Connection switching processing method, device, related equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The present application discloses a connection switching processing method, apparatus, related equipment and storage medium. The method includes: a terminal in a heterogeneous network generates first information based on at least the measured signal strength of a second access network device in the heterogeneous network; reporting the first information to a first access network device in the heterogeneous network; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide the terminal with a first access mode; the second access network device can provide the terminal with a second access mode; the first mode is different from the second mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a connection switching processing method, apparatus, related equipment and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Indoor visible light communication (VLC) uses the high-speed flashing of light-emitting diode (LED) lights to transmit information, using free space as the transmission channel. It is a new type of high-speed and environmentally friendly indoor access network technology. Since the light emitted by LED light sources has a certain directionality, its own coverage is small. When users move to areas that are not covered by visible light communication, the service will be interrupted; on the other hand, compared with the penetration of wireless communication, VLC is easily affected by obstructions, resulting in the fragility of the communication link. Therefore, the development trend of the next generation network is the integration of heterogeneous networks, combining VLC with other wireless access methods. In an indoor place, VLC and radio networks can provide full area coverage, protect users' continuous access, and prevent users from experiencing communication interruptions in visible light communication hotspots. At the same time, when the business load of the radio communication network is too heavy, some users are connected to the VLC node (AP), which not only meets their high-speed requirements for network speed, but also achieves network load balancing.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a visible light personal area network (LiPAN) can support a heterogeneous network consisting of VLC APs and radio frequency (RF) APs. Each coordinator (i.e., VLC AP) is connected to a global controller (i.e., RF AP) via a backhaul link. Each coordinator provides visible light communication access to LiPAN devices (i.e., terminals), and the RF AP as a global controller provides RF access to the terminals. The backhaul link can be a wired link or a wireless link, wherein the wired link can be a power line communication link, an Ethernet link, or a light link, etc., and the wireless link can be a wireless LAN link, a cellular link, etc.

[0004] However, in a heterogeneous network including VLC APs and RF APs, channel conflicts and transmission delays may occur during data transmission. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the related technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a connection switching processing method, apparatus, related equipment and storage medium.

[0006] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is implemented as follows:

[0007] The embodiment of the present application provides a connection switching processing method, which is applied to a terminal in a heterogeneous network, including:

[0008] generating first information based at least on a signal strength of a second access network device in the heterogeneous network;

[0009] Report first information to a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide a first mode of access to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second mode of access to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode.

[0010] In the above solution, the first access method includes radio frequency access.

[0011] In the above solution, the second access method includes optical communication access.

[0012] In the above scheme, the method further includes:

[0013] A first switching command sent by the second source access network device is received, and switching is performed.

[0014] In the above scheme, the first switching command carries radio resource control (RRC) configuration information; the RRC configuration information is used for the terminal to access the target second access network device.

[0015] In the above solution, the first information is generated based on the signal strength of the second access network device in the heterogeneous network and the capability of the terminal.

[0016] In the above solution, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0017] The identifier of the second access network device;

[0018] Signal strength of the second access network device;

[0019] The capabilities of the terminal.

[0020] The embodiment of the present application further provides a connection switching processing method, which is applied to a first access network device in a heterogeneous network, including:

[0021] Receive first information reported by a terminal; the first information is generated based at least on the signal strength of a second access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide a first mode of access to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second mode of access to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode.

[0022] The target access network device for the terminal to switch is determined based on the first information.

[0023] In the above solution, the target access device includes a first access network device or a second access network device; the method further includes:

[0024] A switching command is sent to the source second access network device, or a switching command is sent to the source second access network device and the target second access network device.

[0025] In the above solution, the first access network device determines the target access network device to which the terminal switches based on the first information, including:

[0026] Based on the first information and the decision condition, a target access network device to which the terminal switches is determined.

[0027] In the above scheme, the judgment conditions include:

[0028] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to the first threshold value;

[0029] Sending a switching command to a source second access network device and a target second access network device;

[0030] or,

[0031] The judgment conditions include:

[0032] The signal strength of the candidate target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of the candidate target second access network device is less than the first threshold value;

[0033] Send a switching command to the source second access network device.

[0034] In the above scheme, the judgment conditions include:

[0035] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0036] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to a second threshold value;

[0037] The difference in signal strength between the other second access network devices among the at least two second access network devices and the target second access network device is less than a third threshold value;

[0038] A switching command is sent to the source second access network device and to the target second access network device; and a closing command is sent to the other second access network device.

[0039] In the above solution, the first information is generated based on the signal strength of the second access network device and the capability of the terminal;

[0040] The judgment conditions include:

[0041] The signal strengths of at least two target second access network devices are both greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strengths of the at least two target second access network devices are both greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value;

[0042] The terminal supports multiple connections, and does not support a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode at the same time; the multiple connections include at least two connections;

[0043] Sending a switching command to the source second access network device and the at least two target second access network devices;

[0044] or,

[0045] The judgment conditions include:

[0046] The signal strengths of at least two candidate target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of one of the at least two candidate target second access network devices is less than a fourth threshold value;

[0047] The terminal supports multiple connections, and simultaneously supports a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode; the multiple connections include at least two connections;

[0048] A switching command is sent to the source second access network device and at least one target second access network device.

[0049] The embodiment of the present application further provides a connection switching processing method, which is applied to a second access network device in a heterogeneous network, including:

[0050] Receiving a second switching command sent by a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide a first access mode to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second access mode to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode;

[0051] A first switching command is sent to a terminal in a heterogeneous network; the first switching command is used to instruct the terminal to perform switching.

[0052] In the above scheme, the first switching command and the second switching command carry RRC configuration information; the RRC configuration information is used for the terminal to access the target second access network device.

[0053] The embodiment of the present application further provides a connection switching processing device, which is provided in a terminal in a heterogeneous network, including:

[0054] A generating unit, configured to generate first information based at least on a signal strength of a second access network device in a heterogeneous network;

[0055] A second sending unit is used to report first information to a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide a first mode of access to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second mode of access to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode.

[0056] The embodiment of the present application further provides a connection switching processing device, which is arranged in a first access network device in a heterogeneous network, including:

[0057] A first receiving unit is configured to receive first information reported by a terminal; the first information is generated based at least on a signal strength of a second access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide access to the terminal in a first manner; the second access network device can provide access to the terminal in a second manner; the first manner is different from the second manner;

[0058] A determination unit is used to determine a target access network device to which the terminal switches based on the first information.

[0059] The embodiment of the present application further provides a connection switching processing device, which is arranged in a second access network device in a heterogeneous network, including:

[0060] A third receiving unit is used to receive a second switching command sent by a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide a first access mode to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second access mode to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode;

[0061] The third sending unit is used to send a first switching command to a terminal in a heterogeneous network; the first switching command is used to instruct the terminal to switch.

