereby restoring the connection between the terminal device and the network device, thereby saving terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

[0121] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the source network device is a source core network device, and the target network device is a target core network device. The method also includes: the source core network device sends a second context acquisition request message to the source access network device, and the second context acquisition request message is used to request to obtain the context information; the source core network device receives the context information sent by the source access network device.

[0122] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the source network device is a source core network device, and the target network device is a target core network device. After the source core network device sends the context information to the target core network device, the method also includes: the source core network device receives first indication information sent by the target core network device, and the first indication information is used to instruct the source core network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source core network device to trigger the source access network device to release the context information; the source core network device releases the context information according to the first indication information, or the source core network device forwards the first indication information to the source access network device.

[0123] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the source network device is a source PLMN network device, and the target network device is a target PLMN network device. The method also includes: the source PLMN network device sends a second context acquisition request message to the source access network device, and the second context acquisition request message is used to request to obtain the context information; the source PLMN network device receives the context information sent by the source access network device.

[0124] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the source network device is a source PLMN network device, and the target network device is a target PLMN network device. After the source PLMN network device sends the context information to the target PLMN network device, the method also includes: the source PLMN network device receives second indication information sent by the target PLMN network device, and the second indication information is used to instruct the source PLMN network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source PLMN network device to trigger the source access network device to release the context information; the source PLMN network device releases the context information according to the second indication information, or the source PLMN network device forwards the second indication information to the source access network device.

[0125] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the source network device is a source access network device, and the target network device is a target access network device. The method also includes: the source access network device sends a second context acquisition request message to the source core network device or the source PLMN network device, and the second context acquisition request message is used to request to obtain the context information; the source access network device receives the context information sent by the source core network device or the source PLMN network device.

[0126] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the source network device is a source access network device, and the target network device is a target access network device. After the source access network device sends the context information to the target access network device, the method also includes: the source access network device receives third indication information sent by the target access network device, and the third indication information is used to instruct the source access network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source access network device to trigger the source core network device or the source PLMN network device to release the context information; the source access network device releases the context information according to the third indication information, or the source access network device forwards the third indication information to the source core network device or the source PLMN network device.

[0127] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device is a terminal device in an inactive state of radio resource control RRC.

[0128] It should be understood that the interaction between the network device and the target network device described by the source network device and the related characteristics and functions correspond to the related characteristics and functions of the target network device. In other words, the source network device will receive the same information as the target network device sends to the source network device. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described here.

[0129] It should also be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0130] Figure 8 FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a communication method 500 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the method 500 includes some or all of the following contents:

[0131] S510, when a terminal device moves from a first public land mobile network PLMN to a second PLMN or moves from a first core network to a second core network, the terminal device triggers a target network device to obtain context information of the terminal device.

[0132] Therefore, in the communication method of an embodiment of the present application, when the terminal device moves to a different PLMN or a different core network, the terminal device triggers the target access network device to obtain the context information of the terminal device so as to restore the connection between the terminal device and the network device, thereby saving terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

[0133] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device triggers the target network device to obtain the context information of the terminal device, including: the terminal device sends the context information to the target network device.

[0134] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, after the terminal device sends the context information to the target network device, the method also includes: the terminal device receives indication information sent by the target network device, the indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to release the context information; the terminal device releases the context information according to the indication information.

[0135] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device triggers the target network device to obtain the context information of the terminal device, including: the terminal device sends the information of the source network device to the target network device, so that the target network device obtains the context information from the source network device.

[0136] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the target network device is a target core network device, the source network device is a source core network device, or the target network device is a target PLMN network device, the source network device is a source PLMN network device, or the target network device is a target access network device, and the source network device is a source access network device.

[0137] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device is a terminal device in an inactive state of radio resource control RRC.

[0138] It should be understood that the interaction between the terminal device and the network device and the related characteristics and functions described by the terminal device correspond to the related characteristics and functions of the network device. In other words, what information the terminal device sends to the network device, the network device will receive the same information accordingly. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0139] The communication method according to the embodiment of the present application is described in detail above. Figures 6 to 11 , describing a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application, the technical features described in the method embodiment are applicable to the following device embodiments.

