A method and apparatus for measuring neighboring cells

Abstract

This application discloses a neighbor cell measurement method and apparatus. The method includes: a terminal device acquiring neighbor cell measurement results while in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state; and, before detecting a radio link failure (RLF), initiating an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighbor cell among a plurality of neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results. By implementing this application embodiment, initiating RRC connection reconstruction before detecting an RLF helps reduce the impact on the terminal device's services.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for measuring neighboring cells. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless communication systems, during communication between terminal devices and network devices, the terminal device detects the quality of the wireless link with the network device to determine whether the current wireless link can ensure the normal operation of communication services. When the quality of the wireless link between the terminal device and the currently connected network device is poor, causing the terminal device's communication services to malfunction, the terminal device will perform cell selection, search for suitable neighboring cells, and execute a radio resource control (RRC) connection reconstruction procedure for that neighboring cell. This will allow it to establish a communication connection with the network device corresponding to that neighboring cell, thereby restoring the normal operation of the terminal device's communication services.

[0003] However, performing cell reselection and RRC connection reconstruction after communication services have ceased to operate normally will cause prolonged service interruptions and have a significant impact on the communication services of terminal equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a neighbor cell measurement method and apparatus, which helps to reduce the impact of deteriorating wireless link quality on the services of terminal devices.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a neighbor cell measurement method, the method comprising: a terminal device, while in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state, acquiring neighbor cell measurement results; the neighbor cell measurement results including channel quality information of multiple neighbor cells of the serving cell of the terminal device; and, before detecting a Radio Link Failure (RLF), initiating an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighbor cell among the multiple neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results.

[0006] In this technical solution, the terminal device initiates RRC connection reconstruction before detecting RLF, which helps ensure the data transmission of the terminal device and reduces the impact of deteriorated wireless link quality on the terminal device's services.

[0007] In one implementation, the method may further include: the terminal device receiving first indication information from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the first indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement according to neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; the first indication information is sent when the network device determines that the serving cell meets a first preset condition, that is, the terminal device can receive the first indication information when the serving cell meets the first preset condition; a specific implementation of the terminal device obtaining the neighbor cell measurement results may be: measuring the aforementioned plurality of neighbor cells according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters to obtain the neighbor cell measurement results.

[0008] In this technical solution, when the serving cell meets the first preset condition, the terminal device is instructed to perform neighbor cell measurement, which helps the terminal device to obtain the neighbor cell measurement results more timely, thereby facilitating the timely reconstruction of RRC connection and reducing the impact on the terminal device's services.

[0009] In one implementation, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform a neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; or, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0010] In this technical solution, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. When the network device sends the first indication information once, it can instruct the terminal device to perform multiple neighbor cell measurements, which helps to save signaling resources.

[0011] In one implementation, the aforementioned neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters are used to indicate duration and / or period, which are used to determine the time-domain resources configured for neighbor cell measurements.

[0012] In one implementation, the method may further include: before receiving first indication information from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the terminal device measures the serving cell to obtain channel quality information of the serving cell; if the channel quality information of the serving cell meets a first preset condition, the terminal device sends second indication information to the network device, the second indication information being used to indicate that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition.

[0013] In one implementation, if the network device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the second indication information may include the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0014] In this technical solution, the network device corresponding to the serving cell cannot know the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters configured in the terminal device, and therefore cannot know when the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurements. By carrying the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters configured in the terminal device in the second indication information, the network device corresponding to the serving cell can obtain the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters, thereby helping to avoid conflicts between the communication between the terminal device and the network device and the neighbor cell measurements of the terminal device.

[0015] In one implementation, the method may further include: the terminal device receiving third indication information from the network device, the third indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to stop neighbor cell measurement.

[0016] This technical solution avoids the terminal device from continuously performing neighboring cell measurements, thereby helping to reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0017] In one implementation, the third indication information may be sent when the network device determines that the serving cell of the terminal device meets a third preset condition.

[0018] This technical solution avoids unnecessary neighbor cell measurements by the terminal device, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0019] In one implementation, the specific implementation of the terminal device initiating the RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighboring cell among the aforementioned plurality of neighboring cells based on the neighboring cell measurement results can be as follows: when the channel quality information of the target neighboring cell meets the second preset condition, the terminal device initiates the RRC connection reconstruction process for the target neighboring cell.

[0020] In this technical solution, the terminal device performs RRC connection reconstruction for target neighboring cells whose channel quality information meets the second preset condition. This helps the terminal device obtain better services and avoids unnecessary power and radio resource consumption caused by the terminal device maintaining communication with the serving cell when the channel quality of the serving cell is poor.

[0021] In one implementation, the channel quality information may include the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters; the channel quality information of the target neighbor cell satisfying the second preset condition may include one or more of the following: the difference between the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the target neighbor cell and the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the aforementioned serving cell is greater than a first preset threshold; the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the target neighbor cell is greater than the second preset threshold, and the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the serving cell is less than a third preset threshold; wherein, the second preset threshold is not less than the third preset threshold; the difference between the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the target neighbor cell and the fourth preset threshold is greater than a fifth preset threshold.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide another neighbor cell measurement method, which includes: a network device determining that the serving cell of a terminal device meets a first preset condition; sending a first indication message to the terminal device to enable the terminal device to measure multiple neighbor cells of the serving cell according to neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters, and obtaining neighbor cell measurement results; and before detecting a radio link failure (RLF), initiating an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighbor cell among the multiple neighbor cells according to the neighbor cell measurement results; wherein, the first indication message is used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; the neighbor cell measurement results include channel quality information of the aforementioned multiple neighbor cells; and the network device is the network device corresponding to the serving cell.

[0023] In this technical solution, on the one hand, when the serving cell meets the first preset condition, the terminal device is instructed to perform neighbor cell measurement, which helps the terminal device to obtain the neighbor cell measurement results more timely, and thus helps to determine the appropriate target neighbor cell for RRC connection reconstruction more timely. On the other hand, the terminal device initiates RRC connection reconstruction before detecting RLF, which helps to ensure the data transmission of the terminal device and helps to reduce the impact on the terminal device's services.

[0024] In one implementation, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform a neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; or, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0025] In this technical solution, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. When the network device sends the first indication information once, it can instruct the terminal device to perform multiple neighbor cell measurements, which helps to save signaling resources.

[0026] In one implementation, the aforementioned neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters are used to indicate duration and / or period, which are used to determine the time-domain resources configured for neighbor cell measurements.

[0027] In one implementation, the method may further include: a network device receiving second indication information from a terminal device, the second indication information being used to indicate that the channel quality information of the aforementioned serving cell meets a first preset condition.

[0028] In one implementation, if the network device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the second indication information may include the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. Alternatively, the serving cell may interact with a historical serving cell to obtain the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. Optionally, the network device corresponding to the serving cell may send a parameter request to the network device corresponding to the historical serving cell to request the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. Optionally, the network device corresponding to the historical serving cell may proactively send the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters to the network device corresponding to the serving cell. The network device corresponding to the historical serving cell may be the aforementioned network device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0029] In this technical solution, the network device corresponding to the serving cell cannot know the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters configured in the terminal device, and therefore cannot know when the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurements. By carrying the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters configured in the terminal device in the second indication information (or by the serving cell obtaining the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters through interaction with historical serving cells), the network device corresponding to the serving cell can obtain the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters, thereby helping to avoid conflicts between the communication between the terminal device and the network device and the neighbor cell measurements of the terminal device.

[0030] In one implementation, the method may further include: the network device sending a third indication message to the terminal device, the third indication message being used to instruct the terminal device to stop neighbor cell measurement.

[0031] This technical solution avoids the terminal device from continuously performing neighboring cell measurements, thereby helping to reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0032] In one implementation, the specific method for the network device to send the third indication information to the terminal device can be: when it is determined that the serving cell of the terminal device meets the third preset condition, the third indication information is sent to the terminal device.

[0033] This technical solution avoids unnecessary neighbor cell measurements by the terminal device, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0034] In one implementation, the method may further include: the network device acquiring scheduling information of the aforementioned serving cell; and determining, based on the scheduling information, that the serving cell meets a first preset condition.

[0035] In one implementation, the scheduling information may include the maximum number of Radio Resource Control (RRC) repetitions configured by the network device. A specific implementation of the network device determining that the serving cell meets the first preset condition based on the scheduling information may be: if the maximum number of repetitions is greater than the first preset number, then the aforementioned serving cell is determined to meet the first preset condition.

[0036] In one implementation, the scheduling information may include the number of repetitions indicated in the downlink control information (DCI). A specific implementation method for the network device to determine that the serving cell meets the first preset condition based on the scheduling information may be: if the number of repetitions is greater than the second preset number, then the aforementioned serving cell is determined to meet the first preset condition.