[0062] The embodiment of the present application also provides a terminal located in a heterogeneous network, comprising: a second communication interface and a second processor; wherein:

[0063] The second processor is configured to generate first information based at least on a signal strength of a second access network device in the heterogeneous network;

[0064] The second communication interface is used to report first information to a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide the terminal with access in a first manner; the second access network device can provide the terminal with access in a second manner; the first manner is different from the second manner.

[0065] The embodiment of the present application further provides a first access network device located in a heterogeneous network, comprising: a first communication interface and a first processor; wherein:

[0066] The first communication interface is used to receive first information reported by the terminal; the first information is generated based on at least the signal strength of a second access network device in the heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide the terminal with access in a first manner; the second access network device can provide the terminal with access in a second manner; the first manner is different from the second manner;

[0067] The first processor is configured to determine a target access network device to be switched by the terminal based on the first information.

[0068] The embodiment of the present application further provides a second access network device located in a heterogeneous network, comprising: a third communication interface and a third processor; wherein:

[0069] The third communication interface is used to receive a second switching command sent by a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide a first mode of access to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second mode of access to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode; and to send a first switching command to the terminal in the heterogeneous network; the first switching command is used to instruct the terminal to switch.

[0070] The embodiment of the present application further provides a first access network device located in a heterogeneous network, comprising: a first processor and a first memory for storing a computer program that can be run on the processor,

[0071] Wherein, when the first processor is used to run the computer program, it executes the steps of any one of the above-mentioned methods on the first access network device side.

[0072] The embodiment of the present application further provides a terminal located in a heterogeneous network, comprising: a second processor and a second memory for storing a computer program that can be run on the processor,

[0073] Wherein, the second processor is used to execute the steps of any of the above-mentioned terminal side methods when running the computer program.

[0074] The embodiment of the present application further provides a second access network device located in a heterogeneous network, comprising: a third processor and a third memory for storing a computer program that can be run on the processor,

[0075] Wherein, the third processor is used to execute the steps of any one of the above-mentioned methods on the second access network device side when running the computer program.

[0076] An embodiment of the present application also provides a storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of any method on the first access network device side, or implements the steps of any method on the terminal side, or implements the steps of any method on the second access network device side.

[0077] The connection switching processing method, apparatus, related equipment and storage medium provided in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal generates first information based on the signal strength of the second access network device in the heterogeneous network at least; reports the first information to the first access network device in the heterogeneous network; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide the terminal with a first mode of access; the second access network device can provide the terminal with a second mode of access; the first mode is different from the second mode, and the first access network device determines the target access network device for the terminal to switch based on the first information; the first access network device is responsible for the switching management process, and there will be no idle time and channel rush, thus avoiding conflicts and ensuring latency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a heterogeneous network structure including VLC APs and RF APs;

[0079] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a superframe structure;

[0080] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a first connection switching processing method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Figure 4 This is a flow chart of a second connection switching processing method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a third connection switching processing method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first switching method in VLC heterogeneous networking in the application embodiment of the present application;

[0084] Figure 7 This is a flow chart of a switching method in a second VLC heterogeneous network according to an application example of the present application;

[0085] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the flow of a switching method in a third VLC heterogeneous network according to an application example of the present application;

[0086] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a processing device for the first connection switching according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a processing device for connection switching of the second embodiment of the present application;

[0088] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a processing device for connection switching according to a third embodiment of the present application;

[0089] Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first access network device in the embodiment of the present application;

[0090] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure of an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second access network device in the embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first connection switching processing system in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] The present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0094] According to the capabilities of the terminal to support VLC and RF, the terminals can be classified as shown in Table 1.

[0095]

[0096] Table 1

[0097] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure 1, the superframe uses the beginning of the beacon slot as the boundary, and the VLC AP sends a beacon frame in the beacon slot of each superframe. The beacon frame describes the superframe structure, LiPAN scheduling information, and other LiPAN management information. The terminal uses the beacon frame to keep synchronized with the VLC AP and access the channel according to the scheduling information in the beacon frame.

[0098] According to the LiPAN network topology, Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the active period of the superframe can be further divided into the beacon region (BP), the contention access period (CAP) and the contention-free period (CFP). In the CAP, the terminal uses the carrier sense multiple access / collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) mechanism to compete for the channel; in the CFP, dedicated bandwidth resources are allocated for specific applications. All transmissions should end before the end of the superframe; the BP is used to send beacons, starting from the first time slot of the superframe, and can be further divided into multiple beacon time slots. Each VLC AP can occupy one of the beacon time slots to send the beacon frame belonging to this AP.

[0099] exist Figure 1 In the heterogeneous network shown, handover initiated by the terminal is supported. The terminal determines whether handover is required and the target AP to be switched. When deciding to initiate handover, a connection is first established with the target AP, and then the connection with the original AP is disconnected. Specifically, the terminal selects a suitable VLC AP for association through scanning. The VLC AP assigns a short address to the successfully associated terminal. The physical frame sent during the association process should use the minimum modulation bandwidth and be sent in the CAP of the superframe. The VLC AP can let the associated terminal leave the AP by sending a command frame to the terminal. Before leaving, the associated terminal should first disassociate with the VLC AP.

[0100] From the above description, it can be seen that in the related technology, in a VLC and RF heterogeneous network, when the terminal only has a VLC downlink but no VLC uplink, that is, the terminal supports VLC downlink but does not support VLC uplink, whether the terminal switches is determined by the terminal itself, and the association with the target AP and the disassociation with the original AP during the switching process do not require the assistance of RFAP, and are directly based on CSMA / CA competitive access. The working principle of this competitive access mechanism is: (1) First, check whether the channel is in use. If the channel is detected to be idle, wait for a random period of time before sending data; (2) If the receiving end receives this frame correctly, it will send an acknowledgment (ACK) frame to the sending end after a period of time; (3) The sending end receives the ACK frame and determines that the data is transmitted correctly. After a period of time, there will be an idle time. This mechanism has the following defects:

[0101] First, it is time-consuming and not real-time;

[0102] Second, when sending data, it is impossible to detect whether there is a conflict in the channel, and we can only try to "avoid" it, so the possibility of conflict still exists.

[0103] Based on this, in various embodiments of the present application, it is assumed that all APs are synchronized and RF downlink is closed by default. In order to avoid conflicts and ensure timeliness, it can be considered that under the architecture of RF AP managing VLC AP, RF AP is responsible for the switching management process. That is, which AP the terminal communicates with is determined by the global controller.

[0104] The embodiment of the present application provides a connection switching processing method, which is applied to a first access network device in a heterogeneous network, such as Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0105] Step 301: receiving first information reported by a terminal; the first information is generated based on at least a signal strength of a second access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide a first access mode to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second access mode to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode;

[0106] Step 302: Determine a target access network device to which the terminal switches based on the first information.

[0107] The first information is generated based at least on the signal strength of a second access network device in the heterogeneous network measured by the terminal.

[0108] In one embodiment, the first access method includes radio frequency access.

[0109] In one embodiment, the second access mode includes optical communication access, that is, the first access network device can provide radio frequency access to the terminal; the second access network device can provide visible light communication access to the terminal.

[0110] In one embodiment, the target access device may include a first access network device or a second access network device.

[0111] Based on this, Figure 3 As shown, the method may also include:

[0112] Step 303: Send a switching command to the source second access network device, or send a switching command to the source second access network device and the target second access network device.

[0113] In the embodiment of the present application, the heterogeneous network can be used as follows Figure 1 As shown in the structure, the first access network device is an RF AP, which can be called a global controller; correspondingly, the second access network device is a VLC AP, which can be called a coordinator.

[0114] Since the first access network device determines the target access network device using the first information, the first information may include at least one of the following:

[0115] The identifier of the second access network device;

[0116] Signal strength of the second access network device;

[0117] The capabilities of the terminal.

[0118] Specifically, it may include at least one of the following:

[0119] Identifications of at least two second access network devices in the heterogeneous network measured by the terminal;

[0120] The signal strength of at least two second access network devices in the heterogeneous network measured by the terminal;

[0121] The capabilities of the terminal.

[0122] Here, in actual application, the source second access network device will perform measurement configuration for the terminal. These configurations may include: reporting period, threshold value (which can be determined as needed), the number N of signal strengths higher than the threshold value, etc.

[0123] Based on the measurement configuration, the terminal may report information of the second access network devices with N strongest signal strengths above a threshold value, including signal strength, terminal capability, and the like.

[0124] The identifier may adopt the short address of the second access network device. Of course, other methods may also be used to identify the second access network device, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0125] The signal strength may include at least one of: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), etc.

[0126] The terminal capabilities may include whether to support multiple connections, whether to support RF and VLC downlink simultaneously when supporting multiple connections, etc.

[0127] In actual application, when switching, it is also necessary to determine the target access network device for switching in combination with the decision conditions.

[0128] Based on this, in one embodiment, in step 302, the first access network device determines a target access network device for the terminal to switch based on the first information and the decision condition.

[0129] Here, in actual application, the corresponding judgment conditions are different according to different application scenarios. The following describes the specific judgment conditions in combination with different application scenarios.

[0130] In the first scenario, the solution of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the switching of a single connection, including switching under a single connection (i.e., one connection) and single connection switching under multiple connections (i.e., only one connection is switched under multiple connections).

[0131] Based on this, in one embodiment, the decision conditions may include:

[0132] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0133] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to a first threshold value.

[0134] When the above judgment conditions are met, it means that the signal strength of the target second access network device meets the switching conditions, and the terminal is allowed to switch to the target second access network device. That is to say, when the first access network device determines that the signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; when the signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, it is determined that the terminal switches from the source second access network device to the target second access network device. At this time, the first access network device sends a switching command to the source second access network device and the target second access network device, so that the terminal switches from the source second access network device to the target second access network device.

[0135] Here, the first threshold value can be set as needed, for example, based on the signal strength of the first access network device, to determine whether it is necessary to switch to the first access network device.

[0136] That is, when the signal strength of the target second access network device is less than the first threshold value, it indicates that the signal strength of the candidate target second access network device is lower than the signal strength of the first access network device, and the terminal needs to be switched to the first access network device.

[0137] Based on this, in one embodiment, the decision conditions may include:

[0138] The signal strength of the candidate target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0139] The signal strength of the candidate target second access network device is less than a first threshold value.

[0140] When the above judgment conditions are met, it means that the signal strength of the candidate target second access network device does not meet the switching conditions. At this time, the terminal needs to be switched to the first access network device. That is, when the first access network device determines that the signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; when the signal strength of the target second access network device is less than the first threshold value, it is determined that the terminal is switched from the source second access network device to the first access network device. At this time, the first access network device sends a switching command to the source second access network device.

[0141] Here, in order to enable the terminal to synchronize with the first access network device and access a cell, the first access network device may send a synchronization signal to the terminal.

[0142] That is to say, the synchronization signal is used to enable the terminal to synchronize with the first access network device and access the cell.

[0143] In the second scenario, the solution of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the cell switching process to avoid interference.

[0144] Based on this, in one embodiment, the decision conditions may include:

[0145] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0146] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to a second threshold value;

[0147] A signal strength difference between other second access network devices among the at least two second access network devices and the target second access network device is less than a third threshold value.

[0148] When the above judgment conditions are met, it means that the signal strength of the target second access network device meets the switching conditions, and the terminal is allowed to switch to the target second access network device; at the same time, the interference in the neighboring area is relatively large, and interference needs to be avoided. That is to say, when the first access network device determines that the signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, it is determined that the terminal switches from the source second access network device to the target second access network device; at the same time, it is confirmed that the interference in the neighboring area is relatively large. At this time, the first access network device sends a switching command to the source second access network device and to the target second access network device; and sends a closing command to the other second access network devices, so that the other second access network devices close communication.

[0149] Of course, when the interference during the switching process is relatively small, the decision condition of the first scenario is adopted.

[0150] Here, the second threshold value can be set as needed, for example, based on the signal strength of the first access network device, to determine whether it is necessary to switch to the first access network device. The third threshold value can also be set as needed.

[0151] In the third scenario, the solution of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the switching of multiple connections (including at least two connections), that is, multiple connections are switched simultaneously.

[0152] Based on this, in one embodiment, the first information is generated based on the signal strength of the second access network device and the capability of the terminal; the decision condition may include:

[0153] The signal strengths of at least two target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0154] The signal strengths of the at least two target second access network devices are both greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value;

[0155] The terminal supports multiple connections, and does not simultaneously support a downlink connection of a first mode (ie, a downlink connection accessed in a first mode) and a downlink connection of a second mode (ie, a downlink connection accessed in a second mode).

[0156] When the above judgment conditions are met, it means that the signal strength of at least two target second access network devices meets the switching conditions, allowing the terminal to switch multiple connections to multiple target second access network devices. That is, when the first access network device determines that the signal strength of the at least two target second access network devices is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold value, and the terminal supports multiple connections, and does not simultaneously support the downlink connection of the first mode and the downlink connection of the second access mode, it is determined that the terminal is switched from at least two source second access network devices to the corresponding at least two target second access network devices. At this time, the first access network device sends a switching command to the source second access network device (including multiple source second access network devices under multiple connections) and the at least two target second access network devices. Exemplarily, when the terminal supports dual connections, the first access network device sends a switching command to two source second access network devices and two target second access network devices to switch the terminal to the two target second access network devices.

[0157] Here, the fourth threshold value may be set as required, for example, based on the signal strength of the first access network device, to determine whether it is necessary to switch to the first access network device.