[0140] Fig. 9 Schematic block diagram of a network device 600 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The network device is a target network device, such as Fig. 9 As shown, the network device 600 includes:

[0141] An acquiring unit 610 is configured to acquire context information of the terminal device when the terminal device moves from a first common land mobile network PLMN to a second PLMN or from a first core network to a second core network;

[0142] The communication unit 620 is configured to communicate with the terminal device according to the context information.

[0143] Therefore, in the network device of the embodiment of the present application, when the terminal device moves to a different PLMN or a different core network, the target network device can directly obtain the context information of the terminal device without switching with the terminal device, thereby being able to restore the connection with the terminal device, thereby saving terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

[0144] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the acquisition unit is specifically used to: receive the context information sent by the terminal device.

[0145] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the network device further includes: a first sending unit, configured to send first indication information to the terminal device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the context information.

[0146] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the network device also includes: a first receiving unit, used to receive information of the source network device sent by the terminal device; the acquisition unit is specifically used to: send a context acquisition request message to the source network device based on the information of the source network device, the context acquisition request message is used to request the context information, and the context acquisition request message carries an identifier of the terminal device; receive the context information sent by the source network device.

[0147] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the target network device is a target core network device, the source network device is a source core network device, and the network device further includes: a second sending unit, configured to send the context information to a target access network device.

[0148] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the network device also includes: a third sending unit, used to send second indication information to the source core network device, the second indication information being used to instruct the source core network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source core network device to trigger the source access network device to release the context information.

[0149] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the target network device is a target PLMN network device, the source network device is a source PLMN network device, and the network device further includes: a fourth sending unit, configured to send the context information to a target access network device.

[0150] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the network device also includes: a fifth sending unit, used to send a third indication message to the source PLMN network device, the third indication message being used to instruct the source PLMN network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source PLMN network device to trigger the source access network device to release the context information.

[0151] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the target network device is a target access network device, the source network device is a source access network device, and the network device further includes: a sixth sending unit, used to send the context information to a target core network device or a target PLMN network device.

[0152] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the network device also includes: a seventh sending unit, used to send fourth indication information to the source access network device, and the fourth indication information is used to instruct the source access network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source access network device to trigger the source core network device to release the context information.

[0153] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the network device further includes: an eighth sending unit, used to send fifth indication information to the terminal device, where the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the target network device has acquired the context information.

[0154] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device is a terminal device in an inactive state of radio resource control RRC.

[0155] It should be understood that the network device 600 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the target network device in the embodiment of the method of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the network device 600 are respectively to implement Figure 3 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding process of the target network device in the method will not be repeated here.

[0156] Fig.10 Schematic block diagram of a network device 700 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The network device is a source network device, such as Fig.10As shown, the network device 700 includes:

[0157] The first receiving unit 710 is used to receive a first context acquisition request message sent by a target network device when the terminal device moves from a first common land mobile network PLMN to a second PLMN or from a first core network to a second core network, where the first context acquisition request message is used to request to obtain context information of the terminal device, and the first context acquisition request message carries an identifier of the terminal device;

[0158] The first sending unit 720 is configured to send the context information to the target network device.

[0159] Therefore, in the network device of the embodiment of the present application, when the terminal device moves to a different PLMN or a different core network, the source network device sends the context information of the terminal device to the target network device after receiving the context acquisition request message sent by the target network device, thereby restoring the connection between the terminal device and the network device, thereby saving terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

[0160] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the source network device is a source core network device or a source PLMN network device, the target network device is a target core network device or a target PLMN network device, and the network device also includes: a second sending unit, used to send a second context acquisition request message to the source access network device, the second context acquisition request message is used to request to obtain the context information; a second receiving unit, used to receive the context information sent by the source access network device.

[0161] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the source network device is a source core network device or a source PLMN network device, the target network device is a target core network device or a target PLMN network device, and the network device also includes: a third receiving unit, used to receive a first indication message sent by the target core network device, the first indication message is used to instruct the source core network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source core network device to trigger the source access network device to release the context information, or to receive the first indication message sent by the target PLMN network device, the first indication message is used to instruct the source PLMN network device to release the context information; a first releasing unit, used to release the context information according to the first indication message, or a third sending unit, used to forward the first indication message to the source access network device.

[0162] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the source network device is a source access network device, the target network device is a target access network device, and the network device also includes: a fourth sending unit, used to send a second context acquisition request message to a source core network device or a source PLMN network device, the second context acquisition request message being used to request acquisition of the context information; a fourth receiving unit, used to receive the context information sent by the source core network device or the source PLMN network device.

[0163] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the source network device is a source access network device, the target network device is a target access network device, and the network device also includes: a fifth receiving unit, used to receive third indication information sent by the target access network device, the third indication information being used to instruct the source access network device to release the context information, or to instruct the source access network device to trigger the source core network device or the source PLMN network device to release the context information; a second releasing unit, used to release the context information according to the third indication information, or a fifth sending unit, used to forward the third indication information to the source core network device or the source PLMN network device.

[0164] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device is a terminal device in an inactive state of radio resource control RRC.

[0165] It should be understood that the network device 700 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the source network device in the method embodiment of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the network device 700 are respectively to implement Figure 4 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding process of the source network device in the method will not be repeated here.

[0166] Fig.11 FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a terminal device 800 according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig.11 As shown, the terminal device 800 includes:

[0167] A determining unit 810 is configured to determine whether the terminal device moves from a first common land mobile network PLMN to a second PLMN or from a first core network to a second core network;

[0168] The triggering unit 820 is used to trigger the target network device to obtain the context information of the terminal device.

[0169] Therefore, in the terminal device of the embodiment of the present application, when the terminal device moves to a different PLMN or a different core network, the terminal device triggers the target access network device to obtain the context information of the terminal device so as to restore the connection between the terminal device and the network device, thereby saving terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

[0170] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the trigger unit is specifically used to: send the context information to the target network device.

[0171] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device further includes: a receiving unit, used to receive indication information sent by the target network device, the indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to release the context information; and a releasing unit, used to release the context information according to the indication information.

[0172] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the trigger unit is specifically used to: send information of the source network device to the target network device, so that the target network device obtains the context information from the source network device.

[0173] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the target network device is a target core network device, the source network device is a source core network device, or the target network device is a target PLMN network device, the source network device is a source PLMN network device, or the target network device is a target access network device, and the source network device is a source access network device.

[0174] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device is a terminal device in an inactive state of radio resource control RRC.

[0175] It should be understood that the terminal device 800 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the terminal device in the method embodiment of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the terminal device 800 are respectively to implement Figure 5 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding processes of the terminal device in the method are not repeated here.

[0176] like Fig.12 As shown, the embodiment of the present application also provides a network device 900, which can be Fig. 9 The network device 600 in Figure 3 The network device 900 includes: an input interface 910, an output interface 920, a processor 930 and a memory 940, and the input interface 910, the output interface 920, the processor 930 and the memory 940 can be connected through a bus system. The memory 940 is used to store programs, instructions or codes. The processor 930 is used to execute the programs, instructions or codes in the memory 940 to control the input interface 910 to receive signals, control the output interface 920 to send signals, and complete the operations in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0177] Therefore, the network device of the embodiment of the present application can directly obtain the context information of the terminal device without switching with the terminal device when the terminal device moves to a different PLMN or a different core network, thereby restoring the connection with the terminal device to save terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

[0178] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the processor 930 may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor 930 may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, off-the-shelf programmable gate arrays or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0179] The memory 940 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provides instructions and data to the processor 930. A portion of the memory 940 may also include a nonvolatile random access memory. For example, the memory 940 may also store information on the device type.

[0180] In the implementation process, the contents of the above method can be completed by the hardware integrated logic circuit in the processor 930 or the instructions in the form of software. The contents of the method disclosed in the embodiment of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware processor for execution, or a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor for execution. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the field such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory 940, and the processor 930 reads the information in the memory 940 and completes the contents of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it is not described in detail here.

[0181] In a specific implementation manner, the first receiving unit in the network device 600 may be composed of Fig.12 The input interface 910 in the network device 600 is implemented, and the first sending unit to the eighth sending unit can be Fig.12 The output interface 920 in the network device 600 can be implemented by Fig.12 The processor 930 in is implemented.

[0182] like Fig.13 As shown, the embodiment of the present application also provides a network device 1000, which can be Fig.10 The network device 700 in Figure 7The network device 1000 includes: an input interface 1010, an output interface 1020, a processor 1030 and a memory 1040, and the input interface 1010, the output interface 1020, the processor 1030 and the memory 1040 can be connected via a bus system. The memory 1040 is used to store programs, instructions or codes. The processor 1030 is used to execute the programs, instructions or codes in the memory 1040 to control the input interface 1010 to receive signals, control the output interface 1020 to send signals, and complete the operations in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0183] Therefore, the network device of the embodiment of the present application, when the terminal device moves to a different PLMN or a different core network, sends the context information of the terminal device to the target network device after receiving the context acquisition request message sent by the target network device, thereby restoring the connection between the terminal device and the network device, thereby saving terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

[0184] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the processor 1030 may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor 1030 may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, off-the-shelf programmable gate arrays or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0185] The memory 1040 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor 1030. A portion of the memory 1040 may also include a nonvolatile random access memory. For example, the memory 1040 may also store information on the device type.

[0186] In the implementation process, the contents of the above method can be completed by the hardware integrated logic circuit in the processor 1030 or the instructions in the form of software. The contents of the method disclosed in the embodiment of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware processor for execution, or a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor for execution. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the field such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory 1040, and the processor 1030 reads the information in the memory 1040 and completes the contents of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it is not described in detail here.

[0187] In a specific implementation manner, the first receiving unit to the fifth receiving unit in the network device 700 may be composed of Fig.13 The input interface 1010 in the network device 700 can be implemented by the first sending unit to the fifth sending unit. Fig.13 The output interface 1020 in the network device 700 is implemented, and the first release unit and the second release unit in the network device 700 can be Fig.13 The processor 1030 in is implemented.

[0188] like Fig.14 As shown, the embodiment of the present application also provides a terminal device 2000, which can be Fig.11 The terminal device 800 in Figure 8 The terminal device 2000 includes: an input interface 2010, an output interface 2020, a processor 2030 and a memory 2040, and the input interface 2010, the output interface 2020, the processor 2030 and the memory 2040 can be connected through a bus system. The memory 2040 is used to store programs, instructions or codes. The processor 2030 is used to execute the programs, instructions or codes in the memory 2040 to control the input interface 2010 to receive signals, control the output interface 2020 to send signals, and complete the operations in the above method embodiments.

[0189] Therefore, in the terminal device of the embodiment of the present application, when the terminal device moves to a different PLMN or a different core network, the terminal device triggers the target access network device to obtain the context information of the terminal device so as to restore the connection between the terminal device and the network device, thereby saving terminal power and network overhead, thereby improving terminal mobility performance.

[0190] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the processor 2030 may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor 2030 may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, off-the-shelf programmable gate arrays or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0191] The memory 2040 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor 2030. A portion of the memory 2040 may also include a non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory 2040 may also store information on the device type.

[0192] In the implementation process, the contents of the above method can be completed by the hardware integrated logic circuit in the processor 2030 or the instructions in the form of software. The contents of the method disclosed in the embodiment of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware processor for execution, or a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor for execution. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the field such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory 2040, and the processor 2030 reads the information in the memory 2040 and completes the contents of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it is not described in detail here.

[0193] In a specific implementation manner, the receiving unit in the terminal device 800 may be composed of Fig.14 The output interface 2010 in the terminal device 800 can be implemented by the trigger unit, the release unit and the determination unit. Fig.14 The processor 2030 in is implemented.

[0194] 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 in 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. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0195] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0196] In the several embodiments provided in the present 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 schematic. For example, the division of the unit is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0197] 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 distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0198] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0199] If this function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application can be essentially or partly embodied in the form of a software product that contributes to the prior art. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk or optical disk, etc., and other media that can store program codes.

[0200] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, It is characterized in that include: In the case where the terminal device moves from a source public land mobile network PLMN to a target PLMN or from a source core network to a target core network, the target network device receives the context information of the terminal device sent by the terminal device, wherein the target network device is a target access network device or a target PLMN device in the target PLMN or a target core network device in the target core network; The target network device communicates with the terminal device according to the context information, After the target network device receives the context information sent by the terminal device, the method further includes: The target network device sends first indication information to the terminal device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the context information.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that After the target network device receives the context information of the terminal device, the method further includes: The target network device sends fifth indication information to the terminal device, where the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the target network device has acquired the context information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that When the target network device is a target access network device, the method further includes: After receiving the context information sent by the terminal device, the target access network device forwards the context information of the terminal device to the target core network device.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The terminal device is a terminal device in a radio resource control RRC inactive state.

5. A communication method, It is characterized in that include: In the case where a terminal device moves from a source public land mobile network PLMN to a target PLMN or from a source core network to a target core network, the terminal device triggers a target network device to obtain context information of the terminal device, including: The terminal device sends the context information to the target network device, wherein the target network device is a target access network device or a target PLMN device in the target PLMN or a target core network device in the target core network, After the terminal device sends the context information to the target network device, the method further includes: The terminal device receives the indication information sent by the target network device, where the indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the context information; The terminal device releases the context information according to the indication information.

6. The method according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The terminal device is a terminal device in a radio resource control RRC inactive state.

7. A network device, It is characterized in that The network device is a target network device, and the network device includes: an acquiring unit, configured to receive the context information of the terminal device sent by the terminal device when the terminal device moves from a source public land mobile network PLMN to a target PLMN or from a source core network to a target core network, wherein the target network device is a target access network device or a target PLMN device in the target PLMN or a target core network device in the target core network; a communication unit, configured to communicate with the terminal device according to the context information; and The first sending unit is used to send first indication information to the terminal device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the context information.

8. The network device according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The network device also includes: An eighth sending unit is used to send fifth indication information to the terminal device, where the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the target network device has acquired the context information.

9. The network device according to claim 7 or 8, It is characterized in that When the target network device is a target access network device, the network device further includes: The sixth sending unit is used to forward the context information of the terminal device to the target core network device after receiving the context information sent by the terminal device.

10. The network device according to claim 7 or 8, It is characterized in that The terminal device is a terminal device in a radio resource control RRC inactive state.

11. A terminal device, It is characterized in that The terminal device comprises: A determination unit, configured to determine that the terminal device moves from a source public land mobile network PLMN to a target PLMN or from a source core network to a target core network; A triggering unit, configured to send the context information of the terminal device to a target network device, wherein the target network device is a target access network device or a target PLMN device in the target PLMN or a target core network device in the target core network; a receiving unit, configured to receive instruction information sent by the target network device, wherein the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the context information; and A releasing unit is used to release the context information according to the indication information.

12. The terminal device according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The terminal device is a terminal device in a radio resource control RRC inactive state.

13. A network device, It is characterized in that The network device is a target network device, and the network device includes: a processor, a memory, an input interface, and an output interface; wherein, The processor, the memory, the input interface and the output interface are connected via a bus system; The memory is used to store a computer program that can be run on the processor; The processor is used to execute the computer program to control the input interface to receive signals and control the output interface to send signals, so as to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

14. A terminal device, It is characterized in that The terminal device includes: a processor, a memory, an input interface and an output interface; wherein, The processor, the memory, the input interface and the output interface are connected via a bus system; The memory is used to store a computer program that can be run on the processor; The processor is used to execute the computer program to control the input interface to receive signals and control the output interface to send signals, so as to perform the method according to claim 5 or 6.

15. A computer storage medium storing a computer readable program, wherein the computer readable program, when executed by at least one processor, implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or implements the method according to claim 5 or 6.

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