Method for determining core network type during switching process, terminal equipment, access network equipment and core network equipment

Abstract

The present application provides a method, terminal device, access network device, and core network device for determining the core network type during a switching process. During a cell switching process, the target access network device can determine the core network type of the target cell by reporting preferred core network type information by the terminal device, or the target access network device can determine the core network type of the target cell by exchanging information with the core network device, thereby ensuring smooth cell switching and improving user experience. The method includes: during a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the terminal device sends preferred core network type information for the target cell to the source access network device, wherein the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a method for determining a core network type during a switching process, a terminal device, an access network device, and a core network device. Background Art

[0002] In Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G communication systems, access network equipment (e.g., base stations) of evolved Long Term Evolution (eLTE) can simultaneously access the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and the 5G Core (5GC). When a terminal device switches to a target cell that may be connected to a different core network type, it must determine the core network type before switching. This is because different core network types require different bearers. However, during the current cell switching process, for example, when a terminal device switches from an eLTE cell to an eLTE cell, or from an NR cell to an eLTE cell, neither the source base station nor the target base station knows which core network type (CNtype) the terminal device needs to connect to after switching, which in turn affects the cell switching experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An embodiment of the present application provides a method, terminal device, access network device and core network device for determining the core network type during a switching process. During a cell switching process, the target access network device can determine the core network type of the target cell by having the terminal device report the preferred core network type information, or the target access network device can determine the core network type of the target cell through information interaction with the core network device, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a core network type during a handover process, including:

[0005] During the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the terminal device sends preferred core network type information for the target cell to a source access network device, wherein the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell.

[0006] Optionally, when determining the core network type of the target cell, the core network device refers to the preferred core network type information reported by the terminal device.

[0007] It should be understood that in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device accessed by the terminal device changes from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0008] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the terminal device reports the preferred core network type information of the target cell, so that the core network device can refer to the preferred core network type information of the target cell to determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0009] Furthermore, it avoids the situation in which, during the cell handover process, the target access network device defaults to a core network type without knowing the core network type of the target cell, thereby overloading or unloading the core network device.

[0010] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the terminal device sending the preferred core network type information for the target cell to the source access network device includes:

[0011] The non-access layer of the terminal device sends the preferred core network type information to the access layer of the terminal device;

[0012] The access layer of the terminal device sends the preferred core network type information to the source access network device.

[0013] Optionally, the non-access layer of the terminal device generates the preferred core network type information.

[0014] Furthermore, the non-access layer of the terminal device generates the preferred core network type information of the target cell and reports it to the source access network device through the access layer of the terminal device.

[0015] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the terminal device sending the preferred core network type information for the target cell to the source access network device includes:

[0016] The terminal device sends a measurement report to the source access network device, and the measurement report carries the preferred core network type information.

[0017] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the preferred core network type information is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0018] Optionally, the target access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a core network type during a handover process, including:

[0020] During handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the source access network device receives preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the terminal device, where the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell;

[0021] The source access network device sends the preferred core network type information to the target access network device.

[0022] Optionally, when determining the core network type of the target cell, the core network device refers to the preferred core network type information reported by the terminal device.

[0023] It should be understood that in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device accessed by the terminal device changes from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0024] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the terminal device reports the preferred core network type information of the target cell, so that the core network device can refer to the preferred core network type information of the target cell to determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0025] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the source access network device receiving the preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the terminal device includes:

[0026] The source access network device receives the preferred core network type information sent by the access layer of the terminal device.

[0027] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the source access network device receiving the preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the terminal device includes:

[0028] The source access network device receives the measurement report sent by the terminal device, and the measurement report carries the preferred core network type information.

[0029] Optionally, in an implementation of the second aspect, the source access network device sending the preferred core network type information to the target access network device includes:

[0030] The source access network device sends a handover request to the target access network device, where the handover request includes the preferred core network type information.

[0031] Optionally, the target access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0032] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the preferred core network type information is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0033] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a core network type during a handover process, including:

[0034] During handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the target access network device receives preferred core network type information for the target cell from the source access network device, where the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell;

[0035] The target access network device sends the preferred core network type information to the core network device, so that the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell according to the preferred core network type information.

[0036] It should be understood that in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device accessed by the terminal device changes from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0037] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the terminal device reports the preferred core network type information of the target cell, so that the core network device can refer to the preferred core network type information of the target cell to determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0038] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the third aspect, the target access network device receives, from the source access network device, the preferred core network type information for the target cell, including:

[0039] The target access network device receives a handover request from the source access network device, where the handover request includes the preferred core network type information.

[0040] Optionally, in an implementation of the third aspect, the preferred core network type information is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0041] Optionally, in an implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes:

[0042] The target access network device receives the core network type of the target cell from the core network device;

[0043] The target access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0044] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a core network type during a handover process, including:

[0045] During handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the core network device receives preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the target access network device, where the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell;

[0046] The core network device determines the core network type of the target cell according to the preferred core network type information.

[0047] It should be understood that in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device accessed by the terminal device changes from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0048] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the terminal device reports the preferred core network type information of the target cell, so that the core network device can refer to the preferred core network type information of the target cell to determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0049] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell according to the preferred core network type information, including:

[0050] The core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on the preferred core network type information, the subscription information of the terminal device, the evolved packet system EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the protocol data unit PDU session information for the terminal device, and at least one of the quality of service QoS flow.

[0051] Optionally, in an implementation of the fourth aspect, the preferred core network type information is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0052] Optionally, in an implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes:

[0053] The core network device feeds back the determined core network type of the target cell to the target access network device.

[0054] Optionally, the target access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0055] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a core network type during a handover process, including:

[0056] During handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device sends a request message to a core network device, the request message being used to request a core network type of the target cell, wherein the core network device remains unchanged during handover of the terminal device from the source cell to the target cell;

[0057] The access network device receives the core network type of the target cell fed back by the core network device in response to the request message.

[0058] It should be understood that during the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the core network device serving the terminal device remains unchanged.

[0059] It should also be understood that, in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device accessed by the terminal device changes from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0060] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the access network device sends a request message to the core network device for requesting the core network type of the target cell, so that the core network device can determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0061] Optionally, in an implementation of the fifth aspect, during the process of switching the terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device may be a source access network device or a target access network device.

[0062] Optionally, if the access network device is a source access network device, the access network device sends the request message to the core network device through the S1 interface or the N2 interface, and receives the core network type of the target cell fed back by the core network device.

[0063] Optionally, if the access network device is the target access network device, the access network device sends the request message to the core network device through the S1 interface or the N2 interface, and receives the core network type of the target cell fed back by the core network device.

[0064] Optionally, in an implementation of the fifth aspect, the method further includes:

[0065] The access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0066] Optionally, in an implementation of the fifth aspect, the core network type information of the target cell is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0067] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0068] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a core network type during a handover process, including:

[0069] During handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, a core network device receives a request message sent by an access network device, the request message being used to request a core network type of the target cell, wherein the core network device remains unchanged during handover of the terminal device from the source cell to the target cell;

[0070] After receiving the request message, the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on at least one of the subscription information of the terminal device, the evolved packet system EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the protocol data unit PDU session information for the terminal device, and the quality of service QoS flow.

