A communication method, apparatus, and related device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, device and related equipment. Wherein, the terminal device receives a first message, the first message is used for requesting the wireless capability of the terminal device. The terminal device sends a second message, the second message is used for indicating the wireless capability of the terminal device, and the wireless capability of the terminal device includes that the terminal device does not support connecting EPC through E-UTRA. It can be seen that when the terminal device does not support accessing EPC through E-UTRA, the terminal device will indicate through the second message that the current wireless capability of the terminal device is not supporting EUTRA-EPC, thereby avoiding that the radio access network device mistakenly redirects the terminal device to the network which the terminal device does not support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus and related equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless communication systems, the network side needs to know the capabilities of terminal devices and perform appropriate scheduling based on these capabilities to ensure correct data processing. The capabilities of a terminal device can be carried in its capability information and sent to the network side during the terminal device's registration process. The capabilities of a terminal device mainly include two aspects: its wireless capabilities and its core network capabilities. The wireless capabilities of a terminal device include its radio frequency (RF) capabilities and the capabilities supported by various protocol layers in the access layer. The wireless capabilities of a terminal device are differentiated by different radio access technology types (RAT-type). For example, when the RAT-type is New Radio (NR), the terminal device's wireless capabilities are NR wireless capabilities. When the RAT-type is Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Technology (EUTRA), the terminal device's wireless capabilities are EUTRA wireless capabilities.

[0003] When the wireless capabilities of a terminal device change, the following situation may occur: the terminal device still reports its wireless capabilities according to the existing process, but the actual wireless capabilities of the terminal device may not match the wireless capabilities reported by the terminal device, thereby affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and related equipment. The communication method can keep the wireless capabilities reported by the terminal device synchronized with the actual wireless capabilities supported by the terminal device.

[0005] Firstly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. A terminal device receives a first message requesting its wireless capabilities. The terminal device then sends a second message indicating its wireless capabilities, including the terminal device's lack of support for connecting to EPC via E-UTRA. Therefore, when the terminal device does not support EPC access via E-UTRA, the second message explicitly indicates that its current wireless capability does not support EPC, preventing the wireless access network device from mistakenly redirecting or switching the terminal device to a network it does not support, thus avoiding service interruption and impacting user experience. Furthermore, when the terminal device supports 5GC connection via E-UTRA, after disabling the EPC capability or S1 mode, the terminal device can report support for EPC-5GC but not for EPC. In this case, the wireless access network device can still redirect or switch the terminal device to the EPC-5GC network, which helps ensure user experience and service continuity.

[0006] In one possible design, the terminal device determines that it supports connecting to the 5G core network 5GC via E-UTRA, but does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA. In other words, when the terminal device supports EUTRA-5GC, enabling the EUTRA-EPC capability will not affect the terminal device's EUTRA-5GC capability.

[0007] In one possible design, when the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA but does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA, the terminal device sends a second message. This second message includes a first radio capability element but does not include an E-UTRA radio capability element. Therefore, the terminal device adds a first radio capability element to the second message, which indicates that the terminal device supports EUTRA-5GC. Furthermore, the terminal device reports the first radio capability element to the radio access network device but does not report the E-UTRA radio capability element, thus informing the radio access network device that the terminal device supports EUTRA-5GC but does not support EUTRA-EPC.

[0008] In one possible design, the terminal device's wireless capabilities further indicate that the terminal device supports 5GC connectivity via E-UTRA. Therefore, when the terminal device supports EUTRA-5GC, its E-UTRA wireless capabilities can be divided into EUTRA-5GC capabilities and EUTRA-EPC capabilities.

[0009] In one possible design, the terminal device disables the E-UTRA capability for connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA, while retaining the E-UTRA capability for connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA. Therefore, when the terminal device supports EUTRA-5GC, disabling the EUTRA-EPC capability will not affect the terminal device's EUTRA-5GC capability.

[0010] In one possible design, the terminal device's E-UTRA capabilities include a first E-UTRA capability and a second E-UTRA capability. When the terminal device deactivates its ability to connect to the EPC via E-UTRA while retaining its ability to connect to the 5GC via E-UTRA, the terminal device deactivates either the first or second E-UTRA capability. Therefore, the terminal device can add an identifier (first E-UTRA capability and second E-UTRA capability) to distinguish between its EUTRA-EPC and EUTRA-5GC capabilities.

[0011] In one possible design, the second message includes a first radio capability element, which indicates that the terminal device supports 5GC connectivity via E-UTRA.

[0012] In one possible design, the second message includes an E-UTRA radio capability element, which indicates that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA. The E-UTRA radio capability element also indicates that the terminal device supports connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA.

[0013] In one possible design, the terminal device sends a third message before receiving the first message. This third message indicates that the terminal device does not support S1 mode, which allows the terminal device to access the EPC network via E-UTRA using the S1 interface. Therefore, when the terminal device determines to disable S1 mode or disables EUTRA-EPC capabilities, the third message reported by the terminal device will explicitly indicate to the core network device that the terminal device does not support S1 mode.

[0014] In one possible design, the third message is also used to indicate changes in the terminal device's radio capabilities. Therefore, when the terminal device determines to disable S1 mode or EUTRA-EPC capability, the NAS layer of the terminal device indicates to the AS layer that the EUTRA-EPC capability is disabled, triggering the terminal device to perform a radio capability update, and informing the network device of the radio capability change in the third message. For example, the third message could be a mobile registration update request message, which carries a radio capability update field.