[0037] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that implements some or all of the functions of the terminal device described in the example of the method described in the first aspect above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments in this application, or it may have the functions of any one embodiment in this application implemented individually. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0038] In one implementation, the communication device may include a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit is configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above method. The communication unit supports communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage unit coupled to the processing unit and the transmitting unit, which stores necessary computer programs and data for the communication device.

[0039] In one implementation, the communication device includes: a processing unit, configured to acquire neighbor cell measurement results when the communication device is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state; the neighbor cell measurement results include channel quality information of multiple neighbor cells of the serving cell of the communication device; and a communication unit, configured to initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighbor cell among the multiple neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results before detecting a Radio Link Failure (RLF).

[0040] As an example, the processing unit can be a processor, the communication unit can be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage unit can be a memory.

[0041] In one implementation, the communication device includes: a processor, configured to acquire neighbor cell measurement results when the communication device is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state; the neighbor cell measurement results include channel quality information of multiple neighbor cells of the serving cell of the communication device; and a transceiver, configured to initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighbor cell among the multiple neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results before detecting a Radio Link Failure (RLF).

[0042] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide another communication device that implements some or all of the functions of the network device in the method example described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments in this application, or it may have the functions of any one embodiment in this application implemented individually. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0043] In one implementation, the communication device may include a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit is configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above method. The communication unit supports communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage unit coupled to the processing unit and the transmitting unit, which stores necessary computer programs and data for the communication device.

[0044] In one implementation, the communication device includes: a processing unit, configured to determine that the serving cell of the terminal device meets a first preset condition; and a communication unit, configured to send first indication information to the terminal device to enable the terminal device to measure multiple neighboring cells of the serving cell according to neighboring cell measurement configuration parameters, and obtain neighboring cell measurement results; and before detecting a radio link failure (RLF), to initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighboring cell among the multiple neighboring cells according to the neighboring cell measurement results; wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighboring cell measurement according to the neighboring cell measurement configuration parameters; the neighboring cell measurement results include channel quality information of the aforementioned multiple neighboring cells; and the communication device is a network device corresponding to the serving cell.

[0045] As an example, the processing unit can be a processor, the communication unit can be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage unit can be a memory.

[0046] In one implementation, the communication device includes: a processor, configured to determine that the serving cell of a terminal device meets a first preset condition; and a transceiver, configured to send first indication information to the terminal device to enable the terminal device to measure multiple neighboring cells of the serving cell according to neighboring cell measurement configuration parameters, and obtain neighboring cell measurement results; and before detecting a radio link failure (RLF), to initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighboring cell among the multiple neighboring cells according to the neighboring cell measurement results; wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighboring cell measurement according to the neighboring cell measurement configuration parameters; the neighboring cell measurement results include channel quality information of the aforementioned multiple neighboring cells; and the communication device is a network device corresponding to the serving cell.

[0047] Fifthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program including program instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0048] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program including program instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a computer program product including a computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0050] Eighthly, this application also provides a computer program product including a computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0051] Ninthly, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting a terminal device in implementing the functions involved in the first aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the terminal device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0052] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting a network device in implementing the functions involved in the second aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the network device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a neighbor cell measurement method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another neighbor cell measurement method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another neighbor cell measurement method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0060] To facilitate understanding, the terminology used in this application will be introduced first.

[0061] 1. Radio Resource Control (RRC)

[0062] RRC refers to the management, control, and scheduling of wireless resources through specific strategies and methods. It provides wireless resource parameters to the upper layers and controls the main parameters and behaviors of the lower layers. While meeting quality of service requirements, it aims to make the most of limited wireless network resources, ensure coverage of the planned area, and maximize service capacity and resource utilization.

[0063] 2. Radio link failure (RLF)

[0064] In this application, radio link failure (RLF) refers to a physical layer connection interruption between a terminal device and a network device, which occurs in the terminal device's RRC connected state. If the physical layer connection is not restored after a certain period of time due to RLF, the terminal device enters the RRC idle state from the RRC connected state. Accordingly, entering RLF in this application means that the terminal device determines that it has entered a physical layer connection interruption state with the network device. "Entering RLF" can also be understood as entering an RLF state, or an RLF occurring, or an RLF being detected. Furthermore, in this state, the terminal device will initiate an RRC connection reconstruction.

[0065] To better understand the neighbor cell measurement method disclosed in the embodiments of this application, the communication system to which the embodiments of this application are applicable is described below.

[0066] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, one terminal device and three network devices. Figure 1 The number and form of devices shown are for illustrative purposes and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In actual applications, they may include two or more terminal devices, or one, two, four or more network devices. Figure 1 The communication system shown includes a terminal device 101 and three network devices. Figure 1 Taking the first network device 102, the second network device 103, and the third network device 104 as an example.

[0067] The first network device 102 is the network device corresponding to the serving cell of the terminal device 101, the second network device 103 is the network device corresponding to neighboring cell a, and the third network device 104 is the network device corresponding to neighboring cell b. Neighboring cells a and b are both neighboring cells of the serving cell. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The communication system shown includes two neighboring cells (i.e., neighboring cell a and neighboring cell b) for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In one implementation, in addition to neighboring cells a and neighboring cells b, Figure 1 The communication system shown may also include other neighboring cells of the serving cell. Figure 1 In the diagram, the elliptical area where the first network device 102 is located is the coverage area of ​​the serving cell of the terminal device 101, the elliptical area where the second network device 103 is located is the coverage area of ​​neighboring cell a, and the elliptical area where the third network device 104 is located is the coverage area of ​​neighboring cell b. The terminal device 101 is simultaneously within the coverage areas of the serving cell, neighboring cell a, and neighboring cell b.

[0068] The terminal device 101 can acquire neighbor cell measurement results while in RRC connection state. The neighbor cell measurement results may include channel quality information of multiple neighbor cells (such as neighbor cell a and neighbor cell b) of the serving cell of the terminal device 101. Before detecting radio link failure (RLF), it initiates an RRC connection reconstruction process for the target neighbor cell among the aforementioned multiple neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results. Figure 1 Taking neighboring cell b as an example does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. The target neighboring cell can also be neighboring cell a.

[0069] When terminal device 101 detects an RLF (Link Fault), it indicates that the link quality between terminal device 101 and the network device corresponding to the serving cell (i.e., the first network device 102) is poor, which will affect the services of terminal device 101. Therefore, compared to initiating an RRC (Reconnection Control Code) connection reconstruction process after detecting an RLF, initiating an RRC connection reconstruction before detecting an RLF is beneficial to reducing the impact on the services of terminal device 101.

[0070] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems. For example, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, and 5G New Radio (NR) systems. Optionally, the methods of this application embodiment are also applicable to various future communication systems, such as 6G systems or other communication networks.

[0071] The terminal device 101 in this embodiment is a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. Terminal devices can also be called terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations (MS), mobile terminals (MT), etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, wearable devices, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, terminal devices in narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) terminal devices, and so on. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0072] Among them, NB-IoT and eMTC terminal devices are characterized by low complexity, low cost, low power consumption, and low bandwidth, making them suitable for a wide range of IoT scenarios. Examples include smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart homes, and smart cities. Currently, massive machine-type communications (mMTC) is one of the three major application scenarios of 5G. New radio-light (NR-Light) and reduced capability (REDCAP) access technologies have garnered widespread discussion and attention. These technologies emerged to adapt to the development of 5G and require the characteristics of NB-IoT and eMTC terminal devices.

[0073] To meet the requirements of low complexity and low cost, these types of terminal devices do not support the cell handover function of conventional terminal devices. For example, if such a terminal device experiences an RLF (Recurrent Link Fault) due to signal deterioration at the edge of cell 1, and if it finds a suitable neighboring cell (cell 2) through cell selection, it will re-establish a connection to cell 2 through the RRC (Reconnection Reconstruction) process. This results in the terminal device not being able to re-establish a connection to cell 2 in a timely manner, meaning there is a long delay in cell switching. This causes the terminal device to consume more power and radio resources when communicating with cell 1 at the edge of cell 1 (in poor channel conditions). Furthermore, the long cell switching time leads to a prolonged interruption of the terminal device's communication services, significantly impacting its communication capabilities. By implementing the embodiments of this application, it is beneficial to shorten the cell switching delay of NB-IoT terminal devices, ensuring the quality of service of NB-IoT terminal devices, and saving power and radio resources.

[0074] The network devices (such as the first network device 102, the second network device 103, and the third network device 104) in the embodiments of this application are entities on the network side used to transmit or receive signals. For example, the network devices can be evolved NodeBs (eNBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in NR systems, base stations in other future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network devices.