[0071] It should be understood that during the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the core network device serving the terminal device remains unchanged.

[0072] It should also be understood that, in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device accessed by the terminal device changes from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0073] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the access network device sends a request message to the core network device to request the core network type of the target cell. Thus, the core network device can determine the core network type of the target cell based on the contract information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, and at least one of the QoS flows, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0074] Optionally, in an implementation of the sixth aspect, during the process of switching the terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device may be a source access network device or a target access network device.

[0075] Optionally, if the access network device is a source access network device, the access network device sends the request message to the core network device through the S1 interface or the N2 interface, and receives the core network type of the target cell fed back by the core network device.

[0076] Optionally, if the access network device is the target access network device, the access network device sends the request message to the core network device through the S1 interface or the N2 interface, and receives the core network type of the target cell fed back by the core network device.

[0077] Optionally, in an implementation of the sixth aspect, the method further includes:

[0078] The core network device feeds back the core network type of the target cell to the access network device.

[0079] Optionally, the access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0080] Optionally, in an implementation of the sixth aspect, the core network type information of the target cell is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0081] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0082] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a core network type during a handover process, including:

[0083] During handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the target access network device sends a request message to the target core network device, where the request message is used to request the core network type of the target cell;

[0084] The target access network device receives the core network type of the target cell fed back by the target core network device in response to the request message.

[0085] Optionally, the target core network device sends the request message to the source core network device, so that the source core network device determines the core network type of the target cell.

[0086] It should be understood that in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the core network device serving the terminal device changes from the source core network device to the target core network device.

[0087] It should also be understood that, in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device accessed by the terminal device changes from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0088] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the target access network device sends a request message to the target core network device to request the core network type of the target cell, and the target core network device sends this request message to the source core network device. Thus, the source core network device can determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0089] Optionally, in an implementation of the seventh aspect, the method further includes:

[0090] The target access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0091] Optionally, in an implementation of the seventh aspect, the core network type information of the target cell is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0092] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the seventh aspect, the source core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0093] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a core network type during a handover process, including:

[0094] During handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the target core network device sends a request message to the source core network device, where the request message is used to request the core network type of the target cell;

[0095] The target core network device receives the core network type of the target cell fed back by the source core network device in response to the request message.

[0096] It should be understood that in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the core network device serving the terminal device changes from the source core network device to the target core network device.

[0097] It should also be understood that, in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device accessed by the terminal device changes from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0098] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the target core network device sends a request message to the source core network device for requesting the core network type of the target cell, so that the source core network device can determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0099] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the eighth aspect, before the target core network device sends the request message to the source core network device, the method further includes:

[0100] The target core network device receives the request message from the target access network device.

[0101] Optionally, in an implementation of the eighth aspect, the method further includes:

[0102] The target core network device sends the core network type of the target cell to the target access network device, so that the target access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0103] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the eighth aspect, the core network type information of the target cell is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0104] Optionally, in an implementation manner of the eighth aspect, the source core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0105] Optionally, in an implementation of the eighth aspect, the target core network device is AMF, or MME, or UDM, or HSS.

[0106] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a core network type during a handover process, including:

[0107] During handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the source core network device receives a request message sent by the target core network device, where the request message is used to request a core network type of the target cell;

[0108] The source core network device determines the core network type of the target cell according to at least one of the subscription information of the terminal device, the evolved packet system EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the protocol data unit PDU session information for the terminal device, and the quality of service QoS flow;

[0109] The source core network device feeds back the determined core network type of the target cell to the target core network device.

[0110] It should be understood that in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the core network device serving the terminal device changes from the source core network device to the target core network device.

[0111] It should also be understood that, in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device accessed by the terminal device changes from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0112] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the target core network device sends a request message to the source core network device for requesting the core network type of the target cell, so that the source core network device can determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0113] Optionally, the target access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0114] Optionally, in an implementation of the ninth aspect, the core network type information of the target cell is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0115] Optionally, in an implementation of the ninth aspect, the source core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0116] Optionally, in an implementation of the ninth aspect, the target core network device is AMF, or MME, or UDM, or HSS.

[0117] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a terminal device that can execute the module or unit of the method in the first aspect or any optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0118] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an access network device that can execute the module or unit of the method in the second aspect or any optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0119] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an access network device that can execute the module or unit of the method in the third aspect or any optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0120] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a core network device that can execute the module or unit of the method in the fourth aspect or any optional implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0121] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an access network device that can execute the module or unit of the method in the fifth aspect or any optional implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0122] In the fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a core network device that can execute the module or unit of the method in the sixth aspect or any optional implementation of the sixth aspect.

[0123] In the sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an access network device that can execute the module or unit of the method in the seventh aspect or any optional implementation of the seventh aspect.

[0124] In the seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a core network device that can execute the module or unit of the method in the eighth aspect or any optional implementation of the eighth aspect.

[0125] In the eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a core network device that can execute the module or unit of the method in the ninth aspect or any optional implementation method of the ninth aspect.

[0126] In a nineteenth aspect, a terminal device is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface. The memory is configured to store instructions, the processor is configured to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is configured to communicate with other network elements under the control of the processor. When the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0127] In a twentieth aspect, an access network device is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface. The memory is configured to store instructions, the processor is configured to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is configured to communicate with other network elements under the control of the processor. When the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0128] In a twenty-first aspect, an access network device is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface. The memory is configured to store instructions, the processor is configured to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is configured to communicate with other network elements under the control of the processor. When the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0129] In a twenty-second aspect, a core network device is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface. The memory is configured to store instructions, the processor is configured to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is configured to communicate with other network elements under the control of the processor. When the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0130] In a twenty-third aspect, an access network device is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface. The memory is configured to store instructions, the processor is configured to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is configured to communicate with other network elements under the control of the processor. When the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0131] In a twenty-fourth aspect, a core network device is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface. The memory is configured to store instructions, the processor is configured to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is configured to communicate with other network elements under the control of the processor. When the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of the sixth aspect or any possible implementation of the sixth aspect.

[0132] In a twenty-fifth aspect, an access network device is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface. The memory is configured to store instructions, the processor is configured to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is configured to communicate with other network elements under the control of the processor. When the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of the seventh aspect or any possible implementation of the seventh aspect.

[0133] In a twenty-sixth aspect, an access network device is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface. The memory is configured to store instructions, the processor is configured to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is configured to communicate with other network elements under the control of the processor. When the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of the eighth aspect or any possible implementation of the eighth aspect.

[0134] In aspect 27, a core network device is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface. The memory is configured to store instructions, the processor is configured to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is configured to communicate with other network elements under the control of the processor. When the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of aspect 9 or any possible implementation of aspect 9.

[0135] In aspect 28, a computer-readable medium is provided for storing a computer program, which includes instructions for executing any one of the above methods or any possible implementation methods.

[0136] In the twenty-ninth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any one of the above methods or any possible implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0137] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application.

[0138] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the eLTE protocol layer architecture in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0139] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining the core network type during a switching process according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0140] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of another method for determining the core network type during a switching process according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0141] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining the core network type during a switching process according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0142] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining the core network type during a switching process according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0143] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a switching process according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0144] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining the core network type during a switching process according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0145] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining the core network type during a switching process according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0146] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart of another switching process according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0147] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of another switching process according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0148] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining the core network type during a switching process according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0149] Figure 13 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining the core network type during a switching process according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0150] Figure 14 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining the core network type during a switching process according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0151] Figure 15 This is a schematic flowchart of another switching process according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0152] Figure 16 It is a schematic block diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0153] Figure 17 This is a schematic block diagram of an access network device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0154] Figure 18 This is a schematic block diagram of another access network device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0155] Figure 19 It is a schematic block diagram of a core network device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0156] Figure 20 This is a schematic block diagram of another access network device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0157] Figure 21 It is a schematic block diagram of another core network device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0158] Figure 22 This is a schematic block diagram of another access network device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0159] Figure 23 This is a schematic block diagram of another core network device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0160] Figure 24 This is a schematic block diagram of another core network device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0161] Figure 25 A schematic block diagram of a device for determining a core network type during a switching process provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0162] Figure 26 is a schematic structural diagram of a system chip according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0163] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0164] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system or 5G communication system, etc.

[0165] This application describes various embodiments in conjunction with an access network device. The access network device in the embodiments of the present application may be a device for communicating with a terminal device, and the access network device may be an evolved base station (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or the access network device may be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a next-generation evolved base station (NG-eNB), and an access network device in a 5G network (e.g., gNB) or an access network device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) network, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0166] This application describes various embodiments in conjunction with a core network device. The core network device in the embodiments of the present application may be a device that communicates with an access network device, and the core network device may be a 5G core network device, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), or an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) device, such as a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

[0167] Figure 1 An access network device, a core network device and two terminal devices are shown exemplarily. Optionally, the wireless communication system 100 may include multiple access network devices and the coverage range of each access network device may include other numbers of terminal devices, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0168] Optionally, the wireless communication system 100 may further include other network entities such as a network controller and a mobility management entity, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0169] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the eLTE protocol layer architecture in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0170] eLTE refers to connecting LTE eNB (i.e. NG-eNB) to the 5G core network. The Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) to Physical (PHY) layer in the LTE eNB protocol stack use the LTE protocol, while the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer can use the LTE Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) protocol or the 5G NR protocol.

[0171] The PDCP layer of the terminal equipment (UE) can use the LTE E-UTRAN protocol or the 5G NR protocol, and the PDCP layer of the NG-eNB can also use the LTE E-UTRAN protocol or the 5G NR protocol.

[0172] The UE and NG-eNB communicate via the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol.

[0173] The UE's non-access stratum (NAS) communicates with the NAS layer of the AMF device.

[0174] In eLTE, switching from an EPC supporting the LTE protocol to an EPC supporting the LTE protocol, that is, switching from LTE / EPC to LTE / 5GC, may occur. The target cell (the cell after the switch) may support both EPC and 5GC. During this switching process, if the target cell supports both EPC and 5GC, it is necessary to determine which core network type the terminal device needs to connect to after the switch.

[0175] Optionally, EPC requires Packet Data Unit (PDU) connections and Evolved Packet System (EPS) bearers based on the LTE specification, and 5GC requires PDU sessions and Quality of Service (QoS) flows based on the 5G NR specification.

[0176] In addition, various aspects or features of the present application can be implemented as methods, devices or products using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "product" as used in this application covers computer programs that can be accessed from any computer-readable device, carrier or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks or tapes, etc.), optical disks (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), cards, sticks or key drives, etc.). In addition, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, various media capable of storing, containing and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0177] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" is simply a description of an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0178] Figure 32 is a schematic flow chart of a method 200 for determining a core network type during a handover process according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 200 may optionally be applied to Figure 1 The system shown in the method 200, the terminal device, the source access network device, the target access network device and the core network device can optionally meet Figure 2 The eLTE protocol layer architecture is shown, but is not limited thereto. The method 200 includes at least part of the following contents.

[0179] 210. During the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the terminal device sends preferred core network type information for the target cell to a source access network device, wherein the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell.

[0180] It should be understood that in the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the access network device accessed by the terminal device changes from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0181] Optionally, the source access network device may be an eNB or a gNB.

[0182] Optionally, the target access network device can be an eNB or a gNB.

[0183] It should be understood that when the terminal device resides in the source cell, it accesses the source access network device, and the terminal device performs signaling interaction with the core network device through the source access network device.

[0184] It should be understood that when the terminal device resides in the target cell, it accesses the target access network device, and the terminal device performs signaling interaction with the core network device through the target access network device.

[0185] Optionally, during the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the core network device may remain unchanged. At this time, the core network device may implement the relevant functions implemented by the source core network device and the target core network device through signaling interaction between processes.

[0186] For example, when the terminal device switches from cell A to cell B, the core network device AMF remains unchanged.

[0187] Optionally, during the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the core network device can be changed. At this time, the core network device can be changed from the source core network device to the target core network device. The terminal device realizes signaling interaction with the source core network device through the source access network device, and the terminal device interacts with the target core network device through the target access network device. Signaling interaction can also be realized between the source access network device and the target access network device, and signaling interaction can also be realized between the source core network device and the target core network device.

[0188] For example, when the terminal device switches from cell C to cell D, the core network device changes from AMF to MME.

[0189] For another example, when the terminal device switches from cell E to cell F, the core network device changes from AMF1 to AMF2.

[0190] Optionally, during the handover process of the terminal device from the source cell to the target cell, the radio access technology (RAT) of the terminal device does not change, but the core network device does change. For example, the RAT of the terminal device is eLTE, and the core network device changes from 5GC to EPC.

[0191] Optionally, the core network device refers to the priority core network type information of the target cell when determining the core network type of the target cell.

[0192] Optionally, after determining the core network type of the target cell, the target access network device may perform cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0193] Optionally, the preferred core network type information of the target cell is one or more core network types that the terminal device prioritizes for the target cell.

[0194] Optionally, the non-access layer of the terminal device sends the preferred core network type information to the access layer of the terminal device;

[0195] The access layer of the terminal device sends the preferred core network type information to the source access network device.

[0196] Optionally, the non-access layer of the terminal device generates preferred core network type information of the target cell.

[0197] Optionally, the terminal device sends a measurement report to the source access network device, and the measurement report carries the preferred core network type information.

[0198] Optionally, the preferred core network type information is EPC, or 5GC, or 5GC and EPC.

[0199] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the terminal device reports the preferred core network type information of the target cell, so that the core network device can refer to the preferred core network type information of the target cell to determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0200] Furthermore, it avoids the situation in which, during the cell handover process, the target access network device defaults to a core network type without knowing the core network type of the target cell, thereby overloading or unloading the core network device.