[0158] In actual application, in a multi-connection situation, there may be a situation where the number of candidate target second access network devices is insufficient. At this time, the terminal may be switched to the first access network device in combination with the capabilities of the terminal.

[0159] Based on this, in one embodiment, the decision conditions may include:

[0160] The signal strengths of at least two candidate target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0161] The signal strength of one of the at least two candidate target second access network devices is less than a fourth threshold value;

[0162] The terminal supports multiple connections, and simultaneously supports a first mode of downlink connection and a second mode of downlink connection.

[0163] When the above conditions are met, it means that the signal strength of one of the multiple candidate target second access network devices does not meet the switching conditions. At this time, under the condition that the terminal supports multiple connections and supports both the first mode of downlink connection and the second mode of downlink connection, one connection of the terminal can be switched to the first access network device. That is to say, when the first access network device determines that the signal strength of at least two candidate target second access network devices is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of one of the at least two candidate target second access network devices is less than the fourth threshold value, and the terminal supports multiple connections and supports both the first mode of downlink connection and the second mode of downlink connection, it is determined that one of the multiple connections of the terminal is switched to the first access network device. At this time, the first access network device sends a switching command to the source second access network device and at least one target second access network device.

[0164] Exemplarily, assuming that the terminal supports dual connections, when the above conditions are met, the first access network device sends a switching command to two source second access network devices and one target second access network device so as to switch the dual connections of the terminal to a target second access network device and the first access network device.

[0165] Here, in order to enable the terminal to synchronize with the first access network device and access a cell, the first access network device may send a synchronization signal to the terminal.

[0166] That is to say, the synchronization signal is used to enable the terminal to synchronize with the first access network device and access the cell.

[0167] In actual application, in order to enable the terminal to quickly access the target second access network device, when sending the switching command, RRC configuration information can be carried, and the RRC configuration information is used for the terminal to access the target second access network device.

[0168] The RRC configuration information includes at least an identifier of the target second access network device and information required for the terminal to access the target second access network device, so that the terminal can quickly access the target second access network device without reading a system message of the target second access network device.

[0169] Accordingly, the embodiment of the present application also provides a connection switching processing method, which is applied to a terminal in a heterogeneous network, such as Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0170] Step 401: Generate first information based on the signal strength of at least a second access network device in a heterogeneous network;

[0171] Step 402: Report first information to a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide a first mode of access to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second mode of access to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode.

[0172] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the method may also include:

[0173] Step 403: Receive a first switching command sent by the source second access network device, and perform switching.

[0174] In one embodiment, when the first information includes the capability of the terminal, the terminal generates the first information based at least on the signal strength of the second access network device in the heterogeneous network and the capability of the terminal.

[0175] In one embodiment, when switching to the first access network device, the method may further include:

[0176] Receive a synchronization signal sent by the first access network device.

[0177] In one embodiment, the first handover command carries RRC configuration information; the RRC configuration information is used for the terminal to access the target second access network device.

[0178] Accordingly, the embodiment of the present application also provides a connection switching processing method, which is applied to a second access network device in a heterogeneous network, such as Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0179] Step 501: receiving a second switching command sent by a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide a first access mode to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second access mode to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode;

[0180] Step 502: Send a first switching command to a terminal in a heterogeneous network; the first switching command is used to instruct the terminal to perform switching.

[0181] In one embodiment, the first switching command and the second switching command carry RRC configuration information; the RRC configuration information is used for the terminal to access the target second access network device.

[0182] The connection switching processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application is that the terminal generates first information based on the signal strength of the second access network device in the heterogeneous network at least; reports the first information to the first access network device in the heterogeneous network; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide the terminal with a first mode of access; the second access network device can provide the terminal with a second mode of access; the first mode is different from the second mode, and the first access network device determines the target access network device for the terminal to switch based on the first information; the first access network device is responsible for the switching management process, and there will be no idle time and channel rush, thus avoiding conflicts and ensuring latency.

[0183] The present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with application examples.

[0184] Application Example 1

[0185] The application scenario of this application embodiment is: in a heterogeneous network including VLC APs and RF APs, in order to ensure service continuity when the terminal moves in the network, when the service quality of the current cell is poor and the service quality of the neighboring cell is good, the terminal will switch to the target cell, that is, perform a connection switch.

[0186] The switching method in the VLC heterogeneous network of this application embodiment is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0187] Step 600: The source VLC AP performs measurement configuration for the terminal (also referred to as user equipment (UE)), including: reporting period, first threshold value, number N of signal strengths, etc.;

[0188] Step 601: The terminal reports a measurement report to the RF AP, where the measurement report is generated based on the signal strengths of all VLC APs measured by the terminal, where the signal includes a synchronization signal and / or a reference signal, etc., and the signal strength includes at least one of RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc.;

[0189] The measurement report includes N strongest signal strengths greater than a first threshold value and their corresponding VLCAP short addresses;

[0190] Step 602: After receiving the measurement report, the RF AP initiates a handover according to the decision condition, and sends a handover command to the target VLC AP and the source VLC AP through the first interface, wherein the handover command carries the RRC configuration information;

[0191] Specifically, the judgment conditions include:

[0192] a) The signal strength of the target VLC AP is greater than that of the source VLC AP;

[0193] b) The signal strength of the target VLC AP is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0194] When the above conditions are met, the RF AP sends a switching command to the target VLC AP and the source VLC AP.

[0195] Step 603: After receiving the measurement report, the RF AP initiates a handover according to the decision condition, sends a handover command to the source VLCAP through the first interface, turns on the RF downlink function, and sends a synchronization signal to the terminal;

[0196] Specifically, the judgment conditions include:

[0197] a) The signal strength of the target VLC AP is greater than that of the source VLC AP;

[0198] b) The signal strength of the target VLC AP is less than the first threshold.

[0199] Step 604: The source VLC AP sends a handover command to the terminal;

[0200] When switching to the target VLC AP, the switching command carries RRC configuration information, at least the ID of the target VLC AP and information required for the terminal to access the target VLC AP, so that the terminal can access the target VLC AP without reading the system message of the target VLC AP;

[0201] Step 605: The terminal establishes a connection with the RF AP or the target VLC AP.

[0202] Specifically, when step 602 is executed, the terminal establishes a connection with the target VLC AP; when step 603 is executed, the terminal establishes a connection with the RF AP.

[0203] Application Example 2

[0204] The application scenario of this application embodiment is: in a heterogeneous network including VLC APs and RF APs, in a cell switching scenario, if the interference of the neighboring cell is measured to be strong, the global controller also needs to issue a shutdown command to notify other interfering VLC APs to shut down communication.