[0075] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will know that with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0076] The neighbor cell measurement method and communication device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a neighbor cell measurement method provided in an embodiment of this application. The execution entity for steps S201 to S202 is a terminal device, or a chip within the terminal device. The following explanation uses a terminal device as the execution entity for the neighbor cell measurement method. Figure 2 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0078] Step S201: When the terminal device is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state, it acquires the neighbor cell measurement results; the neighbor cell measurement results include the channel quality information of multiple neighbor cells of the serving cell of the terminal device.

[0079] In this embodiment, the terminal device can perform neighbor cell measurements on multiple neighbor cells of its serving cell while in RRC connected state, and obtain neighbor cell measurement results. These neighbor cell measurement results may include channel quality information for each of the aforementioned multiple neighbor cells.

[0080] In this embodiment, the channel quality information of a cell (such as a neighboring cell or serving cell) may include evaluation values ​​of channel quality parameters. Channel quality parameters may include at least one of the following: reference signal receiving power (RSRP), received signal strength indication (RSSI), reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), number of successful reception repetitions, number of retransmissions, coverage enhancement level, transmit power, downlink radio link block error rate, link level assuming reliable reception of the PDCCH at a specific block error rate, and the distance between the terminal device and the coverage center of the cell (or the network device corresponding to the cell). In one implementation, the terminal device can obtain the signal quality information of the neighboring cell by measuring the reference signal sent by the network device corresponding to the neighboring cell. The reference signal may include at least one of the following: cell-specific reference signal (CRS), synchronization signal block (SSB), and channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0081] In one implementation, the aforementioned plurality of neighboring cells measured by the terminal device can refer to any of the following: the aforementioned plurality of neighboring cells are co-frequency neighboring cells of the serving cell; the aforementioned plurality of neighboring cells are inter-frequency neighboring cells of the serving cell; some of the aforementioned plurality of neighboring cells are co-frequency neighboring cells of the serving cell, and some of the cells are inter-frequency neighboring cells of the serving cell; the aforementioned plurality of neighboring cells are inter-system neighboring cells of the serving cell; or some of the aforementioned plurality of neighboring cells are inter-system neighboring cells of the serving cell. It should be noted that the meaning of inter-system neighboring cells can be: the serving cell of the terminal device and the neighboring cell belong to different communication systems (e.g., the serving cell belongs to a 4G communication system, and the neighboring cell belongs to a 5G communication system), and the terminal device supports communication within both the communication system of the serving cell and the communication system of the neighboring cell.

[0082] In this embodiment, each cell can be configured with a neighbor cell list, which can be used to indicate the neighbor cells to be tested. For example, the neighbor cell list can contain information such as the cell identifier and / or frequency point of the neighbor cell to be tested, used to instruct the terminal device to measure the neighbor cell corresponding to the cell identifier, and / or to instruct the terminal device to measure the neighbor cell on the corresponding frequency point. In one implementation, the aforementioned multiple neighbor cells can be some or all of the neighbor cells in the neighbor cell list configured for the serving cell of the terminal device, and this embodiment does not limit this. In one implementation, the neighbor cell to be tested can be determined in the following way: when this embodiment is applied to a scenario where the terminal device moves, the terminal device can predict which cell it will be in the coverage area of ​​next and use the predicted cell as the neighbor cell to be tested. Optionally, the terminal device can predict which cell it will be in the coverage area of ​​next based on its historical movement path; or, the terminal device can predict which cell it will be in the coverage area of ​​next based on the destination entered by the user in the terminal device and the coverage information issued by the network device, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0083] In one implementation, when the terminal device is in RRC connected state, it can measure the serving cell to obtain the channel quality information of the serving cell; and if the channel quality information of the serving cell meets a first preset condition, it can perform neighbor cell measurements on multiple neighboring cells of the serving cell of the terminal device. The fact that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition can indicate that the channel quality of the serving cell is poor, deteriorating, or about to deteriorate. The channel quality information of the serving cell can include evaluation values ​​of channel quality parameters. Channel quality parameters can include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Number of successful reception repetitions, Number of repeated transmissions, Coverage Enhancement Level, Transmit Power, Downlink Radio Link Block Error Rate, Link Level of PDCCH with a Specific Block Error Rate Assuming Reliable Reception at a Specific Block Error Rate, and Distance between the terminal device and the coverage center of the serving cell (or the network device corresponding to the serving cell). The fact that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition can include, for example, the reference signal received power of the serving cell being lower than a preset reference signal received power threshold. Alternatively, the distance between the terminal device and the coverage center of the serving cell (or the network device corresponding to the serving cell) exceeds a preset distance threshold, resulting in poor signal quality received by the terminal device from the serving cell. In this way, the terminal device can perform neighbor cell measurements in a timely manner, so that if the channel quality of the serving cell is poor but an RLF has not yet been detected, it can initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighbor cell among the aforementioned multiple neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results.

[0084] It is worth noting that, typically, NB-IoT terminal devices only determine suitable neighboring cells through cell selection after detecting an RLF (Recurrent Leak), and then initiate an RRC (Recurrent Connection Reconstruction) process to switch cells for that neighboring cell. This approach results in a relatively long delay during cell switching, causing the NB-IoT terminal device to maintain communication with the serving cell even under poor channel conditions, consuming more power and radio resources. Furthermore, the prolonged interruption can significantly impact the communication services of the NB-IoT terminal device. In contrast, if the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition, but an RLF has not yet been detected, the NB-IoT terminal device performs neighbor cell measurements on multiple neighboring cells of that serving cell. This allows for the pre-determination of suitable target neighboring cells, thereby reducing cell switching delay and ensuring the service quality of the NB-IoT terminal device.

[0085] In one implementation, when the channel quality information of the serving cell meets a first preset condition, the terminal device can send a notification to the network device corresponding to the serving cell and perform neighbor cell measurements on multiple neighbor cells of the serving cell. This notification can be used to indicate that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition. Correspondingly, upon receiving the notification, the network device can determine that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition, or it can indicate that the terminal device has begun neighbor cell measurements. In this case, the terminal device can perform neighbor cell measurements without obtaining permission from the network device; that is, it does not need to be triggered by the network device to perform neighbor cell measurements. By sending this notification to the network device, it is beneficial to avoid conflicts between the communication between the terminal device and the network device and the neighbor cell measurements performed by the terminal device.

[0086] In one implementation, when the network device used to configure neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the notification can carry the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. When the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurements, it cannot receive information sent by the network device corresponding to the serving cell. Since the network device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the network device corresponding to the serving cell cannot know the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters configured in the terminal device, and therefore cannot know when the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurements. By carrying the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters configured in the terminal device in the notification, the network device corresponding to the serving cell can obtain these parameters, thereby helping to avoid conflicts between the communication between the terminal device and the network device and the terminal device's neighbor cell measurements.

[0087] It should be noted that the aforementioned first preset conditions (such as preset reference signal receiving power threshold and preset distance threshold) can be configured by the network (e.g., issued in system messages or proprietary signaling), or agreed upon by the protocol, or set by the terminal device by default, or set and changed by the user. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0088] Step S202: Before detecting a radio link failure (RLF), the terminal device initiates an RRC connection reconstruction process for the target neighbor cell among the aforementioned multiple neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results.

[0089] In this embodiment, after acquiring the neighbor cell measurement results, the terminal device can initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for the target neighbor cell even if an RLF has not yet been detected. Compared to initiating the RRC connection reconstruction process after detecting an RLF, initiating the RRC connection reconstruction before detecting an RLF helps ensure data transmission and reduces the impact on the terminal device's services. Furthermore, currently, NB-IoT terminal devices only initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for the target neighbor cell to switch cells after detecting an RLF. This results in a long delay during cell switching, causing the terminal device to maintain communication with the serving cell under poor channel conditions, consuming more power and radio resources, and the prolonged interruption significantly impacts the terminal device's communication services. By implementing this embodiment, the delay of NB-IoT terminal devices switching cells is shortened, ensuring the quality of service for NB-IoT terminal devices.

[0090] Specifically, the implementation method for the terminal device to initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighbor cell among the aforementioned plurality of neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results can be as follows: the terminal device determines a target neighbor cell from the aforementioned plurality of neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results; and initiates an RRC connection reconstruction process for the target neighbor cell. In one implementation, the target neighbor cell can be the neighbor cell with the best channel quality among the aforementioned plurality of neighbor cells, or the target neighbor cell can be a neighbor cell among the aforementioned plurality of neighbor cells whose channel quality parameter evaluation value is greater than a preset parameter threshold. The preset parameter threshold can be configured by the network, or it can be agreed upon by the protocol, or it can be set by default by the terminal device, or it can be set and changed by the user; this application embodiment does not limit this. It should be noted that the number of neighbor cells among the aforementioned plurality of neighbor cells whose channel quality parameter evaluation value is greater than the aforementioned parameter threshold can be one or more. When there are multiple neighboring cells whose channel quality parameter evaluation value is greater than the parameter threshold, the target neighboring cell can be any one of the neighboring cells whose channel quality parameter evaluation value is greater than the parameter threshold, or the target neighboring cell can be the neighboring cell with the largest evaluation value among the neighboring cells whose channel quality parameter evaluation value is greater than the parameter threshold.