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide another communication method. In this method, a wireless access network (WLAN) device sends a first message requesting the wireless capabilities of a terminal device. The WLAN device receives a second message indicating the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The wireless capabilities of the terminal device include that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA. Therefore, when the terminal device does not support accessing the EPC via E-UTRA, the terminal device will explicitly indicate through the second message that its current wireless capability does not support E-UTRA-EPC, thereby preventing the WLAN device from mistakenly redirecting the terminal device to a network that the terminal device does not support.

[0016] In one possible design, the radio access network (RAN) device determines that the terminal device supports connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA. In response to the second message, the RAN device schedules the terminal device to connect to the 5GC. Therefore, when the RAN device determines that the terminal device does not support EUTRA-EPC, the RAN device will not schedule the terminal device to connect to the EPC.

[0017] In one possible design, the second message includes a first radio capability element, which indicates that the terminal device supports 5GC connectivity via E-UTRA.

[0018] In one possible design, the second message includes an E-UTRA radio capability element, which indicates that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA. The E-UTRA radio capability element also indicates that the terminal device supports connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA.

[0019] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive a first message requesting the wireless capabilities of a terminal device. The transceiver unit is also configured to send a second message indicating the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The wireless capabilities of the terminal device include that the terminal device does not support connecting to an EPC via E-UTRA.

[0020] In one possible design, the communication device further includes a processing unit. The processing unit determines whether the terminal device supports connecting to the 5G core network 5GC via E-UTRA and does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA.

[0021] In one possible design, when the terminal device supports E-UTRA connection to 5GC but does not support E-UTRA connection to EPC, the transceiver unit is used to send a second message. The second message includes the first radio capability information element but does not include the E-UTRA radio capability information element.

[0022] In one possible design, the terminal device's wireless capabilities further indicate that the terminal device supports 5GC connectivity via E-UTRA.

[0023] In one possible design, the processing unit is also used to deactivate the E-UTRA capability of connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA, while retaining the E-UTRA capability of connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA.

[0024] In one possible design, the E-UTRA capability of the terminal device includes a first E-UTRA capability and a second E-UTRA capability. The processing unit is used to enable or disable one of the first or second E-UTRA capabilities.

[0025] In one possible design, the second message includes a first radio capability element, which indicates that the terminal device supports 5GC connectivity via E-UTRA.

[0026] In one possible design, the second message includes an E-UTRA radio capability element, which is used to indicate that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA, and the E-UTRA radio capability element is also used to indicate that the terminal device supports connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA.

[0027] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to send a third message indicating that the terminal device does not support S1 mode. S1 mode refers to the terminal device using the S1 interface to access the EPC network via E-UTRA.

[0028] In one possible design, the third message is also used to indicate changes in the wireless capabilities of the terminal device.

[0029] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide another communication device, including a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is configured to send a first message requesting the wireless capabilities of a terminal device. The transceiver unit is also configured to receive a second message indicating the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The wireless capabilities of the terminal device include that the terminal device does not support connecting to an EPC via E-UTRA.

[0030] In one possible design, the communication device further includes a processing unit for determining whether the terminal device supports connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA. In response to the second message, the processing unit schedules the terminal device to access the 5GC.

[0031] In one possible design, the second message includes a first radio capability element, which indicates that the terminal device supports 5GC connectivity via E-UTRA.

[0032] In one possible design, the second message includes an E-UTRA radio capability element, which is used to indicate that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA, and the E-UTRA radio capability element is also used to indicate that the terminal device supports connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA.

[0033] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a terminal device. This terminal device can be a device or a chip or circuit disposed within a device. The terminal device includes units and / or modules for performing the communication method provided in any possible design of the first aspect described above, thus also achieving the beneficial effects of the communication method provided in the first aspect.

[0034] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a wireless access network device. This wireless access network device can be a device or a chip or circuit disposed within a device. The wireless access network device includes units and / or modules for performing the communication method provided in any possible design of the second aspect described above, thus also achieving the beneficial effects of the communication method provided in the second aspect.

[0035] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, the communication including a communication device or terminal equipment as provided in the third or fifth aspect, and a communication device or wireless access network equipment as provided in the fourth or sixth aspect.

[0036] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus including a processor. The processor is configured to be coupled to a memory, read instructions from the memory, and execute the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above, according to the instructions.

[0037] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium including a program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0038] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program or computer program product, including code or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0039] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a chip or chip system, the chip or chip system including at least one processor and an interface, the interface and at least one processor being interconnected via a circuit, the at least one processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to perform the methods described in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0040] The interfaces in the chip can be input / output interfaces, pins, or circuits, etc.

[0041] The chip system mentioned above can be a system on chip (SOC) or a baseband chip, etc. The baseband chip can include processors, channel encoders, digital signal processors, modems and interface modules, etc.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the chip or chip system described above in this application further includes at least one memory storing instructions. The memory can be an internal storage unit of the chip, such as a register or cache, or it can be a storage unit of the chip itself (e.g., read-only memory, random access memory, etc.). Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 2 In the embodiment, the second message sent by the terminal device carries indication information, and the indication information indicates that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA. This is a flowchart of the communication method.