[0201] Figure 4 300 is a schematic flow chart of a method 300 for determining a core network type during a handover process according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 300 may optionally be applied to Figure 1 The system shown in FIG. 300 can optionally meet the requirements of the terminal device, source access network device, target access network device and core network device. Figure 2 The eLTE protocol layer architecture is shown, but is not limited thereto. The method 300 includes at least part of the following contents.

[0202] 310. During the process of a terminal device switching from a source cell to a target cell, the source access network device receives preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the terminal device. The preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell.

[0203] 320. The source access network device sends the preferred core network type information to the target access network device.

[0204] Optionally, the source access network device receives the preferred core network type information sent by the access layer of the terminal device.

[0205] Optionally, the source access network device receives a measurement report sent by the terminal device, and the measurement report carries the preferred core network type information.

[0206] Optionally, the source access network device sends a handover request to the target access network device, where the handover request includes the preferred core network type information.

[0207] Optionally, the preferred core network type information is EPC, or 5GC, or 5GC and EPC.

[0208] It should be understood that the steps in method 300 for determining the core network type during a switching process may refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during a switching process, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0209] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the terminal device reports the preferred core network type information of the target cell, so that the core network device can refer to the preferred core network type information of the target cell to determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0210] Furthermore, it avoids the situation in which, during the cell handover process, the target access network device defaults to a core network type without knowing the core network type of the target cell, thereby overloading or unloading the core network device.

[0211] Figure 5 400 is a schematic flow chart of a method for determining a core network type during a handover process according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 The system shown in the method 400, the terminal device, the source access network device, the target access network device and the core network device can optionally meet Figure 2 The eLTE protocol layer architecture is shown, but is not limited thereto. The method 400 includes at least part of the following contents.

[0212] 410. During the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the target access network device receives the preferred core network type information for the target cell from the source access network device. The preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell.

[0213] 420. The target access network device sends the preferred core network type information to the core network device, so that the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell according to the preferred core network type information.

[0214] Optionally, the target access network device receives a handover request from the source access network device, where the handover request includes the preferred core network type information.

[0215] Optionally, the preferred core network type information is EPC, or 5GC, or 5GC and EPC.

[0216] Optionally, the method 400 further includes:

[0217] The target access network device receives the core network type of the target cell from the core network device;

[0218] The target access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0219] It should be understood that the steps in method 400 for determining the core network type during a switching process may refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during a switching process, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0220] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the terminal device reports the preferred core network type information of the target cell, so that the core network device can refer to the preferred core network type information of the target cell to determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0221] Furthermore, it avoids the situation in which, during the cell handover process, the target access network device defaults to a core network type without knowing the core network type of the target cell, thereby overloading or unloading the core network device.

[0222] Figure 6 : is a schematic flow chart of a method 500 for determining a core network type during a handover process according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 500 may optionally be applied to Figure 1 The system shown in the figure, the terminal device, the source access network device, the target access network device and the core network device in the method 500 can optionally meet Figure 2 The eLTE protocol layer architecture is shown, but is not limited thereto. The method 500 includes at least part of the following contents.

[0223] 510. During the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the core network device receives the preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the target access network device. The preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell.

[0224] 520. The core network device determines the core network type of the target cell according to the preferred core network type information.

[0225] Optionally, the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on the preferred core network type information, the subscription information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, and at least one of the QoS flows.

[0226] Optionally, the preferred core network type information is EPC, or 5GC, or 5GC and EPC.

[0227] Optionally, the method 500 further includes:

[0228] The core network device feeds back the determined core network type of the target cell to the target access network device.

[0229] It should be understood that the steps in method 500 for determining the core network type during a switching process may refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during a switching process, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0230] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the terminal device reports the preferred core network type information of the target cell, so that the core network device can refer to the preferred core network type information of the target cell to determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0231] Furthermore, it avoids the situation in which, during the cell handover process, the target access network device defaults to a core network type without knowing the core network type of the target cell, thereby overloading or unloading the core network device.

[0232] Optionally, it can be used as an embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the non-access layer of the terminal device, the access layer of the terminal device, the source access network device, the target access network device, and the core network device exchange information, so that the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on the preferred core network type information for the target cell reported by the terminal device. The specific process is shown in method 600.

[0233] 610. During the process of switching the UE from the source cell to the target cell, the UE's non-access stratum (NAS) sends indication information to the UE's access stratum (AS), where the indication information indicates the preferred core network type information for the target cell.

[0234] 620. The UE AS reports a measurement report to the source access network device. The measurement report carries information about the preferred core network type for the target cell.

[0235] Optionally, the measurement report may also carry some other information, which is not limited in this application.

[0236] 630. The source access network device sends a handover request to the target access network device. The handover request carries the preferred core network type information for the target cell.

[0237] Optionally, the switching request may also carry some other information, which is not limited in this application.

[0238] 640. The target access network device sends the preferred core network type information for the target cell to the core network device, so that the core network device refers to the preferred core network type information for the target cell when determining the core network type of the target cell.

[0239] 650. After the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell, the target access network device feeds back a first response message for the handover request to the source access network device. The first response message carries the core network type of the target cell.

[0240] 660. The source access network device feeds back second response information to the UE AS. The second response message carries the core network type of the target cell.

[0241] Thus, the terminal device can learn the core network type of the target cell.

[0242] It should be understood that the above-mentioned method 600 corresponds to the corresponding steps in method 200, method 300, method 400 and method 500, and the steps in the above-mentioned method 600 can refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during the switching process. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0243] Figure 8 700 is a schematic flow chart of a method for determining a core network type during a handover process according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 700 may optionally be applied to Figure 1 The system shown in the method 700, the terminal device, the source access network device, the target access network device and the core network device can optionally meet Figure 2 The eLTE protocol layer architecture is shown, but is not limited thereto. The method 700 includes at least part of the following contents.

[0244] 710. During the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the access network device sends a request message to the core network device, where the request message is used to request the core network type of the target cell. During the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the core network device remains unchanged.

[0245] Optionally, the access network device may be a source access network device, and the source access network device sends the request message to the core network device through an S1 interface or an N2 interface.

[0246] For example, the eNB sends the request message to the MME through the S1 interface.

[0247] Optionally, the access network device may be a target access network device, and the target access network device sends the request message through an S1 interface or an N2 interface or to a core network device.

[0248] For example, the gNB sends the request message to the AMF through the N2 interface.

[0249] Optionally, the request message carries some information of the terminal device, for example, identification information of the terminal device and / or the cell identity (Global Cellular Identity, GCI) of the target cell.

[0250] 720. The access network device receives the core network type of the target cell fed back by the core network device in response to the request message.

[0251] Optionally, the core network device may determine the core network type of the target cell based on at least one of the subscription information of the terminal device, EPS bearer information for the terminal device, PDU session information for the terminal device, and QoS flow.

[0252] It should be understood that the core network device can also assist in determining the core network type of the target cell based on some other information about the terminal device, and this application does not limit this.

[0253] Optionally, the method 700 further includes: the access network device performing cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0254] Optionally, the core network type information of the target cell is EPC, or 5GC, or 5GC and EPC.

[0255] Optionally, the core network device is AMF, or MME, or Unified Data Management (UDM), or Home Subscriber Server (HSS).

[0256] It should be understood that the steps in method 700 for determining the core network type during a switching process may refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during a switching process, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0257] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the access network device sends a request message to the core network device to request the core network type of the target cell. Thus, the core network device can determine the core network type of the target cell based on the contract information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, and at least one of the QoS flows, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0258] Figure 9 800 is a schematic flow chart of a method for determining a core network type during a handover process according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 800 may optionally be applied to Figure 1The system shown in the method 800 can optionally meet the terminal device, access network device and core network device Figure 2 The eLTE protocol layer architecture is shown, but is not limited thereto. The method 800 includes at least part of the following contents.

[0259] 810. During the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the core network device receives a request message sent by the access network device, where the request message is used to request the core network type of the target cell. During the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the core network device remains unchanged.

[0260] 820. After receiving the request message, the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on at least one of the subscription information of the terminal device, the evolved packet system EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the protocol data unit PDU session information for the terminal device, and the quality of service QoS flow.

[0261] Optionally, the method 800 further includes: the core network device feeding back the core network type of the target cell to the access network device.

[0262] Optionally, the core network type information of the target cell is EPC, or 5GC, or 5GC and EPC.

[0263] Optionally, the core network device is AMF, or MME, or UDM, or HSS.

[0264] It should be understood that the steps in method 800 for determining the core network type during the switching process can refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during the switching process or method 700 for determining the core network type during the switching process. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0265] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the access network device sends a request message to the core network device to request the core network type of the target cell. Thus, the core network device can determine the core network type of the target cell based on the contract information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, and at least one of the QoS flows, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0266] Optionally, it can be used as an embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the access network device is the target access network device. At this time, the target access network device sends a request message to the core network device, so that the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell. The specific process is shown in method 900.

[0267] 910. During the process of handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the source access network device sends a handover request to the target access network device.

[0268] 920. The target access network device sends a request message to the core network device. The request message is used to request the core network type of the target cell.

[0269] Optionally, the request message carries some information of the terminal device, for example, identification information of the terminal device and / or the cell identity (Global Cellular Identity, GCI) of the target cell.

[0270] 930. The core network device determines the core network type of the target cell.

[0271] Optionally, the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on at least one of the subscription information of the terminal device, EPS bearer information for the terminal device, PDU session information for the terminal device, and QoS flow.

[0272] 940. The core network device sends the core network type of the target cell to the target access network device.

[0273] Optionally, the target access network device performs subsequent cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0274] 950. The target access network device sends a response message to the source access network device for the handover request. The message carries the core network type of the target cell for subsequent cell handover.

[0275] It should be understood that the above-mentioned method 900 corresponds to the corresponding steps in method 700 and method 800, and the steps in the above-mentioned method 900 can refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during the switching process or method 700 for determining the core network type during the switching process. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0276] Optionally, it can be used as an embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the access network device is a source access network device. At this time, the source access network device sends a request message to the core network device, so that the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell. The specific process is shown in method 1000.

[0277] 1010. During the process of switching a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the source access network device sends a request message to the core network device. The request message is used to request the core network type of the target cell.

[0278] Optionally, the request message carries some information of the terminal device, for example, identification information of the terminal device and / or the GCI of the target cell.

[0279] Optionally, the source access network device sends the request message to the core network device through the S1 interface or the N2 interface.

[0280] 1020. The core network device determines the core network type of the target cell.

[0281] Optionally, the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on at least one of the subscription information of the terminal device, EPS bearer information for the terminal device, PDU session information for the terminal device, and QoS flow.

[0282] 1030. The core network device sends the core network type of the target cell to the source access network device.

[0283] Optionally, the source access network device performs subsequent cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0284] Optionally, the core network device is an MME or an HSS.

[0285] It should be understood that the above-mentioned method 1000 corresponds to the corresponding steps in method 700 and method 800, and the steps in the above-mentioned method 1000 can refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during the switching process or method 700 for determining the core network type during the switching process. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0286] Figure 12 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method 1100 for determining a core network type during a handover process according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 1100 may optionally be applied to Figure 1 In the system shown in FIG. 1 , the terminal device, the source access network device, the target access network device, the source core network device and the target core network device in the method 1000 may optionally meet Figure 2 The eLTE protocol layer architecture is shown, but is not limited thereto. The method 1100 includes at least part of the following contents.

[0287] 1110. During the process of terminal equipment switching from a source cell to a target cell, the target access network equipment sends a request message to the target core network equipment. The request message is used to request the core network type of the target cell.

[0288] 1120. The target access network device receives the core network type of the target cell fed back by the target core network device in response to the request message.

[0289] Optionally, after receiving the request message, the target core network device will send the request message to the source core network device, so that the source core network device can determine the core network type of the target cell based on the contract information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, and at least one of the QoS flows.

[0290] Optionally, the method 1100 further includes: the target access network device performing cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0291] Optionally, the core network type information of the target cell is Evolved Packet Core EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0292] Optionally, the source core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0293] It should be understood that the steps in method 1100 for determining the core network type during the switching process can refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during the switching process or method 700 for determining the core network type during the switching process. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0294] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the target core network device sends a request message to the source core network device for requesting the core network type of the target cell, so that the source core network device can determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0295] Figure 13 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method 1200 for determining a core network type during a handover process according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 1200 may optionally be applied to Figure 1 In the system shown in FIG. 1200 , the terminal device, the source access network device, the target access network device, the source core network device and the target core network device may optionally meet the requirements of FIG. Figure 2 The eLTE protocol layer architecture is shown, but is not limited thereto. The method 1200 includes at least part of the following contents.

[0296] 1210. During the process of switching the terminal device from the source cell to the target cell, the target core network device sends a request message to the source core network device. The request message is used to request the core network type of the target cell.

[0297] 1220. The target core network device receives the core network type of the target cell fed back by the source core network device in response to the request message.

[0298] Optionally, before the target core network device sends the request message to the source core network device, the method 1200 further includes: the target core network device receiving the request message from the target access network device.

[0299] Optionally, the method 1200 further includes: the target core network device sending the core network type of the target cell to the target access network device, so that the target access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0300] Optionally, the core network type information of the target cell is Evolved Packet Core EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0301] Optionally, the source core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0302] Optionally, the target core network device is AMF, or MME, or UDM, or HSS.

[0303] It should be understood that the steps in method 1200 for determining the core network type during the switching process can refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during the switching process or method 700 for determining the core network type during the switching process. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0304] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the target core network device sends a request message to the source core network device for requesting the core network type of the target cell, so that the source core network device can determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0305] Figure 14 1300 is a schematic flow chart of a method 1300 for determining a core network type during a handover process according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 1300 may optionally be applied to Figure 1 In the system shown in FIG. 1300 , the terminal device, the source access network device, the target access network device, the source core network device and the target core network device may optionally meet the requirements of FIG. Figure 2 The eLTE protocol layer architecture is shown, but is not limited thereto. The method 1300 includes at least part of the following contents.

[0306] 1310. During the process of switching a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the source core network device receives a request message sent by a target core network device. The request message is used to request the core network type of the target cell.

[0307] 1320. The source core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on at least one of the subscription information of the terminal device, the evolved packet system EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the protocol data unit PDU session information for the terminal device, and the quality of service QoS flow.

[0308] 1330. The source core network device feeds back the determined core network type of the target cell to the target core network device.

[0309] Optionally, the core network type information of the target cell is Evolved Packet Core EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0310] Optionally, the source core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0311] Optionally, the target core network device is AMF, or MME, or UDM, or HSS.

[0312] It should be understood that the steps in method 1300 for determining the core network type during the switching process can refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during the switching process or method 700 for determining the core network type during the switching process. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0313] Therefore, in the method for determining the core network type during the switching process of an embodiment of the present application, in the process of the terminal device switching from the source cell to the target cell, the target core network device sends a request message to the source core network device for requesting the core network type of the target cell, so that the source core network device can determine the core network type of the target cell, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cell switching and improving the user experience.

[0314] Optionally, it can be used as an embodiment, such as Figure 15 As shown, the target access network device, the target core network device and the source core network device interact with each other through information, so that the source core network device determines the core network type of the target cell. The specific process is shown in method 1400.

[0315] 1410. During the process of handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the source access network device sends a handover request to the target access network device.

[0316] 1420. The target access network device sends a first request message to the target core network device. The first request message is used to request the core network type of the target cell.

[0317] Optionally, the first request message carries some information of the terminal device, for example, identification information of the terminal device and / or the cell identity (Global Cellular Identity, GCI) of the target cell.

[0318] 1430. The target access network device sends a second request message to the source access network device. The second request message is used to request the core network type of the target cell.

[0319] Optionally, the second request message and the first request message may be the same request message.

[0320] Optionally, the second request message and the first request message may be different request messages, and the information they carry may be different, but their functions are the same.

[0321] For example, the first request message may carry some terminal device related information, such as terminal device identification information, so that the target core network device can find the source core network device and implement information interaction.

[0322] 1440. The source core network device determines the core network type of the target cell.

[0323] Optionally, the source core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on at least one of the subscription information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, and the QoS flow.

[0324] 1450. The source core network device feeds back the determined core network type of the target cell to the target access network device.

[0325] 1460. The target core network device feeds back the core network type of the target cell to the target access network device.

[0326] Optionally, the target access network device performs subsequent cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0327] 1470. The target access network device sends a response message to the source access network device regarding the handover request. The message carries the core network type of the target cell for subsequent cell handover.

[0328] It should be understood that the above-mentioned method 1400 corresponds to the corresponding steps in method 1100, method 1200 and method 1300, and the steps in the above-mentioned method 1400 can refer to the description of the corresponding steps in method 200 for determining the core network type during the switching process or method 700 for determining the core network type during the switching process. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0329] Figure 16 FIG is a schematic block diagram of a terminal device 1500 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 16 As shown, the terminal device 1500 includes:

[0330] The sending unit 1510 is used to send preferred core network type information for the target cell to the source access network device during the process of switching from the source cell to the target cell, wherein the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell.

[0331] Optionally, the terminal device 1500 further includes:

[0332] The non-access layer device 1520 is configured to send the preferred core network type information to the access layer of the terminal device;

[0333] The access layer device 1530 is configured to send the preferred core network type information to the source access network device.

[0334] Optionally, the sending unit 1510 is further configured to send a measurement report to the source access network device, where the measurement report carries the preferred core network type information.

[0335] Optionally, the preferred core network type information is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0336] It should be understood that the terminal device 1500 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the terminal device in the method 200 of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the terminal device 1500 are respectively to achieve Figure 3 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding processes of the terminal device in the method 200 are not repeated here.

[0337] Figure 17 1 is a schematic block diagram of an access network device 1600 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 17 As shown, the access network device 1600 includes:

[0338] The receiving unit 1610 is configured to receive, during a handover process of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the terminal device, where the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell;

[0339] The sending unit 1620 is configured to send the preferred core network type information to the target access network device.

[0340] Optionally, the receiving unit 1610 is further configured to receive the preferred core network type information sent by the access layer of the terminal device.

[0341] Optionally, the receiving unit 1610 is further used to receive a measurement report sent by the terminal device, where the measurement report carries the preferred core network type information.

[0342] Optionally, the sending unit 1620 is further configured to send a handover request to the target access network device, where the handover request includes the preferred core network type information.

[0343] Optionally, the preferred core network type information is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0344] It should be understood that the access network device 1600 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the source access network device in the method 300 of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the access network device 1600 are respectively to implement Figure 4 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding process of the source access network device in the method 300 is not repeated here.

[0345] Figure 18 1700 is a schematic block diagram of an access network device according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 18 As shown, the access network device 1700 includes:

[0346] The receiving unit 1710 is configured to receive, from a source access network device, preferred core network type information for a target cell during handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the preferred core network type information being reference information for determining a core network type of the target cell;

[0347] The sending unit 1720 is configured to send the preferred core network type information to the core network device, so that the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell according to the preferred core network type information.

[0348] Optionally, the receiving unit 1710 is further configured to receive a handover request from a source access network device, where the handover request includes the preferred core network type information.

[0349] Optionally, the preferred core network type information is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0350] Optionally, the access network device 1700 further includes:

[0351] The receiving unit 1710 is further configured to receive a core network type of the target cell from the core network device;

[0352] The processing unit 1730 is configured to perform cell handover according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0353] It should be understood that the access network device 1700 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the target access network device in the method 400 of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the access network device 1700 are respectively to achieve Figure 5 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding process of the target access network device in the method 400 is not repeated here.

[0354] Figure 19 1 is a schematic block diagram of a core network device 1800 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 19 As shown, the core network device 1800 includes:

[0355] The receiving unit 1810 is configured to receive preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the target access network device during a handover of the terminal device from the source cell to the target cell, where the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell;

[0356] The processing unit 1820 is configured to determine the core network type of the target cell according to the preferred core network type information.

[0357] Optionally, the processing unit 1820 is also used to determine the core network type of the target cell based on the preferred core network type information, the subscription information of the terminal device, the evolved packet system EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the protocol data unit PDU session information for the terminal device, and at least one of the quality of service QoS flow.

[0358] Optionally, the preferred core network type information is packet core evolved EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0359] Optionally, the core network device 1800 further includes:

[0360] The sending unit 1830 is configured to feed back the determined core network type of the target cell to the target access network device.

[0361] It should be understood that the core network device 1800 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the core network device in the method 500 of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the core network device 1800 are respectively to achieve Figure 6For the sake of brevity, the corresponding processes of the core network device in the method 500 are not repeated here.

[0362] Figure 20 1 is a schematic block diagram of an access network device 1900 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 20 As shown, the access network device 1900 includes:

[0363] A sending unit 1910 is configured to send a request message to a core network device during a process in which a terminal device is handed over from a source cell to a target cell, where the request message is used to request a core network type of the target cell, wherein the core network device remains unchanged during the process in which the terminal device is handed over from the source cell to the target cell;

[0364] The receiving unit 1920 is configured to receive the core network type of the target cell fed back by the core network device in response to the request message.

[0365] Optionally, the access network device 1900 further includes:

[0366] The processing unit 1930 is configured to perform cell handover according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0367] Optionally, the core network type information of the target cell is Evolved Packet Core EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0368] Optionally, the core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0369] It should be understood that the access network device 1900 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the access network device in the method 700 of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the access network device 1900 are respectively to implement Figure 8 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding processes of the access network device in the method 700 are not described here in detail.

[0370] Figure 21 2 is a schematic block diagram of a core network device 2000 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 21 As shown, the core network device 2000 includes:

[0371] The receiving unit 2010 is configured to receive a request message sent by an access network device during a process in which a terminal device is handed over from a source cell to a target cell, the request message being used to request a core network type of the target cell, wherein the core network device remains unchanged during the process in which the terminal device is handed over from the source cell to the target cell;

[0372] Processing unit 2020 is used to determine the core network type of the target cell based on at least one of the subscription information of the terminal device, the evolved packet system EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the protocol data unit PDU session information for the terminal device, and the quality of service QoS flow after the receiving unit receives the request message.

[0373] Optionally, the core network device 2000 further includes:

[0374] The sending unit 2030 is configured to feed back the core network type of the target cell to the access network device.

[0375] Optionally, the core network type information of the target cell is Evolved Packet Core EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0376] Optionally, the core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0377] It should be understood that the core network device 2000 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the core network device in the method 800 of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the core network device 2000 are respectively to achieve Figure 9 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding processes of the core network device in the method 800 are not repeated here.

[0378] Figure 22 2 is a schematic block diagram of an access network device 2100 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 22 As shown, the access network device 2100 includes:

[0379] The sending unit 2110 is configured to send a request message to a target core network device during a handover process of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, where the request message is used to request a core network type of the target cell;

[0380] The receiving unit 2120 is configured to receive the core network type of the target cell fed back by the target core network device in response to the request message.

[0381] Optionally, the access network device 2100 further includes:

[0382] The processing unit 2130 is configured to perform cell handover according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0383] Optionally, the core network type information of the target cell is Evolved Packet Core EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0384] Optionally, the core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0385] It should be understood that the access network device 2100 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the target access network device in the method 1100 of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the access network device 2100 are respectively to achieve Figure 12 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding process of the target access network device in the method 1100 is not repeated here.

[0386] Figure 23 2 is a schematic block diagram of a core network device 2200 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 23 As shown, the core network device 2200 includes:

[0387] The sending unit 2210 is configured to send a request message to a source core network device during a handover process of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, where the request message is used to request a core network type of the target cell;

[0388] The receiving unit 2220 is configured to receive the core network type of the target cell fed back by the source core network device in response to the request message.

[0389] Optionally, before the sending unit 2210 sends the request message to the source core network device, the receiving unit 2220 is further configured to receive the request message from the target access network device.

[0390] Optionally, the sending unit 2210 is further configured to send the core network type of the target cell to the target access network device, so that the target access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

[0391] Optionally, the core network type information of the target cell is Evolved Packet Core EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0392] Optionally, the source core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0393] Optionally, the core network device is AMF, or MME, or UDM, or HSS.

[0394] It should be understood that the core network device 2200 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the target core network device in the method 1200 of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the core network device 2200 are respectively to achieve Figure 13For the sake of brevity, the corresponding processes of the target core network device in the method 1200 are not repeated here.

[0395] Figure 24 2300 is a schematic block diagram of a core network device according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 24 As shown, the core network device 2300 includes:

[0396] The receiving unit 2310 is configured to receive a request message sent by a target core network device during a handover process of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, where the request message is used to request a core network type of the target cell;

[0397] The processing unit 2320 is configured to determine the core network type of the target cell according to at least one of the subscription information of the terminal device, the evolved packet system EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the protocol data unit PDU session information for the terminal device, and the quality of service QoS flow;

[0398] The sending unit 2330 is configured to feed back the determined core network type of the target cell to the target core network device.

[0399] Optionally, the core network type information of the target cell is Evolved Packet Core EPC, or 5G core network, or 5G core network and EPC.

[0400] Optionally, the core network device is an access and mobility management function AMF, or a mobility management entity MME, or a unified data management UDM, or a home subscriber server HSS.

[0401] Optionally, the target core network device is AMF, or MME, or UDM, or HSS.

[0402] It should be understood that the core network device 2300 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the source core network device in the method 1300 of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the core network device 2300 are respectively to achieve Figure 14 For the sake of brevity, the corresponding processes of the source core network device in the method 1300 are not repeated here.

[0403] Figure 25 A schematic block diagram of a device 2400 for determining a core network type during a handover process provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. The device 2400 includes:

[0404] Memory 2410, used to store a program, the program including codes;

[0405] transceiver 2420, for communicating with other devices;

[0406] The processor 2430 is configured to execute the program code in the memory 2410 .

[0407] Optionally, when the code is executed, the processor 2430 may implement Figure 3 Method 200 in , or Figure 7 For the sake of brevity, the various operations performed by the terminal device in the method 600 are not described here. In this case, the device 2400 can be a terminal device (e.g., a mobile phone). The transceiver 2420 is used to perform specific signal transmission and reception under the drive of the processor 2430.

[0408] Optionally, when the code is executed, the processor 2430 may implement Figure 4 Method 300 in , or Figure 5 Method 400 in , or Figure 7 Method 600 in , or Figure 8 Method 700 in , or Figure 10 Method 900 in , or Figure 11 Method 1000 in , or Figure 12 Method 1100 in , or Figure 15 For the sake of brevity, the various operations performed by the access network device in the method 1400 are not described here in detail. In this case, the device 2400 may be an access network device (eg, a base station).

[0409] Optionally, when the code is executed, the processor 2430 may also implement Figure 6 Method 500 in , or Figure 7 Method 600 in , or Figure 9 Method 800 in , or Figure 10 Method 900 in , or Figure 11 Method 1000 in , or Figure 13 Method 1200 in , or Figure 15 For the sake of brevity, the various operations performed by the core network device, or the source core network device, or the target core network device in the method 1400 are not repeated here. At this time, the device 2400 can be a core network device (for example, MME or AMF).

[0410] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the processor 2430 may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0411] The memory 2410 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provides instructions and data to the processor 2430. A portion of the memory 2410 may also include a non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory 2410 may also store information about the device type.

[0412] The transceiver 2420 may be configured to implement signal transmission and reception functions, such as frequency modulation and demodulation functions or up-conversion and down-conversion functions.