[0205] The switching method in the VLC heterogeneous network of this application embodiment is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0206] Step 700: The source VLC AP performs measurement configuration for the terminal, including reporting period, second threshold value, third threshold value, number N of signal strengths, etc.;

[0207] Step 701: The terminal reports a measurement report to the RF AP, where the measurement report is generated based on the signal strengths of all VLC APs measured by the terminal, where the signal includes a synchronization signal and / or a reference signal, etc., and the signal strength includes at least one of RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc.;

[0208] The measurement report includes N strongest signal strengths whose signal strength differences are less than a third threshold value and their corresponding VLC AP short addresses.

[0209] Step 702: After receiving the measurement report, the RF AP initiates a handover according to the decision condition, sends a handover command to the target VLC AP and the source VLC AP through the first interface, wherein the handover command carries the RRC configuration information, and sends a shutdown command to other VLC APs through the second interface;

[0210] Specifically, the judgment conditions include:

[0211] a) The signal strength of the target VLC AP is greater than that of the source VLC AP;

[0212] b) The signal strength of the target VLC AP is greater than or equal to a second threshold;

[0213] c) The signal strength difference between other VLC APs and the target VLC AP is less than the third threshold.

[0214] Step 703: After receiving the measurement report, the RF AP initiates a handover according to the decision condition, sends a handover command to the source VLCAP through the first interface, turns on RF downlink, and sends a synchronization signal to the terminal;

[0215] Specifically, the judgment conditions include:

[0216] a) The signal strength of the target VLC AP is greater than that of the source VLC AP

[0217] b) The signal strength of the target VLC AP is less than the second threshold.

[0218] Step 704: The source VLC AP sends a handover command to the terminal;

[0219] Here, when switching to the target VLC AP, the switching command carries RRC configuration information, at least the ID of the target VLC AP and the information required for the terminal to access the target VLC AP, so that the terminal can access the target VLC AP without reading the system message of the target VLC AP.

[0220] Step 705: The terminal establishes a connection with the RF AP or the target VLC AP.

[0221] Specifically, when step 702 is executed, the terminal establishes a connection with the target VLC AP; when step 703 is executed, the terminal establishes a connection with the RF AP.

[0222] Application Example 3

[0223] The application scenario of this application embodiment is: multi-connection cell switching. Among them, multi-connection technology refers to providing users with data or signaling transmission methods by using the wireless resources of multiple cells. It includes both multi-connections within the same standard and multi-standard multi-connections, which can effectively meet different application scenarios. In this application example, VLC-VLC and VLC-RF dual connections are taken as examples to introduce the detailed switching process.

[0224] The switching method in the VLC heterogeneous network of this application embodiment is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0225] Step 800: The source VLC AP performs measurement configuration for the terminal, including a reporting period, a fourth threshold value, a number N of signal strengths, etc.;

[0226] Step 801: The terminal reports a measurement report to the RF AP, where the measurement report is generated based on the signal strength of all VLC APs measured by the terminal and the UE capability, where the signal includes a synchronization signal and / or a reference signal, etc. The signal strength includes at least one of RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc. The UE capability includes whether to support RF and VLC downlink at the same time, whether to support dual connectivity, etc.

[0227] The measurement report includes N strongest signal strengths greater than a fourth threshold value and their corresponding VLCAP short addresses and UE capabilities.

[0228] Step 802: After receiving the measurement report, the RF AP initiates a handover according to the decision condition, and sends a handover command to the two target VLC APs and the source VLC AP through the first interface, wherein the handover command carries the RRC configuration information;

[0229] Specifically, the judgment conditions include:

[0230] a) The signal strengths of the two target VLC APs (i.e., target VLC AP 1 and VLC AP 2) are both greater than the source VLC AP;

[0231] b) The signal strengths of the two target VLC APs are both greater than or equal to a fourth threshold;

[0232] c) The UE supports dual connectivity, but does not support RF and VLC downlink at the same time.

[0233] Step 803: After receiving the measurement report, the RF AP initiates a handover according to the decision condition, sends a handover command to the source VLCAP and the target VLC AP 1 through the first interface, wherein the handover command carries the RRC configuration information, and turns on the RF downlink to send a synchronization signal to the terminal;

[0234] Specifically, the judgment conditions include:

[0235] a) The signal strength of the two target VLC APs is greater than that of the source VLC AP;

[0236] b) the signal strength of the target VLC AP (ie, target VLC AP 2) is less than a second threshold value;

[0237] c) The UE supports dual connectivity and supports both RF and VLC downlink.

[0238] Step 804: The source VLC AP sends a handover command to the terminal, wherein the handover command carries RRC configuration information, at least the ID of the target VLC AP and information required for the terminal to access the target VLC AP, so that the terminal can access the target VLC AP without reading a system message of the target VLC AP;

[0239] Step 805: The terminal establishes a connection with the RF AP and / or the target VLC AP.

[0240] Specifically, when step 802 is executed, the terminal establishes connections with two target VLC APs; when step 803 is executed, the terminal establishes connections with the RF AP and the target VLC AP (ie, target VLC AP 1).

[0241] It should be noted that: the switching command sent by the RF AP can be carried on signaling such as RRC or media access control element (MAC CE) through the first interface; accordingly, the shutdown command sent by the RF AP can be carried on signaling such as RRC or MAC through the second interface.

[0242] It can be seen from the above description that in the embodiment of the present application, the switching process is controlled by the RF AP, that is, which AP the terminal communicates with is determined by the RF AP, which can avoid conflicts and ensure latency.

[0243] In order to implement the method on the first access network device side of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides a connection switching device, which is set in the first access network device in the heterogeneous network, such as Fig. 9 As shown, the device comprises:

[0244] The first receiving unit 901 is used to receive first information reported by the terminal; the first information is generated based on at least the signal strength of the second access network device in the heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide the terminal with access in a first manner; the second access network device can provide the terminal with access in a second manner; the first manner is different from the second manner;

[0245] The determination unit 902 is used to determine the target access network device to which the terminal switches based on the first information.

[0246] In one embodiment, the target access device includes a first access network device or a second access network device; Fig. 9 As shown, the device may also include:

[0247] The first sending unit 903 is configured to send a switching command to a source second access network device, or to send a switching command to the source second access network device and a target second access network device.

[0248] In one embodiment, the determining unit 902 is specifically configured to:

[0249] Based on the first information and the decision condition, a target access network device to which the terminal switches is determined.

[0250] Here, in one embodiment, the decision conditions include:

[0251] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0252] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to a first threshold value;

[0253] The first sending unit 903 is used to send a switching command to the source second access network device and the target second access network device.

[0254] In one embodiment, the decision conditions include:

[0255] The signal strength of the candidate target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0256] The signal strength of the candidate target second access network device is less than a first threshold value;

[0257] The first sending unit 903 is used to send a switching command to the source second access network device.

[0258] In one embodiment, the first sending unit 903 is further configured to send a synchronization signal to the terminal.

[0259] In one embodiment, the decision conditions include:

[0260] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0261] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to a second threshold value;

[0262] The difference in signal strength between the other second access network devices among the at least two second access network devices and the target second access network device is less than a third threshold value;

[0263] The first sending unit 903 is configured to send a switching command to the source second access network device and to a target second access network device; and to send a closing command to the other second access network devices.

[0264] In one embodiment, the first information is generated based on the signal strength of the second access network device and the capability of the terminal; and the decision condition includes:

[0265] The signal strengths of at least two target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0266] The signal strengths of the at least two target second access network devices are both greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value;

[0267] The terminal supports multiple connections, and does not support a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode at the same time; the multiple connections include at least two connections;

[0268] The first sending unit 903 is used to send a switching command to the source second access network device and the at least two target second access network devices.

[0269] In one embodiment, the first information is generated based on the signal strength of the second access network device and the capability of the terminal; and the decision condition includes:

[0270] The signal strengths of at least two candidate target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0271] The signal strength of one of the at least two candidate target second access network devices is less than a fourth threshold value;

[0272] The terminal supports multiple connections, and simultaneously supports a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode; the multiple connections include at least two connections;

[0273] The first sending unit 903 is used to send a switching command to the source second access network device and at least one target second access network device.

[0274] Here, in one embodiment, the first sending unit 903 is further configured to send a synchronization signal to the terminal.

[0275] In actual application, the first receiving unit 901 and the first sending unit 903 can be implemented by a communication interface in a connected switching device, and the determining unit 902 can be implemented by a processor in a connected switching device.

[0276] In order to implement the method on the terminal side of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides a connection switching device, which is set in a terminal in a heterogeneous network, such as Fig.10 As shown, including:

[0277] A generating unit 1001, configured to generate first information based at least on a signal strength of a second access network device in a heterogeneous network;

[0278] The second sending unit 1002 is used to report first information to a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide a first mode of access to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second mode of access to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode.

[0279] In one embodiment, if Fig.10 As shown, the device may also include:

[0280] The second receiving unit 1003 is configured to receive a first switching command sent by a source second access network device and perform switching.

[0281] In one embodiment, the second receiving unit 1003 is further used to receive a synchronization signal sent by the first access network device.

[0282] In actual application, the generating unit may be implemented by a processor in a connected switching device; the second sending unit 1002 and the second receiving unit 1003 may be implemented by a processor in a connected switching device in combination with a communication interface.

[0283] In order to implement the method on the second access network device side of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides a connection switching processing device, which is set in the second access network device in the heterogeneous network, such as Fig.11 As shown, the device comprises:

[0284] The third receiving unit 1101 is used to receive a second switching command sent by a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide a first access mode to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second access mode to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode;

[0285] The third sending unit 1102 is used to send a first switching command to a terminal in a heterogeneous network; the first switching command is used to instruct the terminal to perform switching.

[0286] In actual application, the third receiving unit 1101 and the third sending unit 1102 can be implemented by a processor in a connected switching device in combination with a communication interface.

[0287] It should be noted that: the connection switching device provided in the above embodiment only uses the division of the above program modules as an example when performing connection switching. In actual applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the connection switching device provided in the above embodiment and the connection switching method embodiment belong to the same concept. The specific implementation process is detailed in the method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0288] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program module, and in order to implement the method of the first access network device side of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides a first access network device located in a heterogeneous network, such as Fig.12 As shown, the first access network device 1200 includes:

[0289] The first communication interface 1201 is capable of exchanging information with the second access network device and the terminal;

[0290] The first processor 1202 is connected to the first communication interface 1201 to implement information interaction with the second access network device and the terminal, and is used to execute the method provided by one or more technical solutions of the first access network device side when running the computer program. The computer program is stored in the first memory 1203.

[0291] Specifically, the first communication interface 1201 is used to receive first information reported by the terminal; the first information is generated based on at least the signal strength of the second access network device in the heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide the terminal with access in a first manner; the second access network device can provide the terminal with access in a second manner; the first manner is different from the second manner;

[0292] The first processor 1202 is configured to determine a target access network device for the terminal to switch based on the first information.

[0293] In one embodiment, the target access device includes a first access network device or a second access network device;

[0294] The first communication interface 1201 is further used to send a switching command to the source second access network device, or to send a switching command to the source second access network device and the target second access network device.

[0295] In one embodiment, the first processor 1202 is specifically configured to:

[0296] Based on the first information and the decision condition, a target access network device to which the terminal switches is determined.

[0297] Here, in one embodiment, the decision conditions include:

[0298] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0299] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to a first threshold value;

[0300] The first communication interface 1201 is used to send a switching command to a source second access network device and a target second access network device.

[0301] In one embodiment, the decision conditions include:

[0302] The signal strength of the candidate target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0303] The signal strength of the candidate target second access network device is less than a first threshold value;

[0304] The first communication interface 1201 is used to send a switching command to the source second access network device.

[0305] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 1201 is further used to send a synchronization signal to the terminal.

[0306] In one embodiment, the decision conditions include:

[0307] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0308] The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to a second threshold value;

[0309] The difference in signal strength between the other second access network devices among the at least two second access network devices and the target second access network device is less than a third threshold value;

[0310] The first communication interface 1201 is used to send a switching command to the source second access network device and to the target second access network device; and to send a closing command to the other second access network devices.

[0311] In one embodiment, the first information is generated based on the signal strength of the second access network device and the capability of the terminal; and the decision condition includes:

[0312] The signal strengths of at least two target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0313] The signal strengths of the at least two target second access network devices are both greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value;

[0314] The terminal supports multiple connections, and does not support a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode at the same time; the multiple connections include at least two connections;

[0315] The first communication interface 1201 is used to send a switching command to the source second access network device and the at least two target second access network devices.

[0316] In one embodiment, the first information is generated based on the signal strength of the second access network device and the capability of the terminal; and the decision condition includes:

[0317] The signal strengths of at least two candidate target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device;

[0318] The signal strength of one of the at least two candidate target second access network devices is less than a fourth threshold value;

[0319] The terminal supports multiple connections, and simultaneously supports a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode; the multiple connections include at least two connections;

[0320] The first communication interface 1201 is used to send a switching command to the source second access network device and at least one target second access network device.

[0321] Here, in one embodiment, the first communication interface 1201 is further used to send a synchronization signal to the terminal.

[0322] It should be noted that the specific processing process of the first processor 1202 and the first communication interface 1201 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0323] Of course, in actual application, the various components in the first access network device 1200 are coupled together through the bus system 1204. It can be understood that the bus system 1204 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 1204 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, Fig.12Various buses are labeled as bus system 1204.

[0324] The first memory 1203 in the embodiment of the present application is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the first access network device 1200. Examples of such data include: any computer program used to operate on the first access network device 1200.

[0325] The method disclosed in the above embodiment of the present application can be applied to the first processor 1202, or implemented by the first processor 1202. The first processor 1202 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the first processor 1202 or an instruction in the form of software. The above-mentioned first processor 1202 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP, Digital Signal Processor), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The first processor 1202 can implement or execute the various methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. In combination with the steps of the method disclosed in the embodiment of the present application, it can be directly embodied as a hardware decoding processor to execute, or it can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the first memory 1203, and the first processor 1202 reads the information in the first memory 1203 and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0326] In an exemplary embodiment, the first access network device 1200 can be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to execute the aforementioned method.

[0327] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method on the terminal side of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides a terminal located in a heterogeneous network, such as Fig.13As shown, the terminal 1300 includes:

[0328] The second communication interface 1301 is capable of exchanging information with the access network device;

[0329] The second processor 1302 is connected to the second communication interface 1301 to implement information interaction with the access network device, and is used to execute the method provided by one or more technical solutions of the terminal side when running the computer program. The computer program is stored in the second memory 1303.

[0330] Specifically, the second processor 1302 is configured to generate first information based at least on a signal strength of a second access network device in the heterogeneous network;

[0331] The second communication interface 1301 is used to report first information to a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide a first mode of access to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second mode of access to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode.

[0332] In one embodiment, the second communication interface 1301 is further used to receive a first switching command sent by a source second access network device and perform switching.

[0333] In one embodiment, the second communication interface 1301 is further used to receive a synchronization signal sent by the first access network device.

[0334] It should be noted that the specific processing process of the second processor 1302 and the second communication interface 1302 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0335] Of course, in actual application, the various components in the terminal 1300 are coupled together through the bus system 1304. It can be understood that the bus system 1304 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 1304 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, Fig.13 Various buses are labeled as bus system 1304.

[0336] The second memory 1303 in the embodiment of the present application is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the terminal 1300. Examples of such data include: any computer program used to operate on the terminal 1300.

[0337] The method disclosed in the above embodiment of the present application can be applied to the second processor 1302, or implemented by the second processor 1302. The second processor 1302 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the hardware integrated logic circuit or software instructions in the second processor 1302. The above-mentioned second processor 1302 may be a general-purpose processor, DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The second processor 1302 can implement or execute the various methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. In combination with the steps of the method disclosed in the embodiment of the present application, it can be directly embodied as a hardware decoding processor to execute, or it can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the second memory 1303, and the second processor 1302 reads the information in the second memory 1303 and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0338] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal 1300 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, Microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0339] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program module, and in order to implement the method of the second access network device side of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides a second access network device located in a heterogeneous network, such as Fig.14 As shown, the second access network device 1400 includes:

[0340] The third communication interface 1401 is capable of exchanging information with the first access network device and the terminal;

[0341] The third processor 1402 is connected to the third communication interface 1401 to implement information interaction with the first access network device and the terminal, and is used to execute the method provided by one or more technical solutions of the second access network device side when running the computer program. The computer program is stored in the third memory 1403.

[0342] Specifically, the third communication interface 1402 is used to receive a second switching command sent by a first access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide a first mode of access to the terminal; the second access network device can provide a second mode of access to the terminal; the first mode is different from the second mode; and to send a first switching command to the terminal in the heterogeneous network; the first switching command is used to instruct the terminal to switch.

[0343] Of course, in actual application, the various components in the second access network device 1400 are coupled together through the bus system 1404. It can be understood that the bus system 1404 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 1404 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, Fig.14 Various buses are labeled as bus system 1404.

[0344] The third memory 1403 in the embodiment of the present application is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the second access network device 1400. Examples of such data include: any computer program used to operate on the second access network device 1400.

[0345] The method disclosed in the above embodiment of the present application can be applied to the third processor 1402, or implemented by the third processor 1402. The third processor 1402 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware or software instructions in the third processor 1402. The third processor 1402 mentioned above can be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The third processor 1402 can implement or execute the methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. In combination with the steps of the method disclosed in the embodiment of the present application, it can be directly embodied as a hardware decoding processor to execute, or it can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium, which is located in the third memory 1403. The third processor 1402 reads the information in the third memory 1403 and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0346] In an exemplary embodiment, the second access network device 1400 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general processors, controllers, MCUs, Microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0347] It can be understood that the memory (first memory 1203, second memory 1303, third memory 1403) of the embodiment of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, and can also include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic random access memory (FRAM), a ferromagnetic random access memory, a flash memory, a magnetic surface memory, an optical disc, or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); the magnetic surface memory can be a disk memory or a tape memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache.By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous static random access memory (SSRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), direct memory bus random access memory (DRRAM). The memory described in the embodiments of the present application is intended to include but is not limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0348] In order to implement the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides a connection switching processing system, such as Fig.15 As shown, the system includes: a first access network device 1501 and at least two second access networks 1502 and a terminal 1503.

[0349] Here, it should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the first access network device, the second access network 1502 and the terminal 1503 have been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0350] In an exemplary embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides a storage medium, namely a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium, for example, including a first memory 1203 storing a computer program, and the computer program can be executed by the first processor 1202 of the first access network device 1200 to complete the steps of the first access network device side method. For another example, a second memory 1303 storing a computer program is included, and the computer program can be executed by the second processor 1302 of the first terminal 1300 to complete the steps of the terminal side method. For another example, a third memory 1403 storing a computer program is included, and the computer program can be executed by the third processor 1402 of the second access network device 1400 to complete the steps of the second access network device side method. The computer-readable storage medium can be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disk, or CD-ROM.

[0351] It should be noted that: "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0352] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for processing connection switching, characterized in that: Terminals used in heterogeneous networks include: generating first information based at least on a signal strength of a second access network device in the heterogeneous network; Reporting first information to a first access network device in a heterogeneous network so that the first access network device determines a target access network device to which the terminal switches based on the first information and a decision condition; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide the terminal with access in a first manner; the second access network device can provide the terminal with access in a second manner; the first manner is different from the second manner; wherein, generating the first information based on the signal strength of the second access network device in the heterogeneous network and the capability of the terminal; The judgment conditions include: The signal strengths of at least two target second access network devices are both greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strengths of the at least two target second access network devices are both greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and does not support a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode at the same time; the multiple connections include at least two connections; The first access network device sends a switching command to the source second access network device and the at least two target second access network devices; or, The judgment conditions include: The signal strengths of at least two candidate target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of one of the at least two candidate target second access network devices is less than a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and simultaneously supports a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode; the multiple connections include at least two connections; The first access network device sends a switching command to the source second access network device and at least one target second access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first access method includes radio frequency access.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The second access method includes optical communication access.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A first switching command sent by the second source access network device is received, and switching is performed.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first switching command carries radio resource control RRC configuration information; the RRC configuration information is used for the terminal to access the target second access network device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first information includes at least one of the following: An identifier of the second access network device; Signal strength of the second access network device; The capabilities of the terminal.

7. A method for processing connection switching, characterized in that: A first access network device applied to a heterogeneous network includes: receiving first information reported by a terminal; the first information is generated based at least on a signal strength of a second access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide access to the terminal in a first manner; the second access network device can provide access to the terminal in a second manner; the first manner is different from the second manner; Determine the target access network device for the terminal to switch based on the first information; wherein, The determining, based on the first information, a target access network device for the terminal to switch to, includes: Based on the first information and the decision condition, determining a target access network device for the terminal to switch; The first information is generated based on the signal strength of the second access network device and the capability of the terminal; The judgment conditions include: The signal strengths of at least two target second access network devices are both greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strengths of the at least two target second access network devices are both greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and does not support a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode at the same time; the multiple connections include at least two connections; Sending a switching command to the source second access network device and the at least two target second access network devices; or, The judgment conditions include: The signal strengths of at least two candidate target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of one of the at least two candidate target second access network devices is less than a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and simultaneously supports a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode; the multiple connections include at least two connections; A switching command is sent to the source second access network device and at least one target second access network device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first access method includes radio frequency access.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The second access method includes optical communication access.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The target access device includes a first access network device or a second access network device; the method further includes: A switching command is sent to the source second access network device, or a switching command is sent to the source second access network device and the target second access network device.

11. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The judgment conditions include: The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to the first threshold value; Sending a switching command to a source second access network device and a target second access network device; or, The judgment conditions include: The signal strength of the candidate target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of the candidate target second access network device is less than the first threshold value; Send a switching command to the source second access network device.

12. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The judgment conditions include: The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; The signal strength of the target second access network device is greater than or equal to a second threshold value; The difference in signal strength between the other second access network devices among the at least two second access network devices and the target second access network device is less than a third threshold value; A switching command is sent to the source second access network device and to the target second access network device; and a closing command is sent to the other second access network devices.

13. A connection switching processing device, characterized in that: The terminals set up in the heterogeneous network include: A generating unit, configured to generate first information based at least on a signal strength of a second access network device in a heterogeneous network; The second sending unit is used to report first information to a first access network device in a heterogeneous network, so that the first access network device determines the target access network device to which the terminal switches based on the first information and the decision condition; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide the terminal with access in a first manner; the second access network device can provide the terminal with access in a second manner; the first manner is different from the second manner; wherein, generating the first information based on the signal strength of the second access network device in the heterogeneous network and the capability of the terminal; The judgment conditions include: The signal strengths of at least two target second access network devices are both greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strengths of the at least two target second access network devices are both greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and does not support a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode at the same time; the multiple connections include at least two connections; The first access network device sends a switching command to the source second access network device and the at least two target second access network devices; or, The judgment conditions include: The signal strengths of at least two candidate target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of one of the at least two candidate target second access network devices is less than a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and simultaneously supports a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode; the multiple connections include at least two connections; The first access network device sends a switching command to the source second access network device and at least one target second access network device.

14. A connection switching processing device, characterized in that: A first access network device provided in a heterogeneous network includes: A first receiving unit is configured to receive first information reported by a terminal; the first information is generated based at least on a signal strength of a second access network device in a heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide access to the terminal in a first manner; the second access network device can provide access to the terminal in a second manner; the first manner is different from the second manner; A determination unit, configured to determine a target access network device for the terminal to switch based on the first information; wherein: The determining unit is specifically configured to determine a target access network device to be switched by the terminal based on the first information and the decision condition; The first information is generated based on the signal strength of the second access network device and the capability of the terminal; and the decision condition includes: The signal strengths of at least two target second access network devices are both greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strengths of the at least two target second access network devices are both greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and does not support a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode at the same time; the multiple connections include at least two connections; Sending a switching command to the source second access network device and the at least two target second access network devices; or, The judgment conditions include: The signal strengths of at least two candidate target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of one of the at least two candidate target second access network devices is less than a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and simultaneously supports a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode; the multiple connections include at least two connections; A switching command is sent to the source second access network device and at least one target second access network device.

15. A terminal, characterized in that: Located in a heterogeneous network, comprising: a second communication interface and a second processor; wherein, The second processor is configured to generate first information based at least on a signal strength of a second access network device in the heterogeneous network; The second communication interface is used to report first information to a first access network device in a heterogeneous network, so that the first access network device determines the target access network device to which the terminal switches based on the first information and the judgment condition; the first information is used by the first access network device to switch the terminal; the first access network device can provide the terminal with access in a first manner; the second access network device can provide the terminal with access in a second manner; the first manner is different from the second manner; wherein, generating the first information based on the signal strength of the second access network device in the heterogeneous network and the capability of the terminal; The judgment conditions include: The signal strengths of at least two target second access network devices are both greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strengths of the at least two target second access network devices are both greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and does not support a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode at the same time; the multiple connections include at least two connections; The first access network device sends a switching command to the source second access network device and the at least two target second access network devices; or, The judgment conditions include: The signal strengths of at least two candidate target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of one of the at least two candidate target second access network devices is less than a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and simultaneously supports a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode; the multiple connections include at least two connections; The first access network device sends a switching command to the source second access network device and at least one target second access network device.

16. A first access network device, characterized in that: Located in a heterogeneous network, comprising: a first communication interface and a first processor; wherein, The first communication interface is used to receive first information reported by the terminal; the first information is generated based on at least the signal strength of a second access network device in the heterogeneous network; the first access network device can provide the terminal with access in a first manner; the second access network device can provide the terminal with access in a second manner; the first manner is different from the second manner; The first processor is used to determine the target access network device for the terminal to switch based on the first information; wherein, The first processor is specifically configured to determine a target access network device to be switched by the terminal based on the first information and the decision condition; The first information is generated based on the signal strength of the second access network device and the capability of the terminal; and the decision condition includes: The signal strengths of at least two target second access network devices are both greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strengths of the at least two target second access network devices are both greater than or equal to a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and does not support a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode at the same time; the multiple connections include at least two connections; The first communication interface is used to send a switching command to the source second access network device and the at least two target second access network devices; or, The judgment conditions include: The signal strengths of at least two candidate target second access network devices are greater than the signal strength of the source second access network device; the signal strength of one of the at least two candidate target second access network devices is less than a fourth threshold value; The terminal supports multiple connections, and simultaneously supports a downlink connection of a first mode and a downlink connection of a second mode; the multiple connections include at least two connections; The first communication interface is used to send a switching command to the source second access network device and at least one target second access network device.

17. A terminal, characterized in that: Located in a heterogeneous network, comprising: a second processor and a second memory for storing a computer program that can be run on the processor, Wherein, when the second processor is used to run the computer program, it executes the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

18. A first access network device, characterized in that: Located in a heterogeneous network, comprising: a first processor and a first memory for storing a computer program that can be run on the processor, Wherein, when the first processor is used to run the computer program, the steps of the method described in any one of claims 7 to 12 are executed.

19. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

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