Communication method and device

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and device to help solve the paging conflict problem in a terminal device that supports multiple user identity modules. The method includes: the terminal device sends information indicating that the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device to a network side device, and the terminal device receives paging information corresponding to the second user identity of the terminal device through the first user identity. The method monitors the paging information of multiple user identities of the terminal device by receiving a message or information related to paging on a cell corresponding to a single user identity by the terminal device, which helps to effectively implement paging for multiple user identities of the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0002] Dual-SIM phones can support two subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, which can be from the same operator or different operators. Dual-SIM phones mainly include: dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) and dual SIM dual active (DSDA).

[0003] In a DSDS mobile phone, two SIM cards share a transceiver. The two SIM cards (for example, SIM A and SIM B) work in a time division multiplexing (TDM) mode, that is, when one SIM card is in a connected state, the other SIM card is unavailable. If the paging opportunities of SIM A and SIM B overlap, there will be a paging conflict between SIM A and SIM B. Therefore, how to effectively implement paging in DSDS mobile phones has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, which can solve the paging conflict problem in a dual-SIM or multi-SIM mobile phone.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a terminal device or by a component of the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), including: sending information to a network side device indicating that a first user identity of the terminal device and a second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device, and receiving paging information corresponding to the second user identity of the terminal device with the first user identity.

[0006] Through the above method, the terminal device receives a paging message or information in a cell corresponding to a single user identity to monitor the first user identity and the second user identity, which helps to effectively implement paging for the user identity of the terminal device.

[0007] In some possible implementations, first information is sent to a first network side device, where the first information includes terminal device identification information corresponding to a second user identity, wherein the first network side device provides services for the first user identity of the terminal device.

[0008] Through the above implementation method, the first network side device can determine that the first user identity and the second user identity are associated with the terminal device based on the above first information, which helps to complete the association between the first user identity and the second user identity between the first network side device and the second network side device.

[0009] Optionally, the first information may also include identification information of a terminal device corresponding to the first user identity.

[0010] Optionally, second information is sent to the second network side device, where the second information includes terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity, wherein the second network side device provides services for the second user identity of the terminal device.

[0011] Optionally, the first information may also include identification information of a terminal device corresponding to the second user identity.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the terminal device can be instructed to implement the user identity of monitoring paging information by sending monitoring indication information to the second network side device, that is, the monitoring indication information instructs the terminal device to receive paging information on the cell corresponding to the first user identity, wherein the terminal device is in a connected state with the first user identity and in an idle state or an inactive state with the second user identity, or the terminal device is in an idle state or an inactive state with the first user identity and in an idle state or an inactive state with the second user identity.

[0013] Through the above implementation, the second network side device can determine which user identity or which SIM card the terminal device uses to monitor paging information, so the second network side device can effectively implement paging for the second user identity to avoid the second user identity not receiving the paging message.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in certain embodiments of the first aspect, when the terminal device is in a connected state with a first user identity, the paging information corresponding to the second user identity of the terminal device can be received with the first user identity by receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message from a first access network device, wherein the RRC message is a message sent to the first user identity of the terminal device, and the RRC message includes the above-mentioned paging information. Optionally, the RRC message may include the terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity, or include the terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity and the terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in certain embodiments of the first aspect, a paging message can be received from a network side device as a first user, the paging message indicating a second user identity of a paging terminal device, the paging message including the above-mentioned paging information, wherein the terminal device is in an idle state or an inactive state as the first user identity and in an idle state or an inactive state as the second user identity.

[0016] For example, a first paging message is received from a first access network device, the first paging message includes paging information, and the paging information is used to indicate a second user identity of the paging terminal device, wherein the terminal device is in an idle state with the first user identity and in an idle state with the second user identity, and the first access network device provides services for the first user identity of the terminal device. The first paging information is a paging message initiated by a core network device. Optionally, the first paging message may include terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity, or may include terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity and terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity.

[0017] Or, for another example, a wireless access network paging message is received from a first access network device, the wireless access network paging message indicates paging the second user identity, wherein the terminal device is in an inactive state with the first user identity and in an inactive state with the second user identity. Optionally, the wireless access network paging message may include terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity, or may include terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity and terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity.

[0018] Or, for another example, a second paging message is received from a first access network device, the second paging message includes paging information, the paging information is used to indicate a second user identity of the paging terminal device, wherein the terminal device is in an inactive state with a first user identity and in an idle state with a second user identity, and the first access network device provides services for the first user identity of the terminal device. The first paging information is a paging message initiated by the access network device. Optionally, the second paging message may include terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity, or may include terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity and terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity.

[0019] Or, for another example, a wireless access network paging message is received from a first access network device, wherein the wireless access network paging message is a message sent to a first user identity of the terminal device, and the wireless access network paging message indicates paging a second user identity of the terminal device, wherein the terminal device is in an inactive state with the first user identity and in an idle state with the second user identity.

[0020] Optionally, an attempt is made to enter a connected state as a second user according to the paging information.

[0021] Through the above method, the terminal device receives paging-related messages or information in the cell corresponding to a single user identity to monitor the paging information of the first user identity and the second user identity of the terminal device, which helps to effectively implement paging for the user identity of the terminal device.

[0022] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first network side device, or by a component of the first network side device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), including: receiving information indicating that a first user identity of a terminal device and a second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device, wherein the first network side device provides a service for the first user identity of the terminal device;

[0023] Sending information indicating that a first user identity of the terminal device and a second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device to a second network side device, the second network side device providing services for the second user identity of the terminal device;

[0024] Receiving paging indication information from the second network side device, the paging indication information indicating a second user identity of the paging terminal device;

[0025] A first message is sent to the terminal device, indicating a second user identity of the paging terminal device.

[0026] Through the above method, the first network side device and the second network side device complete the association between the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device regarding the terminal device. The second network side device pages the second user identity of the terminal device through the first network side device, thereby effectively realizing the paging of the user identity of the terminal device.

[0027] Optionally, the first user identity and the second user identity may be associated with the terminal device by receiving first information from the terminal device, that is, the first information includes terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity. Optionally, the first information also includes terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity.

[0028] Optionally, information indicating that the association of the first user identity and the second user identity is completed is received from the second network side device. Optionally, the step of receiving an indication that the association is completed is not necessary, that is, when information indicating that the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device is received from the second network side device, it can be determined that the association is completed.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain embodiments of the second aspect, the second user identity of the paging terminal device may be indicated by sending a first message to the first access network. The first message may instruct the first access network device to send a radio resource control RRC message to the terminal device, the RRC message indicating the second user identity of the paging terminal device, wherein the terminal device is in a connected state with the first user identity, and the terminal device is in an idle state with the second user identity.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the second user identity of the paging terminal device may be indicated by sending a first message to the first access network. The first message may instruct the first access network device to send a first paging message to the terminal device, the first paging message indicating the second user identity of the paging terminal device, wherein the terminal device is in an idle state with the first user identity, and the terminal device is in an idle state with the second user identity.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in certain embodiments of the second aspect, the second user identity of the paging terminal device can be indicated by sending an RRC message to the terminal device, wherein the RRC message is a message of the first user identity sent to the terminal device, and the RRC message indicates the second user identity of the paging terminal device, the terminal device is in a connected state with the first user identity, and the terminal device is in an inactive state with the second user identity.

[0032] In combination with the second aspect, in certain embodiments of the second aspect, the second user identity of the paging terminal device can be indicated by sending a wireless access network paging message to the terminal device, wherein the wireless access network paging message is a message sent to the first user identity of the terminal device, and the wireless access network paging message indicates the second user identity of the paging terminal device, the terminal device is in an inactive state with the first user identity, and the terminal device is in an inactive state with the second user identity.

[0033] In some possible implementations, the terminal device may be indicated to be in a connected state as the first user by sending connection state indication information to the second network side device, that is, the connection state indication information indicates that the terminal device is in a connected state as the first user.

[0034] Through the above implementation, the connection state indication information is used to notify the second network side device to page the second user identity of the terminal device through the first network side device.

[0035] In the above method, the terminal device receives paging-related messages or information on the cell corresponding to a single user identity to monitor the paging information of the first user identity and the second user identity of the terminal device. After the first network side device receives the paging indication information of the second network side device, it sends paging information to the terminal device for paging the second user identity, thereby effectively realizing the paging of the user identity of the terminal device.

[0036] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a second network side device or by a component of the second network side device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), including: determining the association between a first user identity and a second user identity of a terminal device, and determining to page the second user identity of the terminal device through the first network side device, wherein the first network side device provides services for the first user identity of the terminal device, the second network side device provides services for the second user identity of the terminal device, and sends paging indication information to the first network side device, wherein the paging indication information indicates paging the second user identity.

[0037] Through the above method, the second network side device can page the second user identity of the terminal device through the first network side device, thereby effectively implementing the paging of the second user identity.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the first user identity and the second user identity may be associated with the terminal device by receiving second information from the terminal device, that is, the second information includes terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity. Optionally, the second information may also include terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity.

[0039] Optionally, information indicating that a first user identity of the terminal device and a second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device is received from the first network side device.

[0040] Optionally, information indicating that the association between the first user identity and the second user identity is completed is sent to the first network side device.

[0041] Through the above implementation, the second network side device and the first network side device complete the association between the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal.

[0042] In some possible implementations, monitoring indication information is received from a terminal, where the monitoring indication information instructs the terminal device to receive paging information on a cell corresponding to the first user identity.

[0043] Through the above implementation, the second network side device can determine that the terminal device monitors the paging information with the first user identity (or through the first SIM card), and effectively implements the paging of the second user identity.

[0044] In some possible implementations, connection state indication information is received from the first network side device, where the connection state indication information indicates that the first user identity is in a connected state.

[0045] Through the above implementation, the second network side device can determine that the first network side device is in a connected state, that is, determine the identity of the second user who pages the terminal device through the first network side device.

[0046] In the above method, the terminal device receives a message or information related to paging on a cell corresponding to a single user identity to monitor the paging information of the first user identity and the second user identity of the terminal device. When the second network side device needs to page the second user identity, the second network side device sends a paging indication message to the first network side device to indicate paging the second user identity. This method helps to effectively implement paging for the user identity of the terminal device.