[0091] In one implementation, when determining a target neighboring cell, the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the serving cell. When this embodiment of the application is applied to a scenario where the terminal device moves, the terminal device can predict which neighboring cell it will be within next. In this case, the aforementioned target neighboring cell can be the neighboring cell predicted by the terminal device. Optionally, the terminal device can predict the target neighboring cell based on its historical movement path; or, the terminal device can predict the target neighboring cell based on the destination entered by the user on the terminal device, combined with the coverage information issued by the network device. This embodiment of the application does not limit this approach.

[0092] In this embodiment, the RRC connection re-establishment process initiated by the terminal device for the target neighboring cell can refer to the following: the terminal device sends an RRC connection re-establishment request to the network device (such as a base station) corresponding to the target neighboring cell. After receiving the RRC connection re-establishment request, the network device corresponding to the target neighboring cell can reallocate radio resources to the terminal device. Then, the network device can send an RRC connection re-establishment message to the terminal device, which can be used to indicate the newly allocated radio resources. After receiving the RRC connection re-establishment message, the terminal device can configure radio resources according to the message and send an RRC connection re-establishment complete message to the network device. Thus, the terminal device completes the RRC connection re-establishment process for the target neighboring cell.

[0093] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device initiates RRC connection reconstruction before detecting RLF, which helps to ensure the data transmission of the terminal device and reduces the impact on the terminal device's services.

[0094] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another neighbor cell measurement method provided in this application embodiment. The method details how a terminal device initiates an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighbor cell based on the aforementioned neighbor cell measurement results. The execution entity for steps S301 to S302 is the terminal device, or a chip within the terminal device. The following explanation uses the terminal device as the execution entity for the neighbor cell measurement method. This method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0095] Step S301: When the terminal device is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state, it acquires the neighbor cell measurement results; the neighbor cell measurement results include the channel quality information of multiple neighbor cells of the serving cell of the terminal device.

[0096] It should be noted that the execution process of step S301 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 The specific description of step S201 will not be repeated here.

[0097] Step S302: Before detecting a radio link failure (RLF), if the channel quality information of the target neighboring cell among the aforementioned multiple neighboring cells meets the second preset condition, the terminal device initiates an RRC connection reconstruction process for the target neighboring cell.

[0098] In this embodiment, after obtaining the neighbor cell measurement results, the terminal device can further determine whether there is a neighbor cell among the plurality of neighbor cells whose channel quality information meets the second preset condition. If so, the terminal device can use any neighbor cell whose channel quality information meets the second preset condition as the target neighbor cell; or, the terminal device can use the first neighbor cell whose channel quality information meets the second preset condition as the target neighbor cell; or, the terminal device can use the neighbor cell with the best channel quality among the neighbor cells whose channel quality information meets the second preset condition as the target neighbor cell. This embodiment does not limit the specific choice of target neighbor cell. The fact that the channel quality information of the target neighbor cell meets the second preset condition indicates that the channel quality of the target neighbor cell is relatively good. In this way, on the one hand, the terminal device can initiate RRC connection reconstruction before detecting an RLF, which helps avoid the impact of the RLF on the terminal device's services; on the other hand, the better channel quality of the target neighbor cell helps the terminal device obtain better service, avoiding unnecessary power and radio resource consumption caused by the terminal device maintaining communication with the serving cell when the serving cell's channel quality is poor.

[0099] In one implementation, the channel quality information may include an evaluation value of the channel quality parameters; the channel quality information of the target neighboring cell satisfying the second preset condition may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0100] 1. The difference between the assessed channel quality parameter of the target neighbor cell and the assessed channel quality parameter of the serving cell of the terminal device is greater than a first preset threshold, which is greater than or equal to 0, meaning the target neighbor cell has better channel quality than the serving cell; 2. The assessed channel quality parameter of the target neighbor cell is greater than a second preset threshold, and the assessed channel quality parameter of the serving cell is less than a third preset threshold; the second preset threshold is not less than (i.e., greater than or equal to) the third preset threshold, meaning the serving cell has poor channel quality, the target neighbor cell has good channel quality, and the target neighbor cell has better channel quality than the serving cell;

[0101] 3. The difference between the evaluated value of the channel quality parameter of the target neighboring cell and the fourth preset threshold is greater than the fifth preset threshold, that is, the channel quality of the target neighboring cell is good enough.

[0102] It should be noted that the aforementioned second preset condition, first preset threshold, second preset threshold, third preset threshold, fourth preset threshold, and fifth preset threshold can all be configured by the network (e.g., issued in system messages or proprietary signaling), agreed upon by the protocol, or set by the terminal device by default, or set and changed by the user. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0103] In this embodiment, on the one hand, the terminal device initiates RRC connection reconstruction before detecting RLF, which helps to avoid the impact of RLF on the terminal device's services; on the other hand, the terminal device determines the target neighbor cell whose channel quality information meets the second preset condition, and performs RRC connection reconstruction for the target neighbor cell, which helps the terminal device obtain better services and avoids unnecessary power and radio resource consumption caused by the terminal device still communicating with the serving cell when the channel quality of the serving cell is poor.

[0104] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another neighbor cell measurement method provided in this application embodiment. The method details how, when a network device determines that the serving cell of a terminal device meets a first preset condition, it sends a first indication message to the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement according to neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. Specifically, the execution subject of step S401 is the network device or a chip within the network device; the execution subjects of steps S402 to S403 are the terminal device or a chip within the terminal device. The following explanation uses the terminal device and network device as examples of the execution subjects of the neighbor cell measurement method. This method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0105] Step S401: When the network device determines that the serving cell of the terminal device meets the first preset condition, the network device sends a first indication information to the terminal device; the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; the network device is the network device corresponding to the serving cell.

[0106] In this embodiment, the fact that the serving cell of the terminal device meets the first preset condition indicates that the channel quality of the serving cell is poor, deteriorating, or about to deteriorate. In this case, the terminal device can perform neighbor cell measurements to determine a suitable target neighbor cell, allowing the terminal device to switch its serving cell to the target neighbor cell. This helps ensure the data transmission of the terminal device. Specifically, the network device sends a first indication message to the terminal device to instruct it to perform neighbor cell measurements. When the serving cell of the terminal device meets the first preset condition, the network device sending the first indication message to the terminal device to instruct it to perform neighbor cell measurements allows the terminal device to obtain neighbor cell measurement results more promptly, thereby facilitating more timely RRC connection reconstruction, reducing the impact on the terminal device's services, and also helping to avoid unnecessary resource consumption caused by the terminal device performing neighbor cell measurements when the serving cell does not meet the first preset condition.

[0107] In one implementation, the network device can determine whether the serving cell of the terminal device meets the first preset condition by acquiring at least one of the following parameters: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Number of successful reception repetitions, Number of retransmissions, Coverage Enhancement Level, Transmit Power, Downlink Radio Link Block Error Rate (RSRP), Link Level of PDCCH with a Specific Block Error Rate Assuming Reliable Reception, Distance between the Coverage Center of the Serving Cell and the Terminal Device, Load of the Serving Cell, or Scheduling Information of the Serving Cell, and determining whether the serving cell meets the first preset condition based on the acquired information. Optionally, the terminal device reports the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the serving cell. If the network device determines that the RSRP of the serving cell of the terminal device is lower than a preset RSRP threshold, the network device can determine that the serving cell of the terminal device meets the first preset condition. Optionally, if the distance between the coverage center of the serving cell and the terminal device exceeds a preset distance threshold, the network device can determine that the serving cell meets the first preset condition. Optionally, if the load of the serving cell is greater than a preset load, the network device can determine that the serving cell meets the first preset condition. A serving cell load greater than the preset load will affect the signal quality received by terminal devices in the serving cell. A serving cell load greater than the preset load can mean that the number of terminal devices accessing the serving cell is greater than a preset number. In this case, the network device can instruct the terminal devices to perform neighbor cell measurements, enabling the terminal devices to determine suitable neighbor cells (such as neighbor cells with lower loads) based on the measurement results, and then re-establish access to the neighbor cell via RRC connection. It should be noted that the preset load and preset number can be the same or different for different cells. For example, the preset number can be different for cells with different upper limits for the number of access devices. It should also be noted that both the preset load and preset number can be configured by the network (e.g., issued in system messages or proprietary signaling), agreed upon by a protocol, set by default by the terminal device, or set and changed by the user; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0108] The scheduling information of the serving cell can reflect the channel quality of the serving cell. In one implementation, the scheduling information of the serving cell may include the maximum number of RRC repetitions configured by the network device corresponding to the serving cell. The network device can configure the maximum number of RRC repetitions for the cell according to changes in the cell's channel quality. Optionally, if the channel quality of the cell deteriorates, the network device can configure a larger maximum number of RRC repetitions for the cell; if the channel quality of the cell improves, the network device can configure a smaller maximum number of RRC repetitions for the cell. In one implementation, if the maximum number of RRC repetitions is greater than a first preset number, the network device can determine that the serving cell meets the first preset condition, that is, determine that the terminal device needs to perform neighbor cell measurement. If the maximum number of RRC repetitions is less than or equal to the first preset number, the network device can determine that the serving cell does not meet the first preset condition, that is, determine that the terminal device does not need to perform neighbor cell measurement.

[0109] In another implementation, the scheduling information of the serving cell may include the number of repetitions indicated in the downlink control information (DCI). Optionally, the network device can select the number of repetitions from a range based on changes in the cell's channel quality and indicate this number of repetitions through the DCI. When the cell's channel quality deteriorates, the network device can select a larger number of repetitions; when the cell's channel quality improves, the network device can select a smaller number of repetitions. This range of repetitions can be preset by the network device. In one implementation, if the number of repetitions indicated in the DCI is greater than a second preset number, the network device can determine that the serving cell meets a first preset condition, thus determining that the terminal device needs to perform neighbor cell measurements. If the number of repetitions indicated in the DCI is less than or equal to the second preset number, the network device can determine that the serving cell does not meet the first preset condition, thus determining that the terminal device does not need to perform neighbor cell measurements. The DCI is carried by the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The DCI can also be used to indicate uplink and downlink resource allocation, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information, power control, etc. The PDCCH is a physical channel used to carry downlink scheduling information. It should be noted that the aforementioned first and second preset number of attempts can be configured by the network (e.g., issued in system messages or dedicated signaling), agreed upon by the protocol, set by default by the terminal device, or set and changed by the user. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0110] In one implementation, the terminal device can measure the serving cell to obtain its channel quality information; based on the measured channel quality information, it determines whether the channel quality information of the serving cell meets a first preset condition; and if the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition, it sends a second indication message to the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the second indication message indicating that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition. Accordingly, upon receiving the second indication message from the terminal device, the network device can determine that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition.

[0111] Neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters are parameters configured by network devices for terminal devices to use when performing neighbor cell measurements. These parameters can indicate one or more of the following: duration, period, timing advance (TA), and start position. The information indicated by these parameters (i.e., duration, period, TA, and start position) can be used to determine the time-domain resources configured by the network device for neighbor cell measurements. For example, duration and / or period can be used to determine the time-domain resources configured for neighbor cell measurements.

[0112] It should be noted that network devices can configure time-domain resources for a terminal device to perform a single neighbor cell measurement, or they can configure a series of time-domain resources for the terminal device to perform multiple neighbor cell measurements. Furthermore, when a network device configures a series of time-domain resources for a terminal device, the network device can instruct the terminal device to perform a single neighbor cell measurement based on one of the time-domain resources in the series, or the network device can instruct the terminal device to perform multiple neighbor cell measurements based on some or all of the time-domain resources in the series. A single configured time-domain resource can be considered as a measurement opportunity for performing a neighbor cell measurement.

[0113] The duration refers to the duration of the time-domain resource configured for neighbor cell measurement. The start position refers to the starting position of the time-domain resource configured for neighbor cell measurement. For example, the start position is a subframe within a system frame. Combining the duration and start position, a time-domain resource can be determined. If the interval between the start positions of two adjacent time-domain resources in a series of time-domain resources is the same, this interval duration is the period. Optionally, if the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameter does not indicate a period, it can be assumed that the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameter instructs the terminal device to perform a single neighbor cell measurement; if the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameter indicates a period, it can be assumed that the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameter instructs the terminal device to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements.

[0114] Radio frequency transmission delay caused by distance is referred to as TA (Transmission Time Advance) in order to ensure that uplink packets sent by terminal devices arrive at the network device at the desired time. TA can be viewed as a negative offset between the start time of receiving downlink subframes and the time of transmitting uplink subframes. By appropriately controlling the offset of each terminal device, the network device can control the arrival time of uplink signals from different terminal devices. For example, terminal devices farther from the network device need to send uplink data earlier than terminal devices closer to the network device due to the larger transmission delay.

[0115] In one implementation, the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters can be used to indicate one or more of duration, period, timing advance (TA), and start position, as well as the number of measurements. This number of measurements indicates the number of times the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurements. It should be noted that when the number of measurements is multiple, the multiple time-domain resources used for these multiple neighbor cell measurements may or may not have periodic characteristics; this application embodiment does not limit this. Specifically, when the multiple time-domain resources used for these multiple neighbor cell measurements do not have periodic characteristics, the time-domain resources corresponding to each neighbor cell measurement can be determined through the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. The periodicity of the multiple time-domain resources can refer to: the start positions of the multiple time-domain resources having a periodic pattern; or, the duration of the multiple time-domain resources being the same, and the start positions having a periodic pattern. Furthermore, when the number of measurements is only one, regardless of whether the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters indicate a period, it can be considered that the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters indicate that the terminal device performs one neighbor cell measurement.

[0116] In one implementation, the first indication information can specifically be used to instruct the terminal device to perform a neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. In this case, the number of time-domain resources configured for the neighbor cell measurement, determined by the information indicated by the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters (i.e., duration, period, TA, and start position, one or more), can be one or more. If the terminal device needs to perform another neighbor cell measurement after performing one based on the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters, the network device can send the first indication information to the terminal device again to instruct it to perform another neighbor cell measurement. Optionally, the first indication information instructing the terminal device to perform a neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters can mean: instructing the terminal device to perform a neighbor cell measurement within a time period, or instructing the terminal device to wait a certain amount of time after receiving the first indication information before starting a neighbor cell measurement.

[0117] In another implementation, the first indication information can specifically be used to instruct the terminal device to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. In this case, based on the information indicated by the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters, the number of time-domain resources configured for neighbor cell measurements is multiple, and these multiple time-domain resources have a periodic characteristic. In this way, the network device can send the first indication information to the terminal device once, instructing the terminal device to perform multiple neighbor cell measurements, which helps save signaling resources.

[0118] It should be noted that the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters can be carried in the first indication information and sent to the terminal device, or they can be agreed upon by a protocol, or they can be configured by the network device for the terminal device (e.g., configured for the terminal device in proprietary signaling). This application embodiment does not limit this. It should also be noted that the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters can be configured by the network device corresponding to the terminal device's current serving cell, or by the network device corresponding to the terminal device's historical serving cell. In this way, after configuring the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters once, the terminal device can use them in different cells without reconfiguring for each cell, which helps save signaling resources. In one implementation, if the network device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the network device corresponding to the (terminal device's current) serving cell, the aforementioned second indication information may include the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. When the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurements, it cannot receive information sent by the network device corresponding to its serving cell. If the network device used to configure neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, then the network device corresponding to the serving cell cannot know the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters configured in the terminal device, and therefore cannot know when the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurements. This may result in the following situation: the network device corresponding to the serving cell sends information to the terminal device during the terminal device's neighbor cell measurement process, causing the terminal device to fail to receive the information, resulting in information loss. In this case, this embodiment of the application, by carrying the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters configured in the terminal device in the second instruction information, enables the network device corresponding to the serving cell to obtain the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters, thereby helping to avoid conflicts between the communication between the terminal device and the network device and the terminal device's neighbor cell measurements.

[0119] In one implementation, the serving cell of the terminal device can interact with historical serving cells to obtain the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. Optionally, the network device corresponding to the serving cell can send a parameter request to the network device corresponding to the historical serving cell to request the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. Optionally, the network device corresponding to the historical serving cell can proactively send the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters to the network device corresponding to the serving cell. The network device corresponding to the historical serving cell can be the aforementioned network device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0120] In one implementation, the network device can also configure neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters for the terminal device through the RRC reconfiguration procedure, or send the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters to the terminal device in information other than the first indication information. After the terminal device changes cells, if it has not configured neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters, the network device can configure them for the terminal device through the RRC reconfiguration procedure; if the terminal device has already configured neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters, it can use the already configured parameters to perform neighbor cell measurements. This saves signaling resources required for RRC reconfiguration after cell changes.

[0121] In this embodiment, when the terminal device has been configured with neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters, the network device sends a first indication message to the terminal device to instruct it to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. In this process, the first indication message can be seen as activating the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. In other words, after configuring the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters for the terminal device, these parameters do not take effect immediately (i.e., the terminal device will not use the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters to perform neighbor cell measurements at this time), but only after receiving the first indication message.

[0122] In one implementation, the first indication information can be carried in the medium access control control element (MAC CE), or in the header of the MAC protocol data unit (PDU), or in other information (such as DCI). This application embodiment does not limit this. After a terminal device changes cells, compared to reconfiguring neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters through the RRC reconfiguration process, this application embodiment activates the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters through the first indication information carried in the MAC CE (or MAC PDU header). This allows for more flexible triggering and stopping of neighbor cell measurements and helps save signaling resources.

[0123] In one alternative implementation, the first indication information may be sent by the network device in the following manner:

[0124] Method 1: The first indication information can be carried in the MAC CE for transmission. Specifically, when the logical channel ID (LCID) field in the MAC CE is a specific value, it can instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. For example, in the MAC CE structure shown in Table 1, the LCID can be newly defined as 10001 in the current standard to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. Alternatively, other bit values, such as values ​​not defined in the current standard (e.g., reserved values), can be used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0125] Table 1

[0126] R F2 E LCID

[0127] Alternatively, the first indication information can be sent via the MAC PDU subheader, where the LCID field in the MAC PDU subheader can be set to a specific value to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. For example, in the structure of the MAC PDU subheader shown in Table 2, when the LCID is a specific value of 01011 or 01111 or other bit values, the terminal device is instructed to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0128] Table 2

[0129] R F2 E LCID

[0130] Method 2: This first indication information can be carried in the MAC CE for transmission. When the LCID field in the MAC CE is a specific value, it instructs the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. For example, in the MAC CE structure shown in Table 3, the LCID index value can be newly defined as 33, 46, or other index values ​​in the current standard to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0131] Table 3

[0132] R R LCID

[0133] Alternatively, this first indication information can be sent via the MAC PDU subheader, where the LCID field in the MAC PDU subheader can be set to a specific value to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. For example, in the structure of the MAC PDU subheader shown in Table 4, an LCID index of 33, 46, or other index values ​​instructs the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0134] Table 4

[0135] R R LCID

[0136] Method 3: The first indication information can be sent through the MAC PDU subheader. Specifically, the F2 field in the MAC PDU subheader can be set to a specific value to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. For example, in the MAC PDU subheader structure shown in Table 2, when F2 is a specific value 1 or another value, it is used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0137] Method 4: The first indication information can be sent through the MAC PDU subheader. When the R field in the MAC PDU subheader is a specific value, the terminal device can be instructed to perform neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0138] For example, in the structure of the MAC PDU subheader shown in Table 2, when R is a specific value of 1 or other values, it is used to indicate that the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0139] Alternatively, as shown in Table 4, in the structure of the MAC PDU subheader, when R is a specific value of 1 or other values, it is used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0140] Method 5: The first indication information can be sent through the MAC PDU subheader. When the F field in the MAC PDU subheader is a specific value, it instructs the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. For example, in the structure of the MAC PDU subheader shown in Table 5, when F is a specific value 1 or other values, it is used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0141] Table 5

[0142]

[0143] Alternatively, as shown in Table 6, in the structure of the MAC PDU subheader, when F is a specific value of 1 or other values, it is used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0144] Table 6

[0145]

[0146] It should be noted that when the MAC PDU payload is not 0 (i.e., the value of L is not 0), auxiliary information instructing the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurements can also be carried in the payload, such as the cell identifier of the neighbor cell to be measured.

[0147] As an example, in the structures of the MAC CE and MAC PDU subheaders shown in Tables 1, 2, and 5, the L field indicates the length of the corresponding MAC service data unit (SDU) or variable-sized MAC CE, in bytes; the F2 and F fields jointly indicate the size of the L field; the E field indicates whether there are additional fields in the MAC header; and the R field indicates reserved bits. In the structures of the MAC CE and MAC PDU subheaders shown in Tables 3, 4, and 6, the L field indicates the length of the corresponding MAC service data unit (SDU) or variable-sized MAC CE, in bytes; the F field indicates the size of the L field; and the R field indicates reserved bits.

[0148] In one implementation, the network device can also send a third indication message to the terminal device, which can be used to instruct the terminal device to stop neighbor cell measurements. In other words, the third indication message is used to disable the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters. Performing neighbor cell measurements increases the power consumption of the terminal device, and the more neighbor cells measured, the more significant the increase in power consumption. By sending the third indication message, the network device can prevent the terminal device from continuously performing neighbor cell measurements, thereby helping to reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0149] In one implementation, the network device can send a third indication message to the terminal device if it determines that the serving cell of the terminal device meets a third preset condition. The fact that the serving cell of the terminal device meets the third preset condition indicates that the channel quality of the serving cell is good. In other words, the terminal device maintains communication with the serving cell under the current channel conditions, allowing the terminal device to maintain normal operation of its communication services; or, the terminal device does not need to continue neighbor cell measurements; or, the terminal device does not need to switch cells. By sending the third indication message to the terminal device when the channel quality of the serving cell is good, unnecessary neighbor cell measurements or cell switching can be avoided, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0150] In one implementation, the network device can determine that the serving cell of the terminal device meets a third preset condition by means of the following:

[0151] Method 1: The network device acquires at least one of the following parameters: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Number of Successful Reception Repetitions, Number of Repeated Transmissions, Coverage Enhancement Level, Transmit Power, Downlink Radio Link Block Error Rate (RSR), Link Level of PDCCH with a Specific Block Error Rate Assuming Reliable Reception, Distance between the Coverage Center of the Serving Cell and the Terminal Device, Load of the Serving Cell, or Scheduling Information of the Serving Cell, and determines whether the Serving Cell meets the third preset condition based on the acquired information. Optionally, the terminal device reports the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the Serving Cell. If the network device determines that the Reference Signal Received Power of the Serving Cell of the Terminal Device is higher than a preset Reference Signal Received Power threshold, then the network device can determine that the Serving Cell of the Terminal Device meets the third preset condition. Optionally, the scheduling information of the serving cell may include the maximum number of RRC repetitions configured by the network device corresponding to the serving cell or the number of repetitions indicated in the DCI. If the maximum number of RRC repetitions is less than or equal to the aforementioned first preset number, the network device can determine that the serving cell meets the third preset condition; if the number of repetitions indicated in the DCI is less than or equal to the aforementioned second preset number, the network device can determine that the serving cell meets the third preset condition. Optionally, if the distance between the coverage center of the serving cell and the terminal device does not exceed the aforementioned preset distance threshold, the network device can determine that the serving cell meets the third preset condition. Optionally, if the load of the serving cell is less than or equal to the aforementioned preset load, the network device can determine that the serving cell meets the third preset condition. The load of the serving cell being less than or equal to the preset load may mean that the number of terminal devices accessing the serving cell is greater than a preset number.

[0152] Method 2: The network device receives a fourth indication information from the terminal device. This fourth indication information can be used to indicate that the serving cell of the terminal device meets a third preset condition. In one implementation, the terminal device can measure the serving cell to obtain the channel quality information (such as the evaluation value of the channel quality parameter) of the serving cell; based on the measured channel quality information of the serving cell, it determines whether the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the third preset condition; and if the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the third preset condition, it sends the fourth indication information to the network device corresponding to the serving cell. For example, if the evaluation value of the channel quality parameter of the serving cell (see the specific description of step S201) is greater than a sixth preset threshold, the terminal device can determine that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the third preset condition. The fact that the evaluation value of the channel quality parameter of the serving cell is greater than the sixth preset threshold indicates that the channel quality of the serving cell is good enough.

[0153] It should be noted that the third preset condition and the sixth preset threshold can both be configured by the network (e.g., issued in system messages or proprietary signaling), or agreed upon by the protocol, or set by the terminal device by default, or set and changed by the user. This application embodiment does not limit these aspects.

[0154] It should also be noted that the third indication information can be carried in the MAC CE, or in the MAC PDU header, or in other information (such as DCI). This application embodiment does not limit this. The method of carrying the third indication information in the MAC CE (or MAC PDU header) is similar to the method of carrying the first indication information in the MAC CE (or MAC PDU header). For details, please refer to the corresponding contents of Tables 1-6 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0155] In one implementation, before step S401, the network device may further acquire capability information of the terminal device. This capability information can be used to indicate whether the terminal device has the capability to re-establish an RRC connection before detecting an RLF. This capability information can be sent by the terminal device to the network device, or it can be obtained by the network device of the serving cell through interaction with the network device of a historical serving cell. Optionally, the capability information can be explicit. For example, the capability information can indicate that the terminal device has the capability to re-establish an RRC connection before detecting an RLF, or the capability information can indicate that the terminal device supports neighbor cell measurement in the RRC connected state. Optionally, the capability information can also be implicit. For example, if the network device receives second indication information sent by the terminal device, or if the network device of the serving cell obtains the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters of the terminal device through interaction with the network device of a historical serving cell, then it is considered that the terminal device has the capability to re-establish an RRC connection before detecting an RLF, or that the terminal device supports neighbor cell measurement in the RRC connected state. At this time, if the serving cell meets the first preset condition, the network device can send a first indication message to the terminal device; the first indication message can be used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters before detecting RLF. If the serving cell meets the third preset condition, the network device can send a third indication message to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to stop performing neighbor cell measurement.

[0156] In one implementation, before step S401, the network device may further determine whether the terminal device has enabled the following functions: re-establishing RRC connection before detecting an RLF, or supporting neighbor cell measurement in RRC connected state. Whether the terminal device has enabled this function can be explicitly or implicitly communicated to the network device by the terminal device. For example, the terminal device can send an indication message to the network device indicating whether the terminal device has enabled the function. Alternatively, if the network device receives the aforementioned fourth indication message from the terminal device, it can consider that the terminal device has enabled the function. In this case, if the serving cell meets the first preset condition, the network device can send a first indication message to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters before detecting an RLF. If the serving cell meets the third preset condition, the network device can send a third indication message to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to stop performing neighbor cell measurement.

[0157] Step S402: When the terminal device is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state, it measures multiple neighboring cells of the serving cell according to the neighboring cell measurement configuration parameters to obtain the neighboring cell measurement results; the neighboring cell measurement results include the channel quality information of the multiple neighboring cells.

[0158] Specifically, when a terminal device receives a first indication from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, it can determine that the serving cell meets a first preset condition, thus determining that the terminal device needs to perform neighbor cell measurement. A specific implementation method for the terminal device to measure multiple neighbor cells of the serving cell according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters can be as follows: the terminal device determines the time-domain resources configured for neighbor cell measurement based on the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters, and then performs measurements on the multiple neighbor cells of the serving cell on those time-domain resources.

[0159] Step S403: Before detecting a radio link failure (RLF), the terminal device initiates an RRC connection reconstruction process for the target neighbor cell among the aforementioned multiple neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results.

[0160] It should be noted that the execution process of step S403 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 intermediate step S202 or Figure 3 The specific description of step S302 will not be repeated here.

[0161] By implementing the embodiments of this application, when the serving cell of the terminal device meets the first preset condition, the network device sends a first indication information to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement. This helps the terminal device to obtain the neighbor cell measurement results more timely, and thus helps to determine the appropriate target neighbor cell for RRC connection reconstruction more timely, reducing the impact on the terminal device's services.

[0162] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspectives of network devices and terminal devices, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the network device and the terminal device may include hardware structures and software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions can be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0163] Please see Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 50 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 The communication device 50 shown may include a processing unit 501 and a communication unit 502. The communication unit 502 may include a transmitting unit and / or a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to implement the transmitting function, and the receiving unit is used to implement the receiving function. The communication unit 502 can implement both the transmitting and / or receiving functions. The communication unit may also be described as a transceiver unit.

[0164] The communication device 50 can be a terminal device, a device within a terminal device, or a device compatible with a terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device 50 can be a network device, a device within a network device, or a device compatible with a network device.

[0165] The communication device 50 is a terminal device: a processing unit 501 is used to acquire neighbor cell measurement results when the communication device 50 is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state; the neighbor cell measurement results include channel quality information of multiple neighbor cells of the serving cell of the communication device 50; and a communication unit 502 is used to initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighbor cell among the multiple neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results before detecting a Radio Link Failure (RLF).

[0166] In one implementation, the communication unit 502 can also be used to: receive first indication information from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the first indication information being used to instruct the communication device 50 to perform neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; the first indication information is sent when the network device determines that the serving cell meets the first preset condition; the processing unit 501 can specifically be used to: measure the aforementioned plurality of neighbor cells according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters to obtain the neighbor cell measurement results.

[0167] In one implementation, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the communication device 50 to perform a neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; or, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the communication device 50 to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0168] In one implementation, the aforementioned neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters are used to indicate duration and / or period, which are used to determine the time-domain resources configured for neighbor cell measurements.

[0169] In one implementation, the processing unit 501 may further be used to: measure the aforementioned serving cell to obtain the channel quality information of the serving cell; the communication unit 502 may further be used to: send second indication information to the network device when the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition, the second indication information being used to indicate that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition.

[0170] In one implementation, if the network device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the second indication information may include the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0171] In one implementation, the communication unit 502 can also be used to: receive third indication information from the network device, the third indication information being used to instruct the communication device 50 to stop neighbor cell measurement.

[0172] In one implementation, the communication unit 502 can be used to initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for the target neighbor cell when the channel quality information of the aforementioned target neighbor cell meets the second preset condition.

[0173] In one implementation, the channel quality information includes the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters; the channel quality information of the target neighbor cell satisfying the second preset condition may include one or more of the following: the difference between the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the target neighbor cell and the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the aforementioned serving cell is greater than a first preset threshold; the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the target neighbor cell is greater than the second preset threshold, and the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the serving cell is less than a third preset threshold; wherein, the second preset threshold is not less than the third preset threshold; the difference between the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the target neighbor cell and a fourth preset threshold is greater than a fifth preset threshold.

[0174] The communication device 50 is a network device: a processing unit 501 is used to determine that the serving cell of the terminal device meets a first preset condition; a communication unit 502 is used to send a first indication information to the terminal device to enable the terminal device to measure multiple neighboring cells of the serving cell according to the neighboring cell measurement configuration parameters, and obtain neighboring cell measurement results; and before detecting a radio link failure (RLF), to initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighboring cell among the multiple neighboring cells according to the neighboring cell measurement results; wherein, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighboring cell measurement according to the neighboring cell measurement configuration parameters; the aforementioned neighboring cell measurement results include channel quality information of the aforementioned multiple neighboring cells; the communication device 50 is a network device corresponding to the serving cell.

[0175] In one implementation, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform a neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; or, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0176] In one implementation, the aforementioned neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters are used to indicate duration and / or period, which are used to determine the time-domain resources configured for neighbor cell measurements.

[0177] In one implementation, the communication unit 502 can also be used to receive second indication information from the terminal device, the second indication information being used to indicate that the channel quality information of the aforementioned serving cell meets the first preset condition.

[0178] In one implementation, if the communication device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the communication device 50 corresponding to the serving cell, the second indication information may include the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0179] In one implementation, the communication unit 502 can also be used to send a third indication message to the terminal device, which instructs the terminal device to stop neighbor cell measurement.

[0180] In one implementation, the processing unit 501 can also be used to obtain the scheduling information of the aforementioned serving cell; and determine, based on the scheduling information, that the serving cell meets the first preset condition.

[0181] In one implementation, the scheduling information includes the maximum number of Radio Resource Control (RRC) repetitions configured by the communication device 50; the processing unit 501 may specifically be used to: if the maximum number of repetitions is greater than a first preset number, determine that the aforementioned serving cell meets the first preset condition.

[0182] In one implementation, the scheduling information includes the number of repetitions indicated in the downlink control information (DCI); the processing unit 501 can specifically be used to: if the number of repetitions is greater than a second preset number, determine that the aforementioned serving cell meets the first preset condition.

[0183] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 60 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 60 can be a network device, a terminal device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0184] The communication device 60 may include one or more processors 601. The processor 601 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., base station, baseband chip, terminal, terminal chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0185] Optionally, the communication device 60 may include one or more memories 602, on which a computer program 603 may be stored. This computer program can be run on the communication device 60, causing the communication device 60 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 602 may also store data. The communication device 60 and the memory 602 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0186] Optionally, the communication device 60 may also include a transceiver 604 and an antenna 605. The transceiver 604 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 604 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0187] Communication device 60 is a terminal device: processor 601 is used to execute Figure 2 Step S201 in the process; execute Figure 3 Step S301; or Figure 4 Step S402 in the process. Transceiver 604 is used to perform... Figure 2 Step S202; Execute Figure 3 Step S302 in the middle; or Figure 4 Step S403 in the process.

[0188] Communication device 60 is a network device: processor 601 is used for... Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, it is determined that the serving cell of the terminal device meets a first preset condition. The transceiver 604 is used to perform... Figure 4 Step S401 in the process.

[0189] In one implementation, the processor 601 may include a transceiver for implementing receive and transmit functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receive and transmit functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0190] In one implementation, processor 601 may store computer program 606, which runs on processor 601 and causes communication device 60 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Computer program 606 may be embedded in processor 601; in this case, processor 601 may be implemented in hardware.

[0191] In one implementation, the communication device 60 may include circuitry capable of performing the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0192] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal device, but the scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may vary. Figure 6 The communication device may be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0193] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0194] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0195] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0196] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0197] (5) Receivers, terminals, smart terminals, cellular phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.

[0198] (6) Others, etc.

[0199] For cases where the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of the chip. Figure 7 The chip shown includes a processor 701 and an interface 702. There can be one or more processors 701, and multiple interfaces 702.

[0200] Regarding the case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the embodiments of this application:

[0201] The processor 701 is configured to acquire neighbor cell measurement results when the terminal device is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state; the neighbor cell measurement results include channel quality information of multiple neighbor cells of the serving cell of the terminal device; the interface 702 is configured to initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighbor cell among the multiple neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results before detecting a Radio Link Failure (RLF).

[0202] In one implementation, the interface 702 can also be used to: receive first indication information from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the first indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; the first indication information is sent when the network device determines that the serving cell meets a first preset condition, that is, the first indication information can be received when the serving cell meets the first preset condition; the processor 701 can specifically be used to: measure the aforementioned plurality of neighbor cells according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters to obtain the neighbor cell measurement results.

[0203] In one implementation, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform a neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; or, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0204] In one implementation, the aforementioned neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters are used to indicate duration and / or period, which are used to determine the time-domain resources configured for neighbor cell measurements.

[0205] In one implementation, the processor 701 can also be used to: measure the aforementioned serving cell to obtain the channel quality information of the serving cell; the interface 702 can also be used to: send second indication information to the network device when the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition, the second indication information being used to indicate that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition.

[0206] In one implementation, if the network device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the second indication information may include the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0207] In one implementation, interface 702 can also be used to: receive third indication information from a network device, the third indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to stop neighbor cell measurement.

[0208] In one implementation, interface 702 can be used to initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for the target neighbor cell when the channel quality information of the aforementioned target neighbor cell meets the second preset condition.

[0209] In one implementation, the channel quality information includes the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters; the channel quality information of the target neighbor cell satisfying the second preset condition may include one or more of the following: the difference between the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the target neighbor cell and the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the aforementioned serving cell is greater than a first preset threshold; the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the target neighbor cell is greater than the second preset threshold, and the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the serving cell is less than a third preset threshold; wherein, the second preset threshold is not less than the third preset threshold; the difference between the evaluation value of the channel quality parameters of the target neighbor cell and a fourth preset threshold is greater than a fifth preset threshold.

[0210] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of the network device in the embodiments of this application:

[0211] The processor 701 is configured to determine that the serving cell of the terminal device meets a first preset condition; the interface 702 is configured to send a first indication information to the terminal device to enable the terminal device to measure multiple neighboring cells of the serving cell according to the neighboring cell measurement configuration parameters, and obtain neighboring cell measurement results; and before detecting a radio link failure (RLF), to initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighboring cell among the multiple neighboring cells according to the neighboring cell measurement results; wherein, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighboring cell measurement according to the neighboring cell measurement configuration parameters; the aforementioned neighboring cell measurement results include channel quality information of the aforementioned multiple neighboring cells; the network device is the network device corresponding to the serving cell.

[0212] In one implementation, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform a neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; or, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0213] In one implementation, the aforementioned neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters are used to indicate duration and / or period, which are used to determine the time-domain resources configured for neighbor cell measurements.

[0214] In one implementation, interface 702 can also be used to receive second indication information from the terminal device, the second indication information being used to indicate that the channel quality information of the aforementioned serving cell meets a first preset condition.

[0215] In one implementation, if the network device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the second indication information may include the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

[0216] In one implementation, interface 702 can also be used to send a third indication message to the terminal device, which instructs the terminal device to stop neighbor cell measurement.

[0217] In one implementation, the processor 701 can also be used to obtain scheduling information of the aforementioned serving cell; and determine, based on the scheduling information, that the serving cell meets a first preset condition.

[0218] In one implementation, the scheduling information includes the maximum number of Radio Resource Control (RRC) repetitions configured by the network device; the processor 701 can specifically be used to: if the maximum number of repetitions is greater than a first preset number, determine that the aforementioned serving cell meets the first preset condition.

[0219] In one implementation, the scheduling information includes the number of repetitions indicated in the downlink control information (DCI); the processor 701 can specifically be used to: if the number of repetitions is greater than a second preset number, determine that the aforementioned serving cell meets the first preset condition.

[0220] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 703, which is used to store necessary computer programs and data.

[0221] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0222] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program including program instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0223] The aforementioned computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, flash memory, hard disk, and solid-state drive.

[0224] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0225] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0226] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., involved in this application are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application, nor do they indicate the order of sequence.

[0227] At least one in this application can also be described as one or more, and multiple can be two, three, four or more, and this application does not impose any limitation. In the embodiments of this application, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", and there is no order or size among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0228] The correspondences shown in the tables of this application can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this application is not limited to these values. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this application may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headings of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0229] The term "predefined" in this application can be understood as definition, pre-defined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0230] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples 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 implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art 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.

[0231] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0232] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for measuring neighboring cells, characterized in that, The method includes: When the terminal device is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state, it sends a second indication information to the network device corresponding to the serving cell. The second indication information is used to indicate that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets a first preset condition. The terminal device receives first indication information from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the first indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; The terminal device measures multiple neighboring cells according to the neighboring cell measurement configuration parameters to obtain neighboring cell measurement results; the neighboring cell measurement results include channel quality information of multiple neighboring cells of the serving cell of the terminal device. Before detecting a radio link failure (RLF), the terminal device initiates an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighbor cell among the plurality of neighbor cells based on the neighbor cell measurement results. If the network device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the second indication information includes the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform a neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; or, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters are used to indicate duration and / or period, which are used to determine the time-domain resources configured for neighbor cell measurements.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before the terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the method further includes: The terminal device measures the serving cell to obtain the channel quality information of the serving cell; If the channel quality information of the serving cell meets the first preset condition, the terminal device sends a second indication message to the network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives a third indication information from the network device, the third indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to stop neighbor cell measurement.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The terminal device initiates an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighboring cell among the plurality of neighboring cells based on the neighboring cell measurement results, including: If the channel quality information of the target neighboring cell meets the second preset condition, the terminal device initiates an RRC connection reconstruction process for the target neighboring cell.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The channel quality information includes the evaluation values ​​of channel quality parameters; the channel quality information of the target neighbor cell satisfies one or more of the following preset conditions: The difference between the assessed value of the channel quality parameter of the target neighbor cell and the assessed value of the channel quality parameter of the serving cell is greater than a first preset threshold. The evaluation value of the channel quality parameter of the target neighboring cell is greater than the second preset threshold, and the evaluation value of the channel quality parameter of the serving cell is less than the third preset threshold; wherein, the second preset threshold is not less than the third preset threshold; The difference between the evaluated value of the channel quality parameter of the target neighboring cell and the fourth preset threshold is greater than the fifth preset threshold.

8. A method for measuring neighboring cells, characterized in that, The method includes: The network device receives a second indication information from the terminal device, the second indication information being used to indicate that the channel quality information of the serving cell meets a first preset condition; The network device sends a first indication message to the terminal device to enable the terminal device to measure multiple neighboring cells of the serving cell according to the neighboring cell measurement configuration parameters, and obtain the neighboring cell measurement results; and before detecting a radio link failure (RLF), initiate an RRC connection reconstruction process for a target neighboring cell among the multiple neighboring cells according to the neighboring cell measurement results. Wherein, the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; the neighbor cell measurement result includes channel quality information of the plurality of neighbor cells; the network device is the network device corresponding to the serving cell; when the network device used to configure the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters is different from the network device corresponding to the serving cell, the second indication information includes the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform a neighbor cell measurement according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters; or, the first indication information is specifically used to instruct the terminal device to perform periodic neighbor cell measurements according to the neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The neighbor cell measurement configuration parameters are used to indicate duration and / or period, which are used to determine the time-domain resources configured for neighbor cell measurements.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network device sends a third instruction message to the terminal device, the third instruction message being used to instruct the terminal device to stop neighbor cell measurement.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network device obtains the scheduling information of the serving cell; The network device determines, based on the scheduling information, that the serving cell meets the first preset condition.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The scheduling information includes the maximum number of Radio Resource Control (RRC) repetitions configured by the network device; The network device determines, based on the scheduling information, that the serving cell meets the first preset condition, including: If the maximum number of repetitions is greater than the first preset number, the network device determines that the serving cell meets the first preset condition.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The scheduling information includes the number of repetitions indicated in the downlink control information (DCI); The network device determines, based on the scheduling information, that the serving cell meets the first preset condition, including: If the number of repetitions is greater than the second preset number, the network device determines that the serving cell meets the first preset condition.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing program instructions, and the processor executing the program instructions stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing program instructions, and the processor executing the program instructions stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, the computer program including program instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 or 8 to 14.

Images