[0046] Figure 4 Provided for the embodiments of this application Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the communication method when the second message sent by the terminal device in the embodiment adds a first wireless capability information element but does not include an E-UTRA wireless capability information element;

[0047] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a wireless access network device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0051] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0052] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "second" or "first" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0053] It should be understood that the terminology used in the description of the various examples herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various examples and the appended claims, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0054] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0055] It should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0056] It should also be understood that the term “comprising” (also referred to as “includes”, “including”, “comprises” and / or “comprising”) as used in this specification specifies the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0057] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] In wireless communication systems, the network needs to know the capabilities of terminal devices and perform appropriate scheduling based on those capabilities to ensure correct data processing. The capabilities of a terminal device can be carried in its capability information and sent to the network during the terminal device's registration process. When a terminal device's capabilities change, it can notify the network to update its recorded capability information through a mobile registration update procedure or a tracking area update (TAU) procedure.

[0059] The capabilities of terminal equipment mainly include the following two aspects: the terminal equipment's wireless capabilities and its core network capabilities. The wireless capabilities of the terminal equipment are those of concern to the access stratum (AS), transmitted over the radio interface. These include the terminal equipment's radio frequency capabilities (e.g., supported frequency points, frequency band combinations for carrier aggregation), and the capabilities supported by various protocol layers within the access stratum. The wireless capabilities of the terminal equipment are differentiated by different radio access technology types (RAT-type). For example, when the RAT-type is NR, the terminal equipment's wireless capabilities are NR wireless capabilities. When the RAT-type is evolved universal terrestrial radio access (EUTRA), the terminal equipment's wireless capabilities are EUTRA wireless capabilities. The core network capabilities of the terminal equipment are those of concern to the non-access stratum (NAS). For example, the S1 network capability of a terminal device refers to its ability to connect to the evolved packet core network (EPC) via the access network, while the N1 network capability refers to its ability to connect to the fifth-generation mobile communication core network (the 5G core network) via the access network. th The capabilities of generation core network (5GC).

[0060] Sometimes terminal devices, such as those used in fourth-generation mobile communications (the 4G), thWhen registration fails in a 4G network (e.g., 5 attach attempts) or TAU fails (e.g., 5 consecutive TAU failures on 4G), the terminal device will disable the EUTRA capability, meaning the terminal device will not support EUTRA. For terminal devices that support accessing the 5GC core network via EUTRA, disabling EUTRA should not affect the terminal's ability to access the 5GC core network via EUTRA (EUTRA-5GC capability); that is, the terminal device only disables the ability to access the EPC core network via EUTRA (EUTRA-EPC capability). However, since both EUTRA-EPC and EUTRA-5GC capabilities are reported to the network device through the same UE-EUTRA-Capability information element, if the terminal device still reports UE-EUTRA-Capability to the radio access network device, the radio access network device, upon receiving UE-EUTRA-Capability, will assume the terminal device still has EUTRA-EPC capability, potentially initiating a redirection or handover to EUTRA-EPC. This could cause the terminal device to be redirected or switched to an unsupported network, interrupting ongoing services and impacting user experience. Furthermore, when a terminal device is redirected or switched to an unsupported network, the terminal will fall back to the original network. At this time, the conditions for redirection or switching may be met again, and the network will instruct the terminal to redirect or switch to an unsupported network again, resulting in a ping-pong situation where the terminal service is frequently interrupted, which seriously affects the user experience.

[0061] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method ensures that the wireless capabilities reported by the terminal device to the wireless access network device are synchronized with the actual wireless capabilities supported by the terminal device, thereby preventing the wireless access network device from mistakenly redirecting the terminal device to a network that the terminal device does not support.

[0062] The communication method provided in this application embodiment is applied to, for example, Figure 1 This is shown in a 4G-5G interoperable network architecture. Figure 1 The 4G-5G interoperable network architecture shown includes terminal equipment, 4G access network (EUTRA), 5G access network (nextgeneration radio access network, NG-RAN), and operator network.

[0063] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). Terminal devices can be user interfaces (UEs), mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, vehicle-mounted terminal devices, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, wearable terminal devices, etc. Terminal devices can be fixed or mobile.

[0064] The access network provides network access functionality to authorized users in a specific area and can determine transmission tunnels of different qualities to transmit user data based on user level, service requirements, etc. The access network forwards control signals and user data between terminal equipment and the core network. The access network can include access network equipment (or access devices), such as base stations in LTE systems (eNB) or NR systems (NG-RAN), 3GPP later evolution base stations, access nodes in WiFi systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, etc. Base stations can be: macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, relay stations, or balloon stations, etc.

[0065] The operator network includes one or more of the following network elements: IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Unified Data Management (UDM), Policy Control Function (PCF), Session Management Function (SMF), PDN Gateway Control Plane (PGW-C), User Plane Function (UPF), PDN Gateway User Plane (PGW-U), Serving Gateway (SGW), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and Mobility Management Entity (MME). In other words, Figure 1 The 4G-5G interoperability network shown includes both 4G core network elements and 5G core network elements.

[0066] Figure 2 A communication method provided in this application embodiment, which is implemented by the interaction between a terminal device and a wireless access network device, includes the following steps:

[0067] 201. The wireless access network device sends a first message, which is used to request the wireless capabilities of the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first message.

[0068] The wireless capabilities of the terminal equipment include E-UTRA wireless capabilities. These E-UTRA capabilities are further divided into EUTRA-EPC and EUTRA-5GC capabilities. Specifically, EUTRA-EPC capability refers to the terminal equipment's support for connecting to EPC via E-UTRA. EUTRA-5GC capability refers to the terminal equipment's support for connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA. For example, in... Figure 1In the 4G-5G interoperability network shown, when the terminal device's E-UTRA radio capability includes both EUTRA-EPC and EUTRA-5GC capabilities, it means that the terminal device supports both EPC and 5GC connections via E-UTRA. It can be understood that as the network evolves, the terminal device's E-UTRA radio capability may also include EUTRA-6GC capability, meaning the terminal device supports connecting to the 6G core network via E-UTRA.