[0047] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a device that can implement the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The device includes corresponding units or components for executing the above method. The units included in the device can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The device can be, for example, a terminal device, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that can support the terminal device to implement the above method.

[0048] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a device that can implement the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The device includes corresponding units or components for executing the above method. The units included in the device can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The device can be, for example, a first network side device, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that can support the first network side device to implement the above method.

[0049] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a device that can implement the method described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. The device includes corresponding units or components for executing the above method. The units included in the device can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The device can be, for example, a second network side device, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that can support the second network side device to implement the above method.

[0050] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a device, comprising: a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store programs or instructions, when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the device implements the method described in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0051] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a device, comprising: a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store programs or instructions, and when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the device implements the method described in the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0052] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a device, comprising: a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store programs or instructions, when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the device implements the method described in the above third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0053] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, causes the computer to execute the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, any possible implementation of the second aspect, and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0054] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program code. When the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, any possible implementation of the second aspect, and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0055] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, comprising: a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store programs or instructions, when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the chip implements the method described in the above-mentioned first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, any possible implementation of the second aspect, and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0056] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, comprising: the apparatus described in the fourth aspect and the apparatus described in the fifth aspect. Optionally, the communication system may also include the apparatus described in the sixth aspect.

[0057] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, including: the devices described in the fifth and sixth aspects above, and optionally, the system may also include the device described in the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system used in the embodiments provided in this application;

[0059] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing an example of an architecture of a communication system is shown;

[0060] Figure 3 An interactive schematic diagram of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 3A An interactive schematic diagram of a communication method 301 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 4 An interactive schematic diagram of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 4A An interactive schematic diagram of a communication method 401 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] First, a communication system to which the technical solution provided in this application is applicable is described.

[0067] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (LTE) system, or fifth generation (5G) communication system, or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, or a system integrating multiple communication systems, or a communication system evolved in the future, and other network systems that can be used to provide communication services, which are not limited here.

[0068] Figure 1 A possible communication system structure diagram is given as an example. The communication system includes at least one core network device (a first core network device 110 and a second core network device 120 are shown in the figure), one or more access network devices connected to the core network device (a first access network device 130 and a second access network device 140 are shown in the figure), and a terminal device 150 connected to the access network device. Figure 1 The terminal device 150 shown in FIG. 1 is a DSDS terminal device, which can support two SIM cards at the same time.

[0069] Figure 2 A possible architecture example of a communication system is shown in FIG. Figure 2The network equipment in the radio access network (RAN) shown is a base station (such as gNodeB or gNB) with a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) separated architecture. RAN can be connected to the core network (for example, it can be the core network of LTE, it can also be the core network of 5G, etc.). CU and DU can be understood as the division of the base station from the perspective of logical functions. CU and DU can be physically separated or deployed together. Multiple DUs can share one CU. One DU can also be connected to multiple CUs (not shown in the figure). CU and DU can be connected through an interface, such as an F1 interface.

[0070] Optionally, CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layer of the wireless network. For example, the functions of the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol stack (SDAP) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer are set in the CU, while the functions of the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC) layer, physical (PHY) layer, etc. are set in the DU. It should be understood that the division of CU and DU processing functions according to this protocol layer is only an example, and can also be divided in other ways.

[0071] Optionally, the CU or DU can also be divided into partial processing functions of the protocol layer. In one possible design, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer below the RLC layer are set in the DU. In another possible design, the functions of the CU or DU can also be divided according to the service type or other system requirements, for example, by latency, the functions whose processing time needs to meet the latency requirement are set in the DU, and the functions that do not need to meet the latency requirement are set in the CU. Figure 2 The network architecture shown can be applied to a 5G communication system, which can also share one or more components or resources with an LTE system. In another design, a CU can also have one or more functions of a core network. One or more CUs can be centrally or separately set. For example, a CU can be set on the network side for centralized management. A DU can have multiple RF functions, or the RF function can be remotely set.

[0072] Optionally, the functions of the CU may be implemented by one entity or by different entities. For example, the functions of the CU may be further divided, for example, the control plane (CP) and the user plane (UP) are separated, namely, the CU control plane (CU-CP) and the CU user plane (CU-UP). For example, the CU-CP and the CU-UP may be implemented by different functional entities, and the CU-CP and the CU-UP may be coupled with the DU to jointly complete the functions of the base station. In one possible manner, the CU-CP is responsible for the control plane functions, mainly including RRC and PDCP-C. PDCP-C is mainly responsible for encryption and decryption, integrity protection, sequence number maintenance, data transmission, etc. of the control plane data; the CU-UP is responsible for the user plane functions, mainly including SDAP and PDCP-U, wherein SDAP is mainly responsible for processing the data of the core network and mapping the data flow to the bearer. PDCP-U is mainly responsible for encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, data transmission, etc. of the data plane, wherein the CU-CP and the CU-UP are connected via an E1 interface.

[0073] It can be understood that the embodiments provided in the present application are also applicable to an architecture in which the CU and DU are not separated.

[0074] In the present application, the access network device may be any device with wireless transceiver function. Including but not limited to: evolved base station (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutional Node B) in LTE, base station (gNodeB or gNB) or transceiver point (transmission receiving point / transmission reception point, TRP) in new radio (new radio, NR), base station of subsequent evolution of 3GPP, access node in WiFi system, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, etc. The base station may be: macro base station, micro base station, micro-micro base station, small station, relay station, or balloon station, etc. Multiple base stations may support the networks of the same technology mentioned above, or they may support the networks of different technologies mentioned above. The base station may include one or more co-station or non-co-station TRPs. The network side device may also be a wireless controller, CU, and / or DU in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The network side device may also be a server, a wearable device, or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. The multiple network side devices may be base stations of the same type or base stations of different types. A base station can communicate with a terminal device, or communicate with the terminal device through a relay station. A terminal device can communicate with multiple base stations of different technologies. For example, a terminal device can communicate with a base station supporting an LTE network, or with a base station supporting a 5G network, and can also support dual connections with a base station of an LTE network and a base station of a 5G network.

[0075] The terminal device can be user equipment (UE), or an access terminal, or a user unit, or a user station, or a mobile station, or a mobile station, or a remote station, or a remote terminal, or a mobile device, or a user terminal, or a terminal, or a wireless terminal device, or a user agent or a user device. The terminal device may also be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a vehicle-mounted terminal device, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a wearable terminal device, a terminal device in a future 5G network, or a terminal device in a future evolved PLMN, etc. The terminal device may also be fixed or mobile, and the terminal device may be deployed on land, in water, or in the air.

[0076] In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in the Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing human-machine interconnection and intelligent network of things. The terminal device in the embodiment of the present application can also be a terminal device in machine type communication (MTC). The terminal device of the present application can also be a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted component, a vehicle-mounted chip or a vehicle-mounted unit built into the vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the method of the present application through the built-in vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted component, vehicle-mounted chip or vehicle-mounted unit. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the Internet of Vehicles, such as vehicle to everything (V2X), long-term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), etc.

[0077] It is understandable that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the application scenarios of the terminal device.

[0078] In a wireless communication network, a terminal device may have an application scenario that supports multiple SIM cards. There may be paging conflicts between multiple SIM cards. For example, two SIM cards (for example, SIM A and SIM B) in a DSDS mobile phone share a transceiver. If the paging opportunities of SIM A and SIM B overlap, that is, the calculated paging frames or paging opportunities conflict, the paging message of SIM A or SIM B will not be received in time. Therefore, how to effectively implement the paging of DSDS mobile phones has become an urgent problem to be solved. It can be understood that the technical solution proposed in this application is introduced by taking the terminal device supporting two SIM cards as an example. The technical solution can also be applied to the scenario where the terminal supports three, four or even more SIM cards.

[0079] In the method provided in the present application, at least one SIM card of the terminal device is in a non-connected state (non-connected state includes: idle state or inactive state), and the terminal device monitors the paging of multiple SIM cards of the terminal device by receiving messages or information related to paging in the cell corresponding to a single SIM card (such as SIM A). For example, after the network side device A corresponding to SIMA and the network side device B corresponding to SIM B are associated, when the network side device B needs to page SIM B, the network side device A sends a paging message to the cell corresponding to SIM A for paging SIM B. This method can avoid frequent switching of the transceiver of the terminal device, and avoid the paging message of a certain SIM card not being received when the paging time overlaps. It is easy to understand that in the present application, the two SIM cards supported by the terminal device can be called the first SIM card and the second SIM card, and the present application is not limited.

[0080] It can be understood that in the scenario where the terminal supports three, four or even more SIM cards, the method provided in the present application is also applicable. For example, the terminal device monitors the paging of multiple SIM cards of the terminal device by receiving messages or information related to paging in the cell corresponding to a single SIM card (such as SIM A). After the network side devices corresponding to multiple SIM cards are associated with each other, when the network side devices corresponding to other SIM cards other than the network side device corresponding to SIM A need to page other SIM cards (such as SIM B, SIM C, or SIM D, etc.), the network side device corresponding to SIM A sends a paging message to the cell corresponding to SIM A for paging other SIM cards.

[0081] In one possible manner, the above-mentioned network side device may be a core network device (which may be referred to as a core network element or a core network node). Optionally, in the NR system, the core network device may be an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, or a device including an AMF. Optionally, in the LTE system, the core network device may be a mobility management entity (MME), or a device including an MME. In another possible manner, the above-mentioned network side device may also be an access network device, which may also be referred to as a base station. Optionally, in a fourth generation (4G) communication system, the access network device may be an evolved base station (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB) in LTE; in a 5G system, the access network device may be a gNodeB or gNB or a transceiver point TRP, etc.

[0082] The technical solution of the present application is described in detail below with specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments and implementation methods may be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. It should be understood that the functions explained in the present application can be implemented by independent hardware circuits, software running in conjunction with a processor / microprocessor or a general-purpose computer, using a dedicated integrated circuit, and / or using one or more digital signal processors. When the present application is described as a method, it can also be implemented in a computer processor and a memory coupled to the processor.

[0083] In the following embodiments, an example is given in which a terminal device supports both a first user identity (a user identity corresponding to a first SIM card) and a second user identity (a user identity corresponding to a second SIM card). In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device monitors paging information of multiple user identities by receiving messages or information on a cell corresponding to a single user identity.

[0084] For example, in one implementation, the terminal device is in a connected state with a first user identity, and the terminal device is in an idle state or an inactive state with a second user identity, and the terminal device receives paging information corresponding to the second user identity through the cell corresponding to the first user identity. It is understandable that when the terminal device changes to an idle state with a first user identity, the paging information corresponding to the first user identity is also received through the cell corresponding to the first user identity.

[0085] In another embodiment, the terminal device is in an idle state with both the first user identity and the second user identity, or the terminal device is in an inactive state with both the first user identity and the second user identity, and the cell corresponding to any one of the first user identity and the second user identity in the terminal device can be used as a cell for receiving paging information corresponding to the two user identities (the cell can be called a first cell or a primary cell). For example, the terminal device can monitor the paging message in the cell corresponding to the first user identity to monitor the paging information of the first user identity and the second user identity. Among them, using the cell corresponding to any one of the first user identity and the second user identity in the terminal device as a cell for receiving paging information corresponding to the two user identities can also be understood as using any one of the first SIM card and the second SIM card as a SIM card (for example, it can be called a primary card) for receiving paging information corresponding to the two user identities.

[0086] In another embodiment, the terminal device is in an inactive state as a first user, and is in an idle state as a second user. The terminal device monitors the paging information of the first user and the second user by receiving messages or information on the cell corresponding to the first user.

[0087] It is understandable that determining which card is used as the primary card can be predefined, for example, a SIM card that supports a high-level format is used as the primary card. For example, if the first SIM card is a card that supports 5G and the second SIM card is a card that supports 4G, then according to the predefined method, the first SIM card can be used as the primary card. Alternatively, a SIM card of a specific format can be predefined as the primary card. The present application embodiment does not limit the predefined method.

[0088] In another possible manner, the primary card may also be selected by the terminal device and indicated to one or more network-side devices. For example, the terminal device may select the primary card according to a preset condition, or may select it arbitrarily. The embodiment of the present application does not limit how the terminal device selects the primary card and how the selection result is indicated to the network-side device.

[0089] The following describes the processes of possible communication methods in combination with specific scenarios.

[0090] For example, Figure 3 An interactive schematic diagram of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 The communication method is illustrated by taking the terminal device, the first network side device and the second network side device as the execution subjects of the interaction diagram as an example, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction diagram.

[0091] Understandably, Figure 3 The steps or processes implemented by the network side device (for example, the first network side device or the second network side device) may also be implemented by a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the network side device to implement the method. Figure 3 The steps or processes implemented by the terminal device may also be implemented by a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the terminal device to implement the method.

[0092] The terminal device in the embodiment of the present application is a dual-card dual-standby terminal device, which supports both the first user identity (the user identity corresponding to the first SIM card) and the second user identity (the user identity corresponding to the second SIM card). The first network-side device provides services for the first user identity, and the second network-side device provides services for the second user identity. In the embodiment of the present application, the network-side device provides services for a specific user identity, which can be understood as the network-side device corresponding to the specific user identity of the terminal device is the network-side device, that is, the service corresponding to the terminal device and the specific user identity is implemented through the network-side device.

[0093] In this embodiment, the first network side device and the second network side device are both access network devices.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, the method 300 of this embodiment may include:

[0095] Operation 310: The terminal device sends first information to the first network side device as a first user.

[0096] Correspondingly, the first network side device receives the first information.

[0097] Among them, the first information may indicate the first identification information corresponding to the second user identity. In one possible way, the first identification information may be allocated by the second network side device to the terminal device corresponding to the second user identity. It can be understood that the second network side device may be an anchor base station that configures the terminal device to enter an inactive state as a second user, then the first identification information may include an inactive radio network temporary identifier (I-RNTI). Here, the second network side device configures the terminal device to enter an inactive state as a second identity, which can also be referred to as the second network side device configuring the second SIM card to enter an inactive state. Optionally, the first identification information may also include the I-RNTI and the physical cell identifier to which the terminal device is connected as a second user and the identifier of the second network side device. Optionally, the first identification information may also include the I-RNTI and the global cell identity (cell global identification, CGI) of the serving cell. It can be understood that in some scenarios, the first information may also be replaced by the first identification information.

[0098] After receiving the first information, the first network side device can determine, based on the first information, that both the first user identity and the second user identity correspond to the terminal device, that is, the first network side device learns that the first user identity and the second user identity are associated.

[0099] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, information corresponding to a certain user identity (such as identification information or other information) can also be understood as information corresponding to a certain SIM card; implementing a certain operation (such as sending information or a message) with a certain user identity can also be understood as implementing a certain operation through a certain SIM card, which will not be repeated below.

[0100] In operation 310, there may be multiple different implementation methods for the terminal device to send the first information to the first network side device as the first user: for example, the terminal device may send the first information to the first network side device when it is in a connected state as the first user; or, the terminal device may send the first information to the first network side device after the first user has been in a connected state for a period of time; or, the terminal device may send the first information to the first network side device when it obtains the first identification information in the first information as the first user; or, the terminal device may send the first information to the first network side device when a connection is established with the first network side device as the first user.

[0101] It can be understood that the terminal device supports the first user identity and the second user identity at the same time, and the terminal device can obtain the identifier of the second user identity by using the first user identity through internal interaction.

[0102] In the above implementation manner, in one possible manner, the terminal device and the second network side device can interact through Uu interface messages. For example, when the RRC connection is released, the second network side device sends the I-RNTI to the terminal device through the RRC connection release message. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the timing and manner of the terminal device sending the first information to the second network side device.

[0103] Optionally, the terminal device may also send a paging conflict indication message to the second network side device as the first user to indicate to the second network side device the possibility of a paging conflict. It is understandable that the indication message is not necessary, and in an optional solution, the presence of a paging conflict may be implicitly indicated by sending the first identification information.

[0104] Optionally, the terminal device may also send terminal monitoring indication information to the second network side device as the first user, so as to indicate to the second network side device that the terminal device monitors the paging information as the first user (or through the first SIM card). It is understandable that the monitoring indication information is not necessary.

[0105] It can be understood that the first information, paging conflict indication information and monitoring indication information can be sent through the same message, for example, the first message carries paging conflict indication information and / or monitoring indication information; or they can be sent through different messages, which is not limited to the embodiments of the present application.

[0106] Through the above operation 310, the terminal device indicates to the first network side device the information about the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device associated with the terminal device, which helps to complete the association of multiple user identities of the terminal device on the network side.

[0107] Operation 320: The terminal device sends second information to the second network side device as a second user.

[0108] Among them, the second information may indicate the second identification information corresponding to the first user identity. In one possible way, the second identification information may be allocated by the first network side device to the terminal device corresponding to the first identity. It is understandable that the first network side device may be an anchor base station that configures the terminal device to enter a connected state as the first user, then the second identification information may include a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) and a physical cell identifier connected as the first user and an identifier of the first network side device. Optionally, the second identification information may also include the C-RNTI of the first user identity and the CGI of the serving cell. It is understandable that in some scenarios, the second information may also be replaced by the second identification information.

[0109] In another possible manner, the first network side device may be an anchor base station that configures the terminal device to enter an inactive state as the first user, then the second identification information may include the I-RNTI and the physical cell identifier to which the terminal device is connected as the first user and the identifier of the first network side device. Optionally, the second identification information may also include the I-RNTI of the first user identity and the CGI of the serving cell.

[0110] After receiving the second information, the second network side device can determine according to the second information that both the first user identity and the second user identity correspond to the terminal device, that is, the second network side device learns that the first user identity and the second user identity are associated.

[0111] In operation 320, there may be many different implementation methods for the terminal device to send the second information to the second network side device as the second user: for example, the terminal device may send the second information to the second network side device at a certain time before entering the inactive state as the second user, that is, when the second user is in a connected state; or, the terminal device may send the second information to the second network side device as the second user using a message in the inactive state (such as a recovery request message).

[0112] Optionally, the terminal device may also send paging conflict indication information to the second network side device as the second user to indicate to the second network side device the possibility of a paging conflict. It is understandable that the indication information is not necessary, and in an optional solution, the presence of a paging conflict may be implicitly indicated by sending the second identification information.

[0113] Optionally, the terminal device may also send terminal monitoring indication information to the second network side device as a second user, so as to indicate to the second network side device which user identity (or which SIM card) the terminal device monitors the paging information as. For example, in an optional solution, the monitoring indication information may carry an identifier of the first user identity, so as to indicate that the user identity monitored by the terminal is the first user identity. It is understandable that the monitoring indication information is not necessary, and in an optional solution, the terminal device may be implicitly instructed to monitor the paging information as the first user identity (or through the first SIM card) by sending the second identification information.

[0114] It can be understood that the second message, paging conflict indication information and monitoring indication information can be sent through the same message, for example, the second message carries paging conflict indication information and / or monitoring indication information; or it can be sent through different messages, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0115] It is easy to understand that both operation 310 and operation 320 may be performed, or only operation 310 may be performed, or only operation 320 may be performed. In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the order of operations 310 and 320 is not limited.

[0116] Through the above operation 320, the terminal device indicates to the second network side device the information about the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device associated with the terminal device, which helps to complete the association of multiple user identities of the terminal device on the network side.

[0117] Operation 330: The first network side device and the second network side device complete the association between the first user identity and the second user identity.

[0118] It can be understood that operation 330 may have different implementations for different scenarios of whether operations 310 and 320 are performed.

[0119] For example, in a scenario where operation 310 is executed (only operation 310 may be executed, or both operation 310 and operation 320 may be executed), a possible implementation of operation 330 may include: the first network side device determines the anchor base station corresponding to the second user identity, that is, the second network side device, based on the first identifier received in operation 310; the first network side device requests to associate with the second network side device. Optionally, the first network side device may request the second network side device to complete the association between the first user identity and the second user identity by sending the first identification information to the second network side device, so that the second network side device can learn that relevant information can be sent through the first network side device. Further, it can also be understood that the second network side device learns that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device. Optionally, the first network side device may also send the second identification information to the second network side device.

[0120] Optionally, the second network side device may respond to the request of the first network side device and indicate to the first network side device to confirm the association. It is understandable that this response step is not necessary, and it can also be considered that the second network side device completes the association operation after receiving the first identification information sent by the first network side device, or the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0121] In a scenario where operation 320 is executed (only operation 320 may be executed, or both operation 310 and operation 320 may be executed), a possible implementation of operation 330 may include: the second network side device determines the base station corresponding to the first user identity, that is, the first network side device, based on the second identifier received in operation 320. The second network side device requests to be associated with the first network side device. Optionally, the second network side device may request the first network side device to complete the association between the first user identity and the second user identity by sending the second identification information to the first network side device, so that the first network side device may learn that relevant information may be sent through the second network side device. Further, it may also be understood that the first network side device learns that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device. Optionally, the second network side device may also send the first identification information to the first network side device.

[0122] Optionally, the first network side device may respond to the request of the second network side device and indicate to the second network side device to confirm the association. It is understandable that this response step is not necessary, and it can also be considered that the first network side device completes the association operation after receiving the second identification information sent by the second network side device, or the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0123] In the above implementation, the first network side device and the second network side device can interact through Xn interface messages or X2 interface messages. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the name and timing of the message interaction between the first network side device and the second network side device. In addition, in the above implementation, operation 330 is implemented by sending the identification information of the terminal device. There may be other ways to implement operation 330, such as sending indication information A so that the second network side device knows that the above terminal device can be paged through the first network side device. The indication information A can make the second network side device know that the above terminal device can be paged through the first network side device. The content of the indication information A is not limited.

[0124] It can be understood that this embodiment introduces method 300 by taking the example of a terminal device receiving a message or information on a cell corresponding to a first user identity to implement monitoring of paging information of multiple user identities, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0125] Through the above operation 330, the first network side device and the second network side device complete the association between the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device, which helps the terminal device to receive the paging message of a single user identity to monitor the paging information of multiple user identities.

[0126] Operation 340: the second network side device sends paging indication information to the first network side device, where the paging indication information is used to indicate paging the second user identity corresponding to the above terminal device.

[0127] If the second network side device needs to page the second SIM card (that is, to page the second user identity corresponding to the terminal device), the second network side device can implement the paging through the first network side device: the second network side device sends the corresponding paging information to the first network side device, so that the first network side device knows that the second network side device wants to page the second SIM card.

[0128] Correspondingly, the first network side device receives the paging indication information.

[0129] Optionally, before the second network side device sends the paging indication information to the first network side device, the second network side device determines the second user identity corresponding to the terminal device to be paged through the first network side device.

[0130] One possible manner may be that after operation 330 is completed, the second network side device determines the second user identity corresponding to the terminal to be paged through the first network device.

[0131] Another possible way for the second network side device to determine to page the second user identity through the first network side device may include: the second network side device receives connection state indication information from the first network side device, and the connection state indication information indicates that the terminal device is in a connected state with the first user identity.

[0132] Another possible way for the second network side device to determine to page the second user identity through the first network side device may include: the second network side device receives paging conflict indication information from the terminal device, the paging conflict indication information indicates the possibility of paging conflict between the first user identity and the second user identity, and optionally, the paging conflict indication information may also include an indication that the second network side device needs to page the second user identity through the first network side device. For example, the conflict indication information also carries the identifier of the first network side device.

[0133] Another possible manner in which the second network side device determines to page the second user identity through the first network side device may include: the second network side device receives monitoring indication information from the terminal device, the monitoring indication information instructing the terminal device to receive a message or information on the cell corresponding to the first user identity to implement monitoring of paging information of multiple user identities. For example, the monitoring indication information carries the above-mentioned second identification information.

[0134] Through the above operation 340, the second network side device pages the second user identity of the terminal device through the first network side device, that is, when the second network side device needs to page the second user identity, it determines to page the second user identity of the terminal device through the first network side device.

[0135] Operation 350: The first network-side device instructs the terminal device corresponding to the first user identity to page the second user identity.

[0136] That is to say, when the second network side device needs to page the second user identity of the terminal device, it pages the second user identity of the terminal device through the network or cell or channel or link corresponding to the first user identity.

[0137] It can be understood that operation 350 may be implemented in different ways for different scenarios in which the terminal device is in the states of the first user identity and the second user identity.

[0138] For example, in a scenario where the terminal device is in a connected state with a first user identity and the terminal device is in an inactive state with a second identity, a possible implementation of operation 350 may include: the first network side device sends a radio resource control (RRC) message to the terminal device corresponding to the first user identity, and the RRC message includes information indicating paging for the second user identity, and the information indicating paging for the second user identity indicates that the second network side device pages the second user identity of the terminal device. For example, the RRC message may include the content of the above-mentioned paging indication information. Or the RRC message may include paging information, and the paging information may be paging information processed on the basis of the paging indication information. In the embodiment of the present application, there is no limitation on the content of the RRC message, as long as the terminal device can be informed that the second network side device is paging the second user identity.

[0139] The terminal device receives the RRC message as the first user, and the terminal device learns from the RRC message that the second network side device is paging the second user identity, so that the terminal device attempts to enter the connected state as the second user identity. That is to say, after the second user identity of the terminal device is paged, it will try to restore the connection with the network side device. If successful, the terminal device can enter the connected state as the second user identity.

[0140] Optionally, the RRC message may include terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity, or include terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity and terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity. In one possible manner, the terminal device determines that the RRC message indicates that the second network side device is paging the second user identity based on the terminal device identification information in the received RRC message.

[0141] It should be noted that the terminal device is in a connected state with the first user identity, that is, the first SIM card of the terminal device is in a connected state, and the terminal device is in an inactive state with the second identity, that is, the second SIM card of the terminal device is in an inactive state.

[0142] In a scenario where the terminal device is in an inactive state with a first user identity and the terminal device is in an inactive state with a second identity, a possible implementation of operation 350 may include: the first network side device sends a wireless access network paging message to the terminal device corresponding to the first user identity, and the wireless access network paging message includes information indicating paging the second user identity, and the information indicating paging the second user identity indicates that the second network side device pages the second user identity of the terminal device. For example, the wireless access network paging message may include the content of the above-mentioned paging indication information. Or the wireless access network paging message may include paging information, and the paging information may be paging information processed on the basis of the paging indication information. In the embodiment of the present application, there is no limitation on the content of the wireless access network paging message, as long as the terminal device can be informed that the second network side device is paging the second user identity.

[0143] The terminal device receives the wireless access network paging message as the first user, and the terminal learns from the wireless access network paging message that the second network side device is paging the second user identity, so that the terminal device attempts to enter the connected state as the second user identity. Optionally, the wireless access network paging message may include the terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity, or include the terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity and the terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity. The terminal device determines that the wireless access network paging message indicates paging the second user identity based on the identification.

[0144] In method 300, after the first network side device and the second network side device complete the association, the second network side device sends a paging indication message to the first user identity when it is necessary to page the second user identity, which is used to indicate paging the second user identity. Through the above implementation method, the potential conflict of the terminal device listening to the paging message initiated by the network side device is resolved, ensuring that the terminal device can receive the paging message of the network side device for the two user identities in a timely manner.

[0145] Optional, Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the first network side device and the second network side device are described as different network side devices. It is easy to understand that the first network side device and the second network side device may also be the same network side device. When the first network side device and the second network side device are the same network side device, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A As shown, the embodiment of the present application further provides a communication method 301. The method 301 may include operation 310A, operation 320A and operation 350A.

[0146] Operation 310A: The terminal device sends first information to the first network side device as a first user.

[0147] Correspondingly, the first network side device receives the first information. For operation 310A, reference may be made to the description of operation 310 in method 300 .

[0148] Operation 320A: The terminal device sends second information to the first network side device as a second user.

[0149] Correspondingly, the first network side device receives the second information. For operation 320A, reference may be made to the description of operation 320 in method 300. Further, different from operation 320 in method 300, operation 320A in method 301 is to send the second information to the first network side device.

[0150] It is easy to understand that both operation 310A and operation 320A may be performed, or only operation 310A may be performed, or only operation 320A may be performed. In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the order of operations 310A and 320A is not limited.

[0151] For example, in a scenario where operation 310A is executed (only operation 310A may be executed, or both operation 310A and operation 320A may be executed), the first network side device determines the anchor base station corresponding to the second user identity according to the first identifier received in operation 310, which is also the first network side device. The first network device learns that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device.

[0152] In the scenario where operation 320A is executed (only operation 320A may be executed, or both operation 310A and operation 320A may be executed), the first network side device determines the anchor base station corresponding to the first user identity according to the second identifier received in operation 320A, which is also the first network side device. The first network side device learns that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device.

[0153] Operation 330A: The first network side device sends a paging message to the terminal device corresponding to the first user identity, where the paging message is used to indicate paging the second user identity.

[0154] Compared with method 300, there is no relevant interaction between the first network side device and the second network side device for completing the association operation in method 301. When the first network side device needs to page the second user identity of the terminal device, the first network side device pages the second user identity of the terminal device through the network or cell or channel or link corresponding to the first user identity, wherein the specific way of paging the second user identity of the terminal device can refer to the description of operation 350 in method 300.

[0155] In method 301, the first network side device provides services for the first user identity and the second user identity of the terminal device. When the first network side device needs to page the second user identity, it sends a paging message to the first user identity for paging the second user identity. Through the above implementation method, the potential conflict of the terminal device monitoring the paging message initiated by the network side device is solved, ensuring that the terminal can receive the paging message of the network side device for the two user identities in time.

[0156] It should be noted that the above methods 300 and 301 are implemented by the network side device that provides services for the terminal device and the interaction of the terminal device. In another possible solution, there may be a third node (or a third device) that can interact with the first network side device and the second network side device. For example, the first network side device and the second network side device can both send relevant information (for example, the identifier of the network side device and the identifier of the user identity) to the third node, so that the third node associates the first user identity with the second user identity. Therefore, when the second network side device needs to page the second user identity of the terminal device, the second network side device can send the corresponding paging information to the first network side device through the third node, so that the first network side device is informed that the second network side device needs to page the second user identity, so as to complete the subsequent paging process of the second user identity of the terminal device.

[0157] Figure 4 An interactive schematic diagram of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 The communication method is illustrated by taking the terminal device, the first access network device, the first network side device and the second network side device as the execution subjects of the interaction diagram as an example, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction diagram.

[0158] Understandably, Figure 4 The steps or processes implemented by the network side device (for example, the first network side device or the second network side device) may also be implemented by a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the network side device to implement the method. Figure 4 The steps or processes implemented by the first access network device may also be implemented by a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the first access network device to implement the method. Figure 4 The steps or processes implemented by the terminal device may also be implemented by a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the terminal device to implement the method.

[0159] The terminal device in the embodiment of the present application is a dual-card dual-standby terminal, which supports the first user identity (the user identity corresponding to the first SIM card) and the second user identity (the user identity corresponding to the second SIM card) at the same time. The first network-side device provides services for the first user identity, the second network-side device provides services for the second user identity, and the first access network device serves the first user identity. In the embodiment of the present application, the network-side device provides services for a specific user identity, which can be understood as the network-side device corresponding to the specific user identity of the terminal device is the network-side device, that is, the service corresponding to the terminal device and the specific user identity is implemented through the network-side device.

[0160] In this embodiment, the first network side device and the second network side device are both core network devices. Therefore, the first network side device can also be called a first core network device, and the second network side device can also be called a second core network device.

[0161] It is understandable that the first SIM card and the second SIM card of the terminal device will be registered in their respective corresponding core network devices. For example, the terminal device sends the globally unique and unchanging identification code corresponding to the first user identity (such as the first international mobile user identity IMSI) to the first core network device as the first user identity, and the terminal device sends the globally unique and unchanging identification code corresponding to the second user identity (such as the second IMSI) to the second core network device as the second user identity, and the first core network device and the second core network device will respectively allocate a terminal device identifier that can identify the terminal device within the core network for the first user identity and the second user identity of the terminal device. For example, in the LTE system, the terminal device identifier can be a system architecture evolution temporary mobile subscription identifier (system architecture evolution temporary mobile subscription identifier, S-TMSI), and in the 5G system, the terminal device identifier can be a 5G system architecture evolution temporary mobile subscription identifier (5G system architecture evolution temporary mobile subscription identifier, 5G-S-TMSI).

[0162] like Figure 4 As shown, the method 400 of this embodiment may include:

[0163] Operation 410: The terminal device sends first information to the first core network device as a first user.

[0164] Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the first information, wherein the first information may indicate first identification information corresponding to the second user identity.

[0165] In one possible way, the first information may be sent by the terminal device during the registration process, and the first information may include a globally unique and unchanging identification code corresponding to the second user identity. That is to say, when the terminal device registers with the first user identity on the first core network device, in addition to sending the globally unique and unchanging identification code corresponding to the first user identity to the first core network device, it may also send the globally unique and unchanging identification code corresponding to the second user identity and the identifier of the second core network device to the first core network device.

[0166] In another possible manner, the first information may be sent after the terminal device completes registration with the second core network device. For example, the terminal device may send the terminal device identifier assigned by the second core network device to the second user identity of the terminal device to the first core network device. Optionally, in this manner, the terminal device may also send the globally unique and unchanging identification code corresponding to the second user identity and the identifier of the second core network device to the first core network device.

[0167] It is understandable that the terminal device sends information or messages to the core network device through the access network device.

[0168] After receiving the first information, the first core network device can determine, based on the first information, that both the first user identity and the second user identity correspond to the terminal device, that is, the first core network device learns that the first user identity and the second user identity are associated.

[0169] In operation 410, the terminal device may send the first information to the first core network device as the first user in a variety of different implementations: for example, the terminal device may send the first information to the first core network device through non-access stratum (NAS) signaling when entering the connected state as the first user; or, the terminal device may send the first information to the first core network device after the first user has been in the connected state for a period of time; or, the terminal device may send the first information to the first core network device when acquiring the first identification information in the first information as the first user. It is understandable that in some scenarios, the first information may also be replaced by the first identification information.

[0170] Through the above operation 410, the terminal device indicates to the first core network device the information that the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device, which helps to complete the association of multiple user identities of the terminal device between the first core network device and the second core network device.

[0171] Operation 420: The terminal device sends second information to the second core network device as a second user.

[0172] Here, the terminal device may send the second information in a manner similar to the manner of sending the first information, which is not described in detail here. The second information may indicate second identification information corresponding to the first user identity. It is understandable that in some scenarios, the second information may also be replaced by the second identification information.

[0173] Optionally, the terminal device can also send a paging conflict indication message to the second core network device as a second user through the access network device to indicate to the second core network device the possibility of a paging conflict. It is understandable that the indication message is not necessary. In an optional solution, the presence of a paging conflict can be implicitly indicated by sending the second identification information.

[0174] Optionally, the terminal device may also send terminal monitoring indication information to the second core network device through the access network device as the second user identity, so as to indicate to the second core network device that the terminal monitors paging information as the first user identity (or through the first SIM card). For example, in an optional scheme, the monitoring indication information may carry the identifier of the first user identity, so as to indicate that the user identity monitored by the terminal is the first user identity. It is understandable that the monitoring indication information is not necessary, and in an optional scheme, the user identity monitored by the terminal may be implicitly indicated by sending the second identification information.

[0175] It can be understood that the second message, paging conflict indication information and monitoring indication information can be sent through the same message, for example, the second message carries paging conflict indication information and / or monitoring indication information; or it can be sent through different messages, which is not limited in this application.

[0176] It is easy to understand that both operation 410 and operation 420 may be performed, or only operation 410 may be performed, or only operation 420 may be performed. In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the order of operations 410 and 420 is not limited.

[0177] Through the above operation 420, the terminal device indicates to the first core network device the information that the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device, which helps to complete the association of multiple user identities of the terminal device between the first core network device and the second core network device.

[0178] Operation 430: The first core network device and the second core network device complete the association between the first user identity and the second user identity.

[0179] It can be understood that operation 430 may have different implementations for different scenarios of whether operations 410 and 420 are performed.

[0180] For example, in a scenario where operation 410 is executed (only operation 410 may be executed, or both operation 410 and operation 420 may be executed), a possible implementation of operation 430 may include: the first core network device determines the second core network device corresponding to the second user identity according to the first information received in operation 410 (for example, the terminal device identifier (for example, 5G-S-TMSI) assigned by the second core network device to the second user identity of the terminal device); the first core network device requests to associate with the second core network device. Optionally, the first core network device may request to complete the association between the first user identity and the second user identity with the second core network device by sending the first identification information to the second core network device, so that the second core network device may know that the relevant information may be sent through the first core network device. Further, it may also be understood that the second core network device knows that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device, that is, the first SIM card and the second SIM card share the same terminal device. Optionally, the first core network device may also send the second identification information to the second core network device.

[0181] Optionally, the second core network device may respond to the request of the first core network device and indicate to the first core network device to confirm the association. It is understandable that this response step is not necessary, and it can also be considered that the second core network device completes the association operation after receiving the first identification information sent by the first core network device, or the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0182] In a scenario where operation 420 is executed (only operation 420 may be executed, or both operation 410 and operation 420 may be executed), a possible implementation of operation 430 may include: the second core network device determines the first core network device corresponding to the first user identity based on the second information received in operation 420 (for example, the 5G-S-TMSI of the first user identity), and the second core network device requests to associate with the first core network device. Optionally, the second core network device may request to complete the association between the first user identity and the second user identity with the first core network device by sending the second identification information to the first core network device, so that the first core network device may learn that relevant information may be sent through the second core network device. Further, it may also be understood that the first core network device learns that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device. Optionally, the second core network device may also send the first identification information to the first core network device.

[0183] Optionally, the first core network device may respond to the request of the second core network device and indicate to the second core network device to confirm the association. It is understandable that this response step is not necessary, and it can also be considered that the first core network device completes the association operation after receiving the second identification information sent by the second core network device, or the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0184] Through the above operation 430, the first core network device and the second core network device complete the association between the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device, which helps the terminal device to receive the paging message of a single user identity to monitor the paging information of multiple user identities.

[0185] Operation 440: The second core network device sends paging indication information to the first core network device, where the paging indication information is used to indicate paging for the second user identity corresponding to the terminal device.

[0186] If the second core network device needs to page the second SIM card (that is, to page the second user identity corresponding to the terminal device), the second core network device can implement the paging through the first core network device: the second core network device sends the corresponding paging information to the first core network device, so that the first core network device knows that the second core network device wants to page the second SIM card.

[0187] Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the paging indication information.

[0188] The paging indication information carries the terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity, for example, the IMSI or 5G-S-IMSI of the second user identity.

[0189] Optionally, before the second core network device sends paging indication information to the first core network device, the second core network device determines that it is necessary to page the second user identity corresponding to the terminal device through the first core network device.

[0190] One possible approach may be that after operation 430 is completed, the second core network device determines the second user identity corresponding to the terminal to be paged through the first core network device.

[0191] A possible way for the second core network device to determine to page the second user identity through the first core network device may include: the second core network device receives connection state indication information from the first core network device, and the connection state indication information indicates that the terminal device is in a connected state with the first user identity.

[0192] Another possible way for the second core network device to determine to page the second user identity through the first core network device may include: the second core network device receives paging conflict indication information from the terminal device, the paging conflict indication information indicates the possibility of a paging conflict between the first user identity and the second user identity, and optionally, the paging conflict indication information may also include an indication that the second core network device needs to page the second user identity through the first core network device. For example, the conflict indication information also carries the identifier of the first core network device.

[0193] Another possible way for the second core network device to determine to page the second user identity through the first core network device may include: the second core network device receives monitoring indication information from the terminal device, and the monitoring indication information indicates that the terminal device receives a message or information on the cell corresponding to the first user identity to monitor the paging information of multiple user identities. For example, the monitoring indication information carries the above-mentioned second identification information.

[0194] Through the above operation 440, the second core network device pages the second user identity of the terminal device through the first core network device, that is, when the second core network device needs to page the second user identity, it determines to page the second user identity of the terminal device through the first core network device.

[0195] Operation 450: The first core network device sends a first message to the first access network device, where the first message is used to indicate paging the second user identity.

[0196] It can be understood that operation 450 may be implemented in different ways for different scenarios in which the terminal device is in the state of the first user identity and the second user identity.

[0197] For example, in a scenario where the terminal device is in a connected state with a first user identity and is in an idle state with a second identity, a possible implementation of operation 450 may include: the first core network device instructs the first access network device to send an RRC message to the terminal device, wherein the RRC message is a message sent to the first user identity of the terminal device, and the first RRC message indicates paging the second user identity of the terminal device, that is, instructs the second core network device to page the terminal device with the second user identity.

[0198] For example, in a scenario where the terminal device is in an idle state with a first user identity and the terminal device is in an idle state with a second identity, a possible implementation of operation 450 may include: the first core network device instructs the first access network device to send a first paging message to the terminal device, wherein the first paging message is a message sent to the first user identity of the terminal device, and the first paging message indicates paging the second user identity of the terminal device.

[0199] For example, in a scenario where the terminal device is in an inactive state with a first user identity and the terminal device is in an idle state with a second identity, a possible implementation of operation 450 may include: the first core network device instructs the first access network device to send a second paging message to the terminal device, wherein the second paging message is a message sent to the first user identity of the terminal device, and the second paging message indicates the second user identity of the paging terminal device. In this scenario, another possible implementation of operation 450 may include: the first core network device instructs the first access network device to send a wireless access network paging message to the terminal device, wherein the wireless access network paging message is a message sent to the first user identity of the terminal device, and the wireless access network paging message indicates the second user identity of the paging terminal device.

[0200] In the above implementation manner, the first core network device and the first access network device can interact through S1 interface messages or NG interface messages. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the name and timing of the message interaction between the first core network device and the first access network device.

[0201] Operation 460: The first access network device sends a paging message to the terminal device corresponding to the first user identity, where the paging message is used to indicate paging the second user identity.

[0202] It can be understood that operation 460 may be implemented in different ways for different scenarios in which the terminal device is in the states of the first user identity and the second user identity.

[0203] For example, in a scenario where the terminal device is in a connected state with a first user identity and the terminal device is in an idle state with a second identity, a possible implementation of operation 460 may include: the first access network device sends an RRC message to the terminal device corresponding to the first user identity, and paging information for indicating paging the second user identity may be included in the RRC message, and the paging information indicating paging the second user identity indicates that the second core network device pages the second user identity of the terminal device. In the embodiment of the present application, there is no limitation on the content of the RRC message, as long as the terminal device can be informed that the second core network device pages the second user identity.

[0204] Optionally, the RRC message may include terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity, or terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity and terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity. For example, it includes the S-TMSI or 5G-S-TMIS of the second user identity. The terminal device determines that the RRC message indicates paging the second user identity based on the identifier.

[0205] Optionally, the RRC message may include access indication information, and the access indication information indicates that the terminal device initiates random access in the current cell for the second user identity.

[0206] Optionally, the RRC message may also include one or more of the following: access type, core network domain. The access type is used to indicate that the paging is due to a non-3GPP (3 rd The core network domain is used to indicate whether the paging is a circuit switched (CS) domain paging or a packet switched (packet switched) domain paging. Optionally, the information contained in the above RRC message can be sent by the second core network device to the first access network device.

[0207] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the RRC message as the first user, and according to the RRC message, the terminal device attempts to enter the connected state as the second user. That is to say, after the second user identity of the terminal device is paged, it will try to restore the connection with the network side device. If successful, the terminal device can enter the connected state as the second user.

[0208] For example, in a scenario where the terminal device is in an idle state with a first user identity and the terminal device is in an idle state with a second identity, a possible implementation of operation 460 may include: the first access network device sends a first paging message to the terminal device, and the paging information for indicating paging for the second user identity may be included in the first paging message, wherein the first paging message is a message sent to the first user identity of the terminal device, and the first paging message indicates paging for the second user identity of the terminal device.

[0209] Optionally, the paging information for indicating paging the second user identity contained in the first paging message may be: terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity, or terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity and terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity. The terminal device determines that the first paging message indicates paging the second user identity based on the paging information for indicating paging the second user identity.

[0210] The terminal device receives the first paging message as the first user, and the terminal device learns from the first paging message that the second core network device is paging the second user identity, so that the terminal device attempts to enter the connected state as the second user identity. That is to say, after the second user identity of the terminal device is paged, it will try to restore the connection with the network side device. If successful, the terminal device can enter the connected state as the second user identity.

[0211] For example, in a scenario where the terminal device is in an inactive state with a first user identity and is in an idle state with a second identity, a possible implementation of operation 460 may include: the first access network device sends a second paging message to the terminal device, and the paging information for indicating paging for the second user identity may be included in the second paging message, wherein the second paging message is a message sent to the first user identity of the terminal device, and the second paging message indicates paging for the second user identity of the terminal device.

[0212] Optionally, the paging information for indicating paging the second user identity contained in the second paging message may be: terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity, or terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity and terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity. The terminal device determines that the second paging message indicates paging the second user identity based on the paging information.

[0213] The terminal device receives the second paging message as the first user, and the terminal device learns from the second paging message that the second core network device is paging the second user identity, so that the terminal device attempts to enter the connected state as the second user identity. That is to say, after the second user identity of the terminal device is paged, it will try to restore the connection with the network side device. If successful, the terminal device can enter the connected state as the second user identity.

[0214] In method 400, after the first core network device and the second core network device complete the association, when the second core network device needs to page the second user identity, it instructs the access network device serving the first user identity to send a paging message to the first user identity for paging the second user identity. Through the above implementation method, the terminal device receives messages or information on the cell corresponding to a single user identity to monitor the paging messages of multiple user identities, thereby ensuring that the two user identities of the terminal device can receive the paging message in a timely manner.

[0215] Optionally, Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first core network device and the second core network device are described as different core network devices. It is easy to understand that the first core network device and the second core network device may also be the same core network device. When the first core network device and the second core network device are the same core network device, such as Figure 4A As shown, this embodiment further provides a communication method 401, and the method 401 may include operation 410A, operation 420A, operation 450A, and operation 460A.

[0216] Operation 410A: The terminal device sends first information to the first core network device through the first access network device as a first user.

[0217] Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the first information. For operation 410A, reference may be made to the description of operation 410 in method 400 .

[0218] Operation 420A: The terminal device sends second information to the first core network device as a second user.

[0219] Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the second information. For operation 420A, reference may be made to the description of operation 420 in method 400. Further, different from operation 420 in method 400, operation 420A in method 401 is to send the second information to the first core network device.

[0220] It is easy to understand that both operation 410A and operation 420A may be performed, or only operation 410A may be performed, or only operation 420A may be performed. In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the order of operations 410A and 420A is not limited.

[0221] For example, in a scenario where operation 410A is executed (only operation 410A may be executed, or both operation 410A and operation 420A may be executed), the first core network device determines that the core network device corresponding to the second user identity is the first core network device according to the first identifier received in operation 410A. It is easy to understand that the first core network device can determine that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device.

[0222] In the scenario where operation 420A is executed (only operation 420A may be executed, or both operation 410A and operation 420A may be executed), the first core network device determines that the core network device corresponding to the first user identity is the first core network device according to the second identifier received in operation 420A. It is easy to understand that the first core network device can determine that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device.

[0223] Operation 430A: The first core network device sends a first message to the first access network device, where the first message is used to indicate paging the second user identity. Compared with method 400, in method 401, there is no relevant interaction between the first core network device and the second core network device regarding completing the association operation. When the first core network device needs to page the second user identity of the terminal device, the first core network device pages the second user identity of the terminal device through the network or cell or channel or link corresponding to the first user identity, wherein the specific method of paging the second user identity of the terminal device can refer to the description of operation 450 in method 400.

[0224] Operation 440A: The first access network device sends a paging message to a terminal device corresponding to the first user identity, where the paging message is used to page the second user identity.

[0225] Regarding operation 440A, reference may be made to the description regarding operation 460 in method 400 .

[0226] In method 401, the first core network device provides services for the first user identity and the second user identity of the terminal device. When the first core network device needs to page the second user identity, the first core network device instructs the access network device serving the first user identity to send a paging message to the first user identity for paging the second user identity. Through the above method 401, potential conflicts in paging are resolved, ensuring that the two user identities of the terminal device can receive the paging message in time.

[0227] It should be noted that the above methods 400 and 401 are implemented by the interaction between the access network device and the core network device and the terminal device that provide services for the terminal device. In another possible solution, there may be a fourth node (or fourth device) that can interact with the first core network device and the second core network device. For example, the first core network device and the second core network device can both send relevant information (for example, the identifier of the core network device and the identifier of the user identity) to the fourth node, so that the fourth node associates the first user identity with the second user identity. Therefore, when the second core network device needs to page the second user identity of the terminal device, the second core network device can send the corresponding paging information to the first core network device through the fourth node, so that the first core network device is informed that the second core network device needs to page the second user identity, so as to complete the subsequent paging process of the second user identity of the terminal device.

[0228] In the above method, the terminal device sends information indicating that the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device to the network side device, and the network side devices complete the association between the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device. The terminal device receives a message or information related to paging on a cell corresponding to a single user identity to monitor the paging information of multiple user identities of the terminal device, which helps to effectively implement paging for multiple user identities of the terminal device.

[0229] The following, combined Figures 5 and 6 The device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment, so the contents not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiment above, and some contents will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0230] Figure 5 A communication device 500 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown below. Figure 5 The structure and function of the communication device 500 are described. It should be understood that the communication device 500 can be implemented Figures 3 to 4A For any function corresponding to the communication device in any of the embodiments shown in any figure, the communication device 500 may be the terminal device mentioned in the above embodiment, or may be the first network side device, the second network side device or the first access network device. The communication device 500 includes a receiving unit 510 and a sending unit 520. Optionally, the communication device may also include at least one processing unit 530. Optionally, the communication device may also include a storage unit 540, which may store data and / or instructions (or may also be referred to as code or program). The receiving unit 510, the sending unit 520 and the processing unit 530 may all interact with the storage unit 540. For example, the processing unit 530 may call the data or instructions in the storage unit so that the communication device implements the corresponding method.

[0231] It should be noted that the processing unit in the embodiment of the present application may be referred to as a processing module or a processing circuit, the receiving unit may be referred to as a receiving module, and the sending unit may be referred to as a sending module. Alternatively, the receiving unit and the transceiver unit may be a transceiver unit, a communication interface, or an input / output circuit, etc.

[0232] In one possible design, the communication device 500 may correspond to and implement corresponding operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiment. For example, it may be a terminal device, or it may be a component configured in the terminal device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.).

[0233] Specifically, the communication device 500 can implement the corresponding operations of the terminal device in the above methods 300-401, and the units or modules in the communication device 500 can be used to execute the methods executed by the terminal device in the methods 300-401. In addition, each unit in the communication device 500 and the above other operations and / or functions are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes of the methods 300-401.

[0234] For example, when the communication device corresponds to the corresponding operation of the terminal device in the implementation method 300: the sending unit 520 is used to send first information to the first network side device as a first user, wherein the first information may indicate first identification information corresponding to the second user identity. The first identification information may include I-RNTI. Optionally, the first identification information may also include the I-RNTI and the physical cell identifier to which the terminal device is connected as the second user and the identifier of the second network side device. Optionally, the first identification information may also include I-RNTI and CGI.

[0235] Optionally, the sending unit 520 is further configured to send a paging conflict indication message to the second network side device as the first user, so as to indicate to the second network side device the possibility of a paging conflict. It is understandable that the indication message is not necessary, and in an optional solution, the presence of a paging conflict can be implicitly indicated by sending the first identification information.

[0236] Optionally, the sending unit 520 is further configured to send terminal monitoring indication information to the second network side device as the first user identity, so as to indicate the user identity of the terminal monitoring to the second network side device.

[0237] It can be understood that the first information, paging conflict indication information and monitoring indication information sent by the sending unit 520 can be sent through the same message, for example, the first message carries the paging conflict indication information and / or the monitoring indication information; or they can be sent through different messages, which is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present application.

[0238] Optionally, the sending unit 520 is further configured to send second information to the second network side device as a second user. Optionally, the second information may indicate second identification information corresponding to the first user identity. The second identification information may include a C-RNTI and a physical cell identifier connected as the first user identity and an identifier of the first network side device. Optionally, the second identification information may also include a C-RNTI of the first user identity and a CGI of the serving cell.

[0239] Optionally, the sending unit 520 is further configured to send a paging conflict indication message to the second network side device as the second user, so as to indicate to the second network side device the possibility of a paging conflict. It is understandable that the indication message is not necessary, and in an optional solution, the presence of a paging conflict can be implicitly indicated by sending the second identification information.

[0240] Optionally, the sending unit 520 is further configured to send terminal monitoring indication information to the second network side device as a second user, so as to indicate the user identity of the terminal monitoring to the second network side device.

[0241] Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive an RRC message from a first network side device, wherein the communication device 500 is in a connected state with a first user identity and in an inactive state with a second identity.

[0242] The processing unit 530 may implement corresponding control or processing functions, for example, to learn that the second network side device is paging the second user identity according to the RRC message, and to control and implement corresponding operations so that the terminal device attempts to enter the connected state with the second user identity. That is to say, after the second user identity of the terminal device is paged, it will try to restore the connection with the network side device. If successful, the terminal device can enter the connected state with the second user identity.

[0243] Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive a wireless access network paging message from the first network side device, and the communication device 500 is in an idle state or an inactive state with a first user identity and in an inactive state with a second identity. The processing unit 530 can implement corresponding control or processing functions, for example, to learn that the second network side device pages the second user identity according to the wireless access network paging message, and to control and implement corresponding operations so that the terminal device attempts to enter a connected state with the second user identity.

[0244] Among them, when the communication device corresponds to the terminal device in method 301, the sending unit 520 is used to send the first information to the first network side device as the first user identity, and optionally, the sending unit 520 is also used to send the second information to the first network side device as the second user identity. The receiving unit 510 is used to receive a paging message sent by the first network side device, and the paging message is used to indicate paging the second user identity. Optionally, the processing unit 530 can implement corresponding control or processing functions, for example, to obtain information that the second network side device is paging the second user identity according to the paging message, and to implement corresponding operations by control, so that the second user identity of the terminal device enters a connected state.

[0245] Wherein, when the communication device corresponds to the terminal device in method 400, the sending unit 520 is used to send the first information to the first core network device as the first user. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is also used to send the indication information of the paging conflict to the second core network device through the access network device as the second user. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is also used to send the terminal monitoring indication information to the first core network device through the access network device as the first user. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is also used to send the second information to the second core network device as the second user.

[0246] Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive an RRC message from the first access network device, the RRC message indicating paging the second user identity, wherein the communication device 500 is in a connected state with the first user identity and in an idle state with the second identity. Optionally, the processing unit 530 can implement corresponding control or processing functions, for example, for obtaining, according to the RRC message, that the second network side device paging the second user identity, and controlling the implementation of corresponding operations so that the terminal device attempts to enter the connected state with the second user identity.

[0247] Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive a first paging message sent by a first access network device, the first paging message being used to indicate paging a second user identity, wherein the communication device 500 is in an idle state with the first user identity and in an idle state with the second identity. Optionally, the processing unit 530 can implement corresponding control or processing functions, for example, being used to learn that the second network side device is paging the second user identity according to the first paging message, and controlling and implementing corresponding operations so that the terminal device attempts to enter a connected state with the second user identity.

[0248] Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive a second paging message sent by the first access network device, the first paging message is used to indicate paging the second user identity, wherein the communication device 500 is in an inactive state with the first user identity and in an idle state with the second identity. Optionally, the processing unit 530 can implement corresponding control or processing functions, for example, to learn that the second network side device is paging the second user identity according to the second paging message, and to control and implement corresponding operations so that the terminal device attempts to enter the connected state with the second user identity.

[0249] Among them, when the communication device corresponds to the terminal device in method 401, the sending unit 520 is used to send the first information to the first core network device as the first user. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is also used to send the second information to the second core network device as the second user. The receiving unit 510 is used to receive a paging message sent by the first access network device, and the paging message is used to indicate the paging of the second user identity. Optionally, the processing unit 530 can implement corresponding control or processing functions, for example, for obtaining the second network side device paging the second user identity according to the paging message, and controlling the implementation of corresponding operations so that the terminal device attempts to enter the connected state as the second user identity.

[0250] In another possible design, the communication device 500 may correspond to and implement corresponding operations of the first network side device in the above method embodiment. For example, it may be the first network side device, or it may be a component configured in the first network side device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.).

[0251] Specifically, the communication device 500 may correspond to the corresponding operations of the first network side device in the above methods 300-401, and the communication device 500 may include a unit for executing the method executed by the first network side device in the methods 300-401. In addition, each unit in the communication device 500 and the above other operations and / or functions are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes of the methods 300-401.

[0252] Wherein, when the communication device corresponds to the first network side device in the method 300, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive the first information from the terminal device. Optionally, the processing unit 530 is used to complete the association between the first user identity and the second user identity between the second network side device. Optionally, the processing unit 530 is also used to determine the anchor base station corresponding to the second user identity according to the first identification information, that is, the second network side device. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is used to send the first identification information to the second network side device to request the second network side device to complete the association between the first user identity and the second user identity. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is used to send the second identification information to the second network side device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is also used to receive the second identification information sent by the second network side device. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is also used to send the indication information of the completion of the association to the second network side device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is also used to receive the paging indication information sent by the second network side device, and the paging indication information is used to indicate paging the second user identity corresponding to the above-mentioned terminal device. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is used to send connection state indication information to the second network side device.

[0253] Optionally, the sending unit 520 is used to send an RRC message to a terminal device corresponding to a first user identity, wherein the terminal device is in a connected state with the first user identity and the terminal device is in an inactive state with the second identity.

[0254] Optionally, the sending unit 520 is used to send a wireless access network paging message to a terminal device corresponding to a first user identity, wherein the terminal device is in a connected state with the first user identity and the terminal device is in an inactive state with the second identity.

[0255] Wherein, when the communication device corresponds to the first network side device in method 301, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive the first information from the terminal device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is also used to receive the second information from the terminal device. Optionally, the processing unit 530 is also used to determine the anchor base station corresponding to the second user identity according to the first identification information, that is, the first network side device, and to learn that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device. Optionally, the processing unit 530 is also used to determine the anchor base station corresponding to the second user identity according to the second identification information, that is, the first network side device, and to learn that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is also used to send a paging message to the terminal device corresponding to the first user identity. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is also used to send relevant information (for example, the identification of the network side device and the identification of the user identity) to the third node. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is also used to receive association confirmation indication information from the third node, that is, to indicate that the association between the first user identity and the second user identity is completed.

[0256] Wherein, when the communication device corresponds to the first network side device in method 400, the first network side device is a first core network device. The receiving unit 510 is used to receive the first information. Optionally, the processing unit 530 is also used to determine that the first user identity and the second user identity correspond to the same terminal device based on the first information. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is used to send the first identification information to the second network side device to request to complete the association of the first user identity and the second user identity with the second network side device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is also used to receive the association confirmation indication information from the second network side device.

[0257] Optionally, the sending unit 520 is used to send a first message to the first access network device, where the first message is used to indicate paging the second user identity.

[0258] Optionally, the processing unit 530 is used to instruct the first access network device to send an RRC message to the terminal device, wherein the terminal device is in a connected state as a first user and the terminal device is in an idle state as a second user.

[0259] Optionally, the processing unit 530 is used to instruct the first access network device to send a first paging message to the terminal device, wherein the terminal device is in an idle state as a first user and the terminal device is in an idle state as a second user.

[0260] Optionally, the processing unit 530 is used to instruct the first access network device to send a second paging message to the terminal device, wherein the terminal device is in an inactive state as a first user and the terminal device is in an idle state as a second user.

[0261] Optionally, the processing unit 530 is used to instruct the first access network device to send a wireless access network paging message to the terminal device, wherein the terminal device is in an inactive state as a first user and the terminal device is in an idle state as a second user.

[0262] Wherein, when the communication device corresponds to the first network side device in method 401, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive the first information. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is also used to receive the second information. Optionally, the processing unit 530 is also used to determine that the first user identity and the second user identity correspond to the same terminal device according to the first information. Optionally, the processing unit 530 is also used to determine that the first user identity and the second user identity correspond to the same terminal device according to the second information. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is also used to send a first message to the first access network device, and the first message is used to indicate paging the second user identity.

[0263] Optionally, the sending unit 520 is further configured to send relevant information (e.g., the identifier of the core network device and the identifier of the user identity) to the fourth node, so that the fourth node associates the first user identity with the second user identity. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is further configured to receive paging information from the fourth node, and the processing unit 530 is further configured to learn, based on the paging information, that the second core network device needs to page the second user identity.

[0264] In another possible design, the communication device 500 may correspond to and implement corresponding operations of the second network side device in the above method embodiment. For example, it may be a second network side device, or it may be a component configured in the second network side device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.).

[0265] Specifically, the communication device 500 may implement the corresponding operations of the second network side device in the above methods 300 and 400, and the communication device 500 may include a unit for executing the method performed by the second network side device in the methods 300 and 400. In addition, each unit in the communication device 500 and the above other operations and / or functions are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes of the methods 300 and 400.

[0266] Wherein, when the communication device corresponds to the second network side device in the method 300, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive the second information from the terminal device. Optionally, the processing unit 530 is used to determine that the first user identity and the second user identity both correspond to the terminal device according to the second information. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive paging conflict indication information from the terminal device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive monitoring indication information from the terminal device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive first identification information from the first network side device, and the processing unit 530 is used to know that the relevant information can be sent through the first network side device according to the first identification information. Further, it can also be understood that the second network side device knows that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive the second identification information from the first network side device. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is used to send association completion indication information to the first network side device. Optionally, the processing unit 530 is used to determine the base station corresponding to the first user identity, that is, the first network side device, according to the received second identification information. The sending unit 520 is further configured to send the second identification information to the first network side device to request the first network side device to complete the association between the first user identity and the second user identity. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is further configured to send the first identification information to the first network side device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is configured to receive information indicating the completion of the association from the first network side device.

[0267] Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive connection status indication information from the first network side device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used for indication information of paging conflict. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive monitoring indication information. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is also used to send paging indication information to the first network side device, and the paging indication information is used to indicate paging the second user identity corresponding to the above-mentioned terminal device.

[0268] Among them, when the communication device corresponds to the second network side device in method 400, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive the second information. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is also used to receive indication information of paging conflict, and the processing unit 530 is used to know the possibility of paging conflict. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is also used to receive monitoring indication information. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is also used to receive first identification information from the first network side device, and the processing unit 530 is also used to know that relevant information can be sent through the first core network device according to the first identification information. Further, it can also be understood as knowing that the first user identity and the second user identity belong to the same terminal device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is also used to receive second identification information from the first network side device. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is used to send association completion indication information to the first network side device.

[0269] Optionally, the sending unit 520 is further configured to send the second identification information to the first network side device to request the first network side device to complete the association between the first user identity and the second user identity. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is further configured to send the first identification information to the first network side device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is configured to receive information indicating the completion of the association from the first network side device.

[0270] Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive connection status indication information from the first network side device. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used for indication information of paging conflict. Optionally, the receiving unit 510 is used to receive monitoring indication information. Optionally, the sending unit 520 is also used to send paging indication information to the first network side device, and the paging indication information is used to indicate paging the second user identity corresponding to the above-mentioned terminal device.

[0271] In one possible implementation, when the communication device corresponds to the second network side device, the sending unit 520 is used to send association-related information (for example, the identifier of the core network device and the identifier of the user identity) to the fourth node, so that the fourth node associates the first user identity with the second user identity. The sending unit 520 is used to send paging indication information to the fourth node to indicate paging the second user identity.

[0272] In a possible design, corresponding to each of the above possible implementations, the processing unit 530 may be a processor. The sending unit 520 and the receiving unit 510 may also be a transceiver device, for example Figure 6 The transceiver 603 shown, or the sending unit 520 and the receiving unit 510 may also be a communication interface. The storage unit 640 may be a memory, for example Figure 6 Memory 602 is shown.

[0273] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device for implementing the functions performed by the terminal device, the first network side device or the second network side device in the above method embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of a possible communication device 600 of an embodiment of the present application is shown. The communication device includes at least one processor 601 and a memory 602. Optionally, the communication device may also include a transceiver 603 and a system bus 604. The bus 604 may be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, etc. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 6Only one thick line is used in the figure, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The transceiver 603 is used for the communication device 600 to communicate and interact with other communication devices (such as wireless access network devices, or terminal devices, which are not limited here), such as interactive control signaling and / or business data, etc. The transceiver 603 can be implemented by a circuit with communication transceiver function. The memory 602 is used to store required program instructions and / or data. When the at least one processor calls the program instructions stored in the memory to execute, the communication device implements the function of the terminal device in any design of methods 300 to 401, or when the at least one processor calls the program instructions stored in the memory to execute, the communication device implements the function of the network side device (first network side device or second network side device) in any design of methods 300 to 401. The at least one processor 601, the memory 602 and the transceiver 603 are coupled through the system bus 604.

[0274] The processor and transceiver described in each embodiment of the present application can be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit RFIC, a mixed signal IC, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), N-type metal oxide semiconductor (nMetal-oxide-semiconductor, NMOS), P-type metal oxide semiconductor (positive channel metal oxide semiconductor, PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (Bipolar Junction Transistor, BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc. Optionally, the processor may include one or more processors, for example, one or more CPUs, and in the case where the processor is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. The transceiver is used to send and receive data and / or signals, and receive data and / or signals. The transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter is used to send data and / or signals, the receiver is used to receive data and / or signals, and the transceiver may also be a communication interface. The memory includes but is not limited to random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and the memory is used to store relevant instructions and / or data.

[0275] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which computer instructions for implementing the method executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment, or the method executed by the network side device, are stored.

[0276] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method executed by the terminal device or the method executed by the network side device in the above method embodiment.

[0277] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product including instructions, which, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to implement the method executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment, or the method executed by the network side device.

[0278] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes the network device and the terminal device in the above embodiment.

[0279] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects in any of the communication devices provided above can refer to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0280] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present invention is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website site, computer, server or data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode to another website site, computer, server or data center. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that contains one or more available media integrations. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state drive (SSD)). For example, the aforementioned available medium may include, but is not limited to, various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0281] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first, second, and other various digital numbers involved in the present application are only for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The specific values ​​of the numbers (also referred to as indexes), the specific values ​​of the quantities, and the positions in the present application are only for illustrative purposes, are not the only form of representation, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The first, second, and other various digital numbers involved in the present application are also only for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0282] In this application, elements expressed in the singular are intended to mean "one or more" rather than "one and only one", unless otherwise specified. In this application, "at least one" is intended to mean "one or more", and "more than one" is intended to mean "two or more", unless otherwise specified.

[0283] In addition, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this article. The term "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A can be singular or plural, and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0284] In this document, the term "at least one of..." or "at least one of..." means all or any combination of the listed items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" may mean: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, B and C exist at the same time, and A, B, and C exist at the same time, where A may be singular or plural, B may be singular or plural, and C may be singular or plural.

[0285] It can be understood that in each embodiment of the present application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined according to A. However, it should also be understood that determining B according to A does not mean determining B only according to A, and B can also be determined according to A and / or other information.

[0286] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this application can refer to each other. In the various embodiments in this application, and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment, if there is no special explanation and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, implementation methods, or implementation methods according to their inherent logical relationships. The above-described implementation methods of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0287] The above description is only a specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending information indicating that a first user identity of a terminal device and a second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device to a network side device; The first network side device provides services for the first user identity of the terminal device, and the second network side device provides services for the second user identity of the terminal device; receiving, through the first user identity of the terminal device, paging information corresponding to the second user identity of the terminal device; Send monitoring indication information to the second network side device, where the monitoring indication information instructs the terminal device to receive paging information on the cell corresponding to the first user identity.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The sending, to the network side device, information indicating that the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device comprises: Sending first information to the first network side device, wherein the first information includes terminal device identification information corresponding to the second user identity.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The sending, to the network side device, information indicating that the first user identity of the terminal device and the second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device comprises: Send second information to a second network side device, wherein the second information includes terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity, the first network side device provides services for the first user identity of the terminal device, and the second network side device provides services for the second user identity of the terminal device.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The receiving, through the first user identity of the terminal device, paging information corresponding to the second user identity of the terminal device comprises: Receive a radio resource control RRC message, wherein the RRC message is a message sent to a first user identity of the terminal device, the RRC message includes the paging information, the terminal device is in a connected state with the first user identity, and the terminal device is in an idle state or an inactive state with the second user identity.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The receiving, through the first user identity of the terminal device, paging information corresponding to the second user identity of the terminal device comprises: Receive a paging message, wherein the paging message is sent to a first user identity of the terminal device, the paging message includes the paging information, the terminal device is in an idle state or an inactive state as the first user identity, and the terminal device is in an idle state or an inactive state as the second user identity.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The paging information includes an identifier of a terminal device corresponding to the second user identity, or an identifier of a terminal device corresponding to the second user identity and an identifier of a terminal device corresponding to the first user identity.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The terminal device attempts to enter the connected state as the second user.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The second network side device determines that the first user identity of the terminal device is associated with the second user identity, and determines to page the second user identity of the terminal device through the first network side device, wherein the first network side device provides services for the first user identity of the terminal device, and the second network side device provides services for the second user identity of the terminal device; The second network side device sends paging indication information to the first network side device, where the paging indication information indicates paging the second user identity; Determining the second user identity of the terminal device for paging through the first network side device includes: The second network side device receives monitoring indication information from a terminal, where the monitoring indication information instructs the terminal device to receive paging information in the cell corresponding to the first user identity.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Determining the association between the first user identity and the second user identity of the terminal device includes: Receive second information, where the second information includes terminal device identification information corresponding to the first user identity.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Determining the association between the first user identity and the second user identity of the terminal device includes: The second network side device receives information indicating that a first user identity of a terminal device and a second user identity of the terminal device are associated with the terminal device from the first network side device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second network side device sends information indicating completion of association of the first user identity and the second user identity to the first network side device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that Determining the second user identity of the terminal device for paging through the first network side device includes: The second network side device receives connection state indication information from the first network side device, where the connection state indication information indicates that the first user identity is in a connected state.

13. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising modules for executing the method of any one of claims 1 to 7.

14. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store programs or instructions, when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

15. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 8 to 12.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store programs or instructions, when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

17. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instruction stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program or instructions are executed, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

18. A computer program product, comprising computer program code, characterized in that: When the computer program code is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

19. A chip, characterized in that: include: A processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store programs or instructions, when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the chip executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

20. A communication system, characterized in that: The system comprises: The communication device according to claim 15, and / or, the communication device according to claim 14, and / or the communication device according to claim 16.

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