[0413] During implementation, at least one step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor 2430, or the integrated logic circuit can complete the at least one step under the drive of instructions in the form of software. Therefore, the device 2400 for determining the core network type during the switching process can be a chip or a chipset. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the art, 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, and the processor 2430 reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0414] Figure 26 is a schematic structural diagram of a system chip 2500 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 26 The system chip 2500 includes an input interface 2501 , an output interface 2502 , a processor 2503 and a memory 2504 , which can be connected via internal communication lines. The processor 2503 is used to execute the code in the memory 2504 .

[0415] Optionally, when the code is executed, the processor 2503 implements the method executed by the terminal device in the method embodiment. For the sake of brevity, no further details are given here.

[0416] Optionally, when the code is executed, the processor 2503 implements the method executed by the access network device in the method embodiment. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described here in detail.

[0417] Optionally, when the code is executed, the processor 2503 implements the method executed by the core network device in the method embodiment. For the sake of brevity, it is not described here in detail.

[0418] Those skilled 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 beyond the scope of this application.

[0419] Those skilled in the art will 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.

[0420] 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 merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, 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.

[0421] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0422] 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.

[0423] 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, or the part that contributes to the prior art, 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 and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0424] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining a core network type during a handover process, characterized in that: include: During handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the source access network device receives preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the terminal device, where the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell; The source access network device sends the preferred core network type information to the target access network device; The source access network device receives a first response message fed back by the target access network device, the first response message carries the core network type of the target cell, and sends a second response message to the terminal device so that the terminal device switches according to the response message, the second response message carries the core network type of the target cell, and the core network type of the target cell is determined by the core network device with reference to the preferred core network type information of the target cell, the subscription information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, the QoS flow, or at least one of the information of the terminal device; the core network type is a 5G core network, and the core network device includes an access and mobility management function AMF and does not include a mobility management entity MME.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The source access network device receives the preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the terminal device, including: The source access network device receives the preferred core network type information sent by the access layer of the terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The source access network device receives the preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the terminal device, including: The source access network device receives a measurement report sent by the terminal device, where the measurement report carries the preferred core network type information.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The source access network device sending the preferred core network type information to the target access network device includes: The source access network device sends a handover request to the target access network device, where the handover request includes the preferred core network type information.

5. A method for determining the core network type during a handover process, characterized in that: include: During handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the target access network device receives, from the source access network device, preferred core network type information for the target cell, where the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell; The target access network device sends the preferred core network type information to the core network device, so that the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell according to at least one of the preferred core network type information, the subscription information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, the QoS flow, or the information of the terminal device; The target access network device feeds back a first response message to the source access network device, where the first response message carries the core network type of the target cell; the core network type is a 5G core network, and the core network device includes an access and mobility management function AMF and does not include a mobility management entity MME.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The target access network device receives, from the source access network device, the preferred core network type information for the target cell, including: The target access network device receives a handover request from the source access network device, where the handover request includes the preferred core network type information.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: The target access network device receives the core network type of the target cell from the core network device; The target access network device performs cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

8. A method for determining the core network type during a handover process, characterized in that: include: During handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, a core network device receives preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by a target access network device, where the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell; The core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on the preferred core network type information, the subscription information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, the QoS flow, or at least one of the information of the terminal device; the core network type is a 5G core network, and the core network device includes an access and mobility management function AMF and does not include a mobility management entity MME.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The core network device determines the core network type of the target cell according to the preferred core network type information, including: The core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on the preferred core network type information, the subscription information of the terminal device, the evolved packet system EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the protocol data unit PDU session information for the terminal device, and at least one of the quality of service QoS flow.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: The core network device feeds back the determined core network type of the target cell to the target access network device.

11. An access network device, characterized in that: include: a receiving unit, configured to receive, during a process in which a terminal device is switched from a source cell to a target cell, preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by the terminal device, the preferred core network type information being reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell; A sending unit, configured to send the preferred core network type information to a target access network device; The receiving unit is also used to: receive a first response message fed back by the target access network device, the first response message carries the core network type of the target cell; and the sending unit is also used to send a second response message to the terminal device so that the terminal device switches according to the response message, the second response message carries the core network type of the target cell, and the core network type of the target cell is determined by the core network device with reference to the preferred core network type information of the target cell, the subscription information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, the QoS flow, or at least one of the information of the terminal device; the core network type is a 5G core network, and the core network device includes an access and mobility management function AMF and does not include a mobility management entity MME.

12. The access network device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The receiving unit is further used to receive the preferred core network type information sent by the access layer of the terminal device.

13. The access network device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The receiving unit is further configured to receive a measurement report sent by the terminal device, wherein the measurement report carries the preferred core network type information.

14. The access network device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The sending unit is further configured to send a handover request to the target access network device, where the handover request includes the preferred core network type information.

15. An access network device, characterized in that: include: a receiving unit, configured to receive, from a source access network device, preferred core network type information for a target cell during handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the preferred core network type information being reference information for determining a core network type of the target cell; A sending unit is used to send the preferred core network type information to the core network device, so that the core network device determines the core network type of the target cell based on the preferred core network type information, the subscription information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, the QoS flow, or at least one of the information of the terminal device, and feeds back a first response message to the source access network device, wherein the first response message carries the core network type of the target cell; the core network type is a 5G core network, and the core network device includes an access and mobility management function AMF and does not include a mobility management entity MME.

16. The access network device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The receiving unit is further configured to receive a handover request from a source access network device, where the handover request includes the preferred core network type information.

17. The access network device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that: The access network equipment further includes: The receiving unit is further configured to receive a core network type of the target cell from the core network device; The processing unit is configured to perform cell switching according to the core network type of the target cell.

18. A core network device, characterized in that: include: a receiving unit, configured to receive, during a process in which a terminal device is switched from a source cell to a target cell, preferred core network type information for the target cell sent by a target access network device, wherein the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell; A processing unit, configured to determine the core network type of the target cell based on at least one of the preferred core network type information, the subscription information of the terminal device, the EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the PDU session information for the terminal device, the QoS flow, or the information of the terminal device; the core network type is a 5G core network, and the core network device includes an access and mobility management function AMF and does not include a mobility management entity MME.

19. The core network device according to claim 18, characterized in that: The processing unit is also used to determine the core network type of the target cell based on the preferred core network type information, the subscription information of the terminal device, the evolved packet system EPS bearer information for the terminal device, the protocol data unit PDU session information for the terminal device, and at least one of the quality of service QoS flow.

20. The core network device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that: The core network equipment further includes: The sending unit is configured to feed back the determined core network type of the target cell to the target access network device.

21. An access network device, which includes a processor, a memory and a communication interface, the processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface, the memory is used to store instructions, the processor is used to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is used to communicate with another network element under the control of the processor, when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

22. An access network device, which includes a processor, a memory and a communication interface, the processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface, the memory is used to store instructions, the processor is used to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is used to communicate with another network element under the control of the processor, when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

23. A core network device, which includes a processor, a memory and a communication interface, the processor is connected to the memory and the communication interface, the memory is used to store instructions, the processor is used to execute the instructions, and the communication interface is used to communicate with other network elements under the control of the processor, when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the execution causes the processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

24. A computer-readable medium for storing a computer program comprising instructions for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

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