[0069] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the terminal device experiences an anomaly on 4G (e.g., the number of TAU attempts reaches 5). The terminal device disables the EUTRA capability and remains camped on the 5G network. The NAS layer of the terminal device instructs the AS layer to disable the EUTRA capability. This can be understood as a change in the terminal device's wireless capabilities. Specifically, when the terminal device supports EUTRA-5GC, the terminal device disables the EUTRA capability without affecting its ability to connect to 5GC via EUTRA. In other words, the terminal device disables the E-UTRA capability for connecting to EPC via E-UTRA, while retaining the E-UTRA capability for connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA.

[0070] In one implementation, the terminal device's E-UTRA capability includes a first E-UTRA capability and a second E-UTRA capability. When the terminal device disables its ability to connect to the EPC via E-UTRA while retaining its ability to connect to the 5GC via E-UTRA, specifically, the terminal device disables either the first or the second E-UTRA capability. In other words, this embodiment distinguishes between the terminal device's EUTRA-5GC and EUTRA-EPC capabilities, representing these two capabilities respectively using the first and second E-UTRA capabilities. This facilitates the radio access network device's differentiation between the terminal device's EUTRA-5GC and EUTRA-EPC capabilities.

[0071] In one implementation, the terminal device determines a change in radio capabilities and sends a third message before receiving the first message. Specifically, the terminal device sends a third message (e.g., a registration request message) to the core network, indicating that the terminal device does not support S1 mode. S1 mode refers to the terminal device accessing the EPC network via E-UTRA using the S1 interface. It can be understood that S1 mode indicates capabilities oriented towards the NAS layer. After receiving the third message, the core network can determine that the terminal device does not support S1 mode, thus confirming the change in the terminal device's radio capabilities.

[0072] Optionally, the third message can also be used to directly indicate changes in the radio capabilities of the terminal device. When the terminal device determines to disable the EUTRA capability or disable the S1 mode, the NAS layer of the terminal device indicates to the AS layer that the EUTRA capability is disabled, and the terminal device indicates the radio capability change to the core network equipment through the third message. For example, when the terminal device is currently operating in the 5G core network 5GC, the terminal device sends a registration request message to the 5GC. The NG-RAN-RAC value in the 5GS update type identifier of the registration request message is 1, that is, NG-RAN-RAC = 1, indicating that the radio capabilities of the terminal device have changed. Here, the 5GS update type identifier is a flag defined in the protocol. When the registration request message sent by the terminal device carries the 5GS update type identifier, it indicates that the radio capabilities of the terminal device have changed. Correspondingly, after receiving the registration request message, the access management equipment (e.g., AMF) in the 5G core network determines that the radio capabilities of the terminal device have changed and deletes the locally stored radio capabilities of the terminal device.

[0073] In one implementation, the AMF deletes the locally stored radio capabilities of the terminal device. After the terminal device completes the registration process in the 5G core network, the AMF sends initialization configuration information, which does not include the terminal device's radio capabilities. Correspondingly, the 5G access network device (e.g., NG-RAN) receives the initialization configuration information, which also does not include the terminal device's radio capabilities. To obtain the terminal device's radio capabilities, the NG-RAN sends a first message to the terminal device to query its radio capabilities.

[0074] 202, the terminal device sends a second message, which is used to indicate the wireless capabilities of the terminal device, and the wireless capabilities of the terminal device include that the terminal device does not support connecting to EPC via EUTRA; correspondingly, the wireless access network device receives the second message.

[0075] When a terminal device disables the EUTRA-EPC capability, in order to inform the radio access network device of the terminal device's current actual radio capabilities, the terminal device sends a second message to the radio access network device explicitly indicating that the terminal device does not support connecting to EPC via EUTRA. The specific indication methods include the following two:

[0076] Method 1: The second message sent by the terminal device includes a new indication message, which indicates that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA.

[0077] For example, the second message sent by the terminal device is UE Capability Information. The UE capabilities corresponding to the radio access technology are reported in the UE capability container (UE-CapabilityRAT-container) of the corresponding RAT, corresponding to different radio capability information elements. For example, the NR radio capability information element indicates the terminal device's NR radio capability, and the E-UTRA radio capability information element indicates the terminal device's E-UTRA radio capability. In Method 1, the terminal device adds indication information to the UE-EUTRA-Capability information element. This added indication information indicates that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA. For example, the UE-EUTRA-Capability information element carries 1 bit of indication information, indicating that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA. This method helps to avoid the radio access network device initiating a redirection or handover to the EUTRA-EPC when the terminal device disables the EUTRA-EPC capability, thus preventing service interruption and affecting user experience.

[0078] Optionally, in Method 1, the UE-EUTRA-Capability information cell carries E-UTRA radio capability parameters, and these parameters can be used to indicate the terminal device's EUTRA radio capability for connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA. It can be understood that the E-UTRA radio capability parameters are essentially AS layer parameters. With network evolution, for example, when the terminal device supports connecting to the 6GC via E-UTRA, the E-UTRA radio capability parameters are further used to indicate that the terminal device supports connecting to the 6GC via E-UTRA.

[0079] Method 2: The second message sent by the terminal device includes the first radio capability information element but does not include the E-UTRA radio capability information element.

[0080] For example, the second message sent by the terminal device is UE Capability Information, which includes NR radio capability information (UE-NR-Capability information) and a first radio capability information. Furthermore, UE Capability Information does not include the UE-EUTRA-Capability information. That is, UE Capability Information only includes the newly added first radio capability information, excluding the original UE-EUTRA-Capability information. The first radio capability information carries E-UTRA radio capability parameters, which indicate that the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA. It can be understood that the E-UTRA radio capability parameters carried in the newly added first radio capability information in the second message include some or all of the E-UTRA radio capability parameters from the original UE-EUTRA-Capability information. Alternatively, Method Two introduces a new type of UE radio capability container. When the terminal device supports EUTRA-5GC, it reports its E-UTRA radio capability to the radio access network device within the EUTRA-5GC capability container, instead of reporting it in the original EUTRA capability container.

[0081] As can be seen, compared to Method 1, Method 2 is more advantageous in ensuring the compatibility of terminal devices and networks. For example, when a new terminal device connects to an older radio access network device, the new terminal device reports EUTRA-5GC capabilities through the first radio capability element, but does not report EUTRA capability elements. Since the older radio access network device does not recognize the first radio capability element, it will assume that the new terminal device does not support EUTRA capabilities, including EUTRA-EPC and EUTRA-5GC capabilities, thus avoiding redirection or switching of the new terminal device to the EUTRA-EPC network. Here, the aforementioned new terminal device refers to a terminal device using the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, or a terminal device that supports reporting the first radio capability element. The older radio access network device refers to a radio access network device that does not use the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, or a radio access network device that cannot recognize the first radio capability element.

[0082] This application provides a communication method in which a terminal device, in response to a first message requesting the terminal device's wireless capabilities, sends a second message. The second message indicates the terminal device's wireless capabilities, including the terminal device not supporting EPC connections via E-UTRA. Therefore, when the terminal device does not support EPC access via E-UTRA, the second message explicitly indicates that its current wireless capability does not support EPC, thus preventing the radio access network device from mistakenly redirecting or switching the terminal device to the EPC. Furthermore, when the terminal device supports 5GC connections via E-UTRA, after disabling the EPC capability or the S1 mode, the terminal device can report that it supports EPC-5GC but does not support EPC. In this case, the radio access network device can still redirect or switch the terminal device to the EPC-5GC network, which helps ensure user experience and service continuity.

[0083] The following is about Figure 2 The communication method of the embodiment is applied to Figure 1 The specific implementation method of the communication system shown will be described in detail.

[0084] In one example, Figure 3 for Figure 2 In this embodiment, the second message sent by the terminal device carries indication information, and this indication information indicates that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA. A flowchart illustrating the specific communication method is provided. For example, the radio access network device is NG-RAN and the 5G core network device is AMF. Figure 3 The method flow is implemented through the interaction between the terminal device, NG-RAN, and AMF, and includes the following steps:

[0085] 301. When a terminal device experiences an anomaly in a 4G network, the terminal device disables the EUTRA-EPC capability while retaining the EUTRA-5GC capability.

[0086] For example, if a terminal device attempts to attach to a 4G network five times, it will disable its EUTRA-EPC capability. After disabling EUTRA-EPC, the terminal device will select and camp on a 5G network.

[0087] 302. When the terminal device is camped on a 5G network, the terminal device executes the mobile registration process.

[0088] For example, the mobile registration process performed by a terminal device includes the following steps:

[0089] In step s11, the terminal device sends a registration request message (REGISTRATION REQUEST) to the AMF via NG-RAN. This message indicates that the terminal device does not support S1 MODE. The REGISTRATION REQUEST message also carries a radio capability change flag (i.e., a 5GS update type flag). Furthermore, the NG-RAN-RAC=1 flag in the 5GS update type indicates a change in the terminal device's radio capabilities.

[0090] Correspondingly, when the AMF receives a REGISTRATION REQUEST, since the REGISTRATION REQUEST carries a 5GSupdate type identifier, the AMF will delete the locally stored wireless capabilities of the terminal device.

[0091] s12, AMF sends a registration response message to the terminal device via NG-RAN, indicating that the terminal device has successfully registered.

[0092] 303. When the terminal device completes the mobile registration process, the AMF notifies the NG-RAN to establish an initial context.

[0093] For example, when the AMF and NG-RAN establish a context, the AMF sends an INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST to the NG-RAN, and the INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST does not carry the radio capabilities of the terminal device. In other words, the AMF does not send the radio capabilities of the terminal device to the NG-RAN, meaning that the NG-RAN does not have the radio capabilities of the terminal device.

[0094] 304, NG-RAN sends the first message, which is used to request the radio capabilities of the terminal equipment.

[0095] For example, NG-RAN sends a UECapabilityEnquiry message to the terminal device, which is used to query the terminal device's E-UTRA radio capabilities.

[0096] 305. In response to the first message, the terminal device sends a second message, which includes an E-UTRA radio capability information element and adds indication information to the E-UTRA radio capability information element. The added indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA. Correspondingly, the NG-RAN receives the second message.

[0097] In order to notify the NG-RAN terminal equipment to enable EUTRA-EPC capability while retaining EUTRA-5GC capability (i.e., the terminal equipment currently does not support EUTRA-EPC but supports EUTRA-5GC), the second message sent by the terminal equipment to the NG-RAN carries an E-UTRA radio capability information element (i.e., a UE-EUTRA-Capability information element). Furthermore, the UE-EUTRA-Capability information element includes a new indication that the terminal equipment does not support EUTRA-EPC. For example, the UE-EUTRA-Capability information element carries a 1-bit indication specifically for indicating that the terminal equipment does not support EUTRA-EPC. Further, the UE-EUTRA-Capability information element is also used to indicate that the terminal equipment supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA, including EUTRA radio capability parameters for connecting to 5GC via EUTRA. It should be understood that the above is only an example, and the specific implementation method is not limited in this embodiment.

[0098] 306. Based on the second message, NG-RAN determines that the terminal device does not support accessing EPC via EUTRA. In other words, in this embodiment, NG-RAN can clearly know that the terminal device's current actual radio capability does not support accessing EPC via EUTRA, so NG-RAN will not initiate redirection or handover to EUTRA-EPC.

[0099] Optionally, this example also includes the following steps:

[0100] 307. The NG-RAN transmits the UE radio capability indication information. This UE radio capability indication information includes the UE's current radio capabilities (i.e., the UE does not support EPC connection via E-UTRA, but supports ETURA radio capability for 5GC connection via E-UTRA). Correspondingly, the AMF receives the radio capability indication information.

[0101] 308. AMF updates the locally stored wireless capabilities of terminal devices. The updated locally stored wireless capabilities of terminal devices include ETURA wireless capabilities where the terminal device does not support E-UTRA connection to EPC, but supports E-UTRA connection to 5GC.

[0102] In this example, when the terminal device is able to achieve Figure 3 The method executed by the terminal device in this embodiment can also be implemented by the wireless access network device. Figure 3In the method executed by NG-RAN in this embodiment, the second message reported by the terminal device to the radio access network device includes an E-UTRA radio capability information element, and the E-UTRA radio capability information element contains newly added indication information. The newly added indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA. The radio access network device can identify the newly added identifier in the second message and determine that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA, thereby avoiding initiating a redirection or handover to the E-UTRA-EPC, thus avoiding service interruption and affecting user experience.

[0103] In another example, Figure 4 for Figure 2 In this embodiment, when the second message sent by the terminal device includes a newly added first radio capability element but does not include the E-UTRA radio capability element, the flowchart illustrates the specific communication method. Similar to... Figure 3 Taking NG-RAN as the radio access network equipment and AMF as the 5G core network equipment as an example, Figure 4 The method flow is implemented through the interaction between the terminal device, NG-RAN, and AMF, and includes the following steps:

[0104] 401. When a terminal device experiences an anomaly in a 4G network, the terminal device disables the EUTRA-EPC capability while retaining the EUTRA-5GC capability.

[0105] 402. When the terminal device is camped on a 5G network, the terminal device performs a mobile registration process.

[0106] 403. When the terminal device completes the mobile registration process, the AMF notifies the NG-RAN to establish an initial context.

[0107] 404, NG-RAN sends a first message, which is used to request the radio capabilities of the terminal device.

[0108] For the specific implementation of steps 401-404, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The descriptions in steps 301-304 of the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0109] 405. In response to the first message, the terminal device sends a second message, which includes the first radio capability information element but does not include the E-UTRA radio capability information element.

[0110] In this example, the second message (UE Capability Information) sent by the terminal device to the NG-RAN includes a newly added first radio capability element (e.g., named UE-EUTRA-5GC-Capability element). The UE Capability Information reported by the terminal device includes the UE-EUTRA-5GC-Capability element, but does not include the UE-EUTRA-Capability element itself. The UE-EUTRA-5GC-Capability element indicates that the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via EUTRA, and the UE-EUTRA-Capability element indicates that the terminal device supports connecting to EPC via EUTRA. It is understood that the above is merely an example, and the format and naming of the newly added first radio capability element are not limited in this embodiment. Furthermore, the scenario for adding this first radio capability element is not limited to the scenario where the terminal device disables E-UTRA in a 4G network. As long as the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via EUTRA, the terminal device can report the newly added first radio capability element to indicate the EUTRA-5GC radio capability supported by the terminal device.

[0111] 406. According to the second message, NG-RAN determines that the terminal device does not support accessing EPC via EUTRA.

[0112] Optionally, this example also includes the following steps:

[0113] 407. NG-RAN transmits UE RADIO CAPABILITY INFOINDICATION.

[0114] 408, AMF updates the locally stored wireless capabilities of terminal devices.

[0115] For the specific implementation of steps 406-408, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The descriptions in steps 306-308 of the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0116] The communication method in this example helps ensure compatibility between the terminal device and the network. For example, when the terminal device can implement... Figure 4 The method executed by the terminal device in this embodiment can also be implemented by the wireless access network device. Figure 4In the method executed by NG-RAN in the embodiment, the radio access network device can identify the newly added first radio capability information element in the second message and identify that the second message does not carry the UE-EUTRA-Capability information element, thereby determining that the terminal device does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA and only supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA, thus avoiding initiating redirection or handover to EUTRA-EPC. Furthermore, when the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA, after the terminal device disables the EUTRA-EPC capability or disables S1 mode, the terminal device can report support for EUTRA-5GC capability. At this time, the radio access network device can still redirect or handover the terminal device to the EUTRA-5GC network, which helps ensure user experience and service continuity.

[0117] For example, when the terminal device can achieve Figure 4 The method executed by the terminal device in this embodiment cannot be implemented by the wireless access network device. Figure 4 In the method executed by NG-RAN in the embodiment, although the radio access network device cannot recognize the newly added first radio capability information element in the second message, since the terminal device does not report the UE-EUTRA-Capability information element, the radio access network device determines that the terminal device does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA, thereby avoiding initiating a redirection or handover to EUTRA-EPC, thus avoiding service interruption and affecting user experience.

[0118] The above text combined Figures 2 to 4 The communication method of the embodiments of this application is described in detail below. Figures 5 to 8 This application describes in detail the communication device and related equipment according to embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that... Figures 5 to 8 The communication device and related equipment shown can achieve Figures 2 to 4 The steps shown in the method flow are one or more. To avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail here.

[0119] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 The communication device shown is used to achieve the above. Figures 2 to 4 The method executed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiment. The communication device includes a transceiver unit 501. The transceiver unit 501 is configured to receive a first message requesting the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The transceiver unit 501 is also configured to send a second message indicating the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The wireless capabilities of the terminal device include that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA.

[0120] In one implementation, the communication device further includes a processing unit 502. The processing unit 502 is used to determine whether the terminal device supports connecting to the 5G core network 5GC via E-UTRA, and does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA.

[0121] In one implementation, when the terminal device supports E-UTRA connection to 5GC but does not support E-UTRA connection to EPC, the transceiver unit 501 is used to send a second message. The second message includes a first radio capability information element but does not include an E-UTRA radio capability information element.

[0122] In one implementation, the terminal device's wireless capabilities further indicate that the terminal device supports 5GC connectivity via E-UTRA.

[0123] In one implementation, the processing unit 502 is further configured to deactivate the E-UTRA capability connected to the EPC via E-UTRA, while retaining the E-UTRA capability connected to the 5GC via E-UTRA.

[0124] In one implementation, the E-UTRA capability of the terminal device includes a first E-UTRA capability and a second E-UTRA capability. The processing unit 502 is used to enable one of the first or second E-UTRA capabilities.

[0125] In one implementation, the second message includes a first radio capability element, which indicates that the terminal device supports 5GC connectivity via E-UTRA.

[0126] In one implementation, the second message includes an E-UTRA radio capability element, which is used to indicate that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA, and the E-UTRA radio capability element is also used to indicate that the terminal device supports connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA.

[0127] In one implementation, the transceiver unit 501 is further configured to send a third message indicating that the terminal device does not support S1 mode. S1 mode refers to the terminal device using the S1 interface to access the EPC network via E-UTRA.

[0128] In one implementation, the third message is also used to indicate changes in the wireless capabilities of the terminal device.

[0129] In one implementation, Figure 5 The functions implemented by each unit in the process can be achieved through transceivers and processors. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. This terminal device can be capable of executing... Figures 2 to 4The device (e.g., a chip) for the communication method in the illustrated embodiment. The terminal device may include a transceiver 601, at least one processor 602, and a memory 603. The transceiver 601, processor 602, and memory 603 may be interconnected via one or more communication buses, or in other ways.

[0130] Transceiver 601 can be used to send or receive data. It is understood that transceiver 601 is a general term and can include both receivers and transmitters.

[0131] The processor 602 can be used to process data from the terminal device. The processor 602 may include one or more processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), hardware chips, or any combination thereof. If the processor 602 is a CPU, the CPU can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0132] The memory 603 is used to store program code, etc. The memory 603 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The memory 603 may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD); the memory 603 may also include combinations of the above types of memory.

[0133] The processor 602 and memory 603 can be coupled through an interface or integrated together; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0134] The transceiver 601 and processor 602 described above can be used to perform Figures 2 to 4 The communication method in the illustrated embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0135] Transceiver 601 is used to receive a first message, which is used to request the wireless capabilities of the terminal device.

[0136] Transceiver 601 is also used to send a second message indicating the wireless capabilities of the terminal device, including whether the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA.

[0137] For other implementation methods, please refer to... Figure 5 The corresponding descriptions in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0138] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 The communication device shown is used to achieve the above. Figures 2 to 4 The method performed by the wireless access network device in the illustrated embodiment. The communication apparatus includes a transceiver unit 701. The transceiver unit 701 is configured to send a first message requesting wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The transceiver unit 701 is also configured to receive a second message indicating the wireless capabilities of the terminal device, including whether the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA.

[0139] In one implementation, the communication device further includes a processing unit 702. The processing unit 702 is used to determine whether the terminal device supports connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA, and in response to the second message, to schedule the terminal device to access the 5GC.

[0140] In one implementation, the second message includes a first radio capability element, which indicates that the terminal device supports 5GC connectivity via E-UTRA.

[0141] In one implementation, the second message includes an E-UTRA radio capability element, which is used to indicate that the terminal device does not support connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA, or the E-UTRA radio capability element is also used to indicate that the terminal device supports connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA.

[0142] In one implementation, Figure 7 The functions implemented by each unit in the process can be achieved through transceivers and processors. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a wireless access network device provided in an embodiment of this application. The wireless access network device can be capable of performing... Figures 2 to 4 The device (e.g., a chip) for the communication method in the illustrated embodiment. This wireless access network device may include a transceiver 801, at least one processor 802, and a memory 803. The transceiver 801, processor 802, and memory 803 may be interconnected via one or more communication buses, or in other ways.

[0143] Transceiver 801 can be used to send or receive data. It is understood that transceiver 801 is a general term and can include both receivers and transmitters.

[0144] The processor 802 can be used to process data from the terminal device. The processor 802 may include one or more processors, such as one or more CPUs, NPs, hardware chips, or any combination thereof. If the processor 802 is a CPU, the CPU can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0145] The memory 803 is used to store program code, etc. The memory 803 may include volatile memory, such as RAM. The memory 803 may also include non-volatile memory, such as ROM, flash memory, HDD, or SSD. The memory 803 may also include combinations of the above types of memory.

[0146] The processor 802 and memory 803 can be coupled through an interface or integrated together; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0147] The transceiver 801 and processor 802 described above can be used to execute Figures 2 to 4 The communication method in the illustrated embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0148] Transceiver 801 is used to send a first message, the first message being used to request the wireless capability of the terminal device;

[0149] Transceiver 801 is also used to receive a second message, which indicates the wireless capabilities of the terminal device, including that the terminal device does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA.

[0150] For other implementation methods, please refer to... Figure 7 The corresponding descriptions in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0151] This application provides an apparatus including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory, reads instructions from the memory, and executes instructions such as... Figures 2 to 4 The communication method in the illustrated embodiment.

[0152] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method described in this application.

[0153] This application provides a chip or chip system, which includes at least one processor and an interface. The interface and the at least one processor are interconnected via a circuit. The at least one processor is used to run computer programs or instructions to perform the communication method described in this application.

[0154] The interfaces in the chip can be input / output interfaces, pins, or circuits, etc.

[0155] The chip system mentioned above can be a system on chip (SOC) or a baseband chip, etc. The baseband chip can include processors, channel encoders, digital signal processors, modems and interface modules, etc.

[0156] In one implementation, the chip or chip system described above in this application further includes at least one memory, which stores instructions. The memory can be an internal storage unit of the chip, such as a register or cache, or it can be a storage unit of the chip itself (e.g., read-only memory, random access memory, etc.).

[0157] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0158] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0159] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: When a terminal device determines that its wireless capability has changed, the terminal device sends a third message to the core network device. The third message indicates that the terminal device's wireless capability has changed and is used to trigger the deletion of the terminal device's wireless capability stored locally by the core network device. The terminal device receives a first message sent by the radio access network device. The first message is used to request the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The first message is sent by the radio access network device when it receives initialization configuration information sent by the core network device, and the initialization configuration information does not include the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The terminal device sends a second message to the radio access network device. The second message is used to indicate the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The wireless capabilities of the terminal device include that the terminal device does not support connecting to the evolved packet core network (EPC) via Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA). The second message includes a first wireless capability element but does not include an E-UTRA wireless capability element. The first wireless capability element is used to indicate that the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA. The E-UTRA wireless capability element is used to indicate the E-UTRA wireless capabilities of the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device determines that it supports connecting to the 5G core network 5GC via E-UTRA, but does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The terminal device sends a second message to the wireless access network device, including: When the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA but does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA, the terminal device sends a second message to the wireless access network device.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wireless capabilities of the terminal device further indicate that the terminal device supports E-UTRA connection to 5GC.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device disables the E-UTRA capability for connecting to the EPC via E-UTRA, while retaining the E-UTRA capability for connecting to the 5GC via E-UTRA.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The terminal device's E-UTRA capability includes a first E-UTRA capability and a second E-UTRA capability; the terminal device's ability to disable E-UTRA connection to the EPC while retaining the ability to connect to the 5GC via E-UTRA includes: The terminal device enables one of the first E-UTRA capabilities or the second E-UTRA capability.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The third message is also used to indicate that the terminal device does not support S1 mode, which is the terminal device accessing the EPC network via E-UTRA using the S1 interface.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The wireless access network device receives initialization configuration information sent by the core network device, wherein the initialization configuration information does not include the wireless capabilities of the terminal device; The wireless capabilities of the terminal device stored locally by the core network device are deleted when a third message is received from the terminal device, wherein the third message indicates a change in the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The wireless access network device sends a first message to the terminal device, the first message being used to request the wireless capabilities of the terminal device; The wireless access network device receives a second message sent by the terminal device. The second message is used to indicate the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The wireless capabilities of the terminal device include that the terminal device does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA. The second message includes a first wireless capability information element but does not include an E-UTRA wireless capability information element. The first wireless capability information element is used to indicate that the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA. The E-UTRA wireless capability information element is used to indicate the E-UTRA wireless capabilities of the terminal device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The wireless access network device determines that the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA. In response to the second message, the wireless access network device schedules the terminal device to access 5GC.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver unit is used to determine the change in wireless capability and send a third message to the core network device. The third message indicates the change in the wireless capability of the terminal device and is used to trigger the deletion of the wireless capability of the terminal device stored locally by the core network device. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first message sent by the wireless access network device, the first message being used to request the wireless capability of the terminal device. The first message is sent by the wireless access network device when it receives initialization configuration information sent by the core network device, and the initialization configuration information does not include the wireless capability of the terminal device. The transceiver unit is further configured to send a second message to the radio access network device. The second message is used to indicate the radio capabilities of the terminal device. The radio capabilities of the terminal device include that the terminal device does not support connecting to the evolved packet core network (EPC) via Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA). The second message includes a first radio capability element but does not include an E-UTRA radio capability element. The first radio capability element is used to indicate that the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA. The E-UTRA radio capability element is used to indicate the E-UTRA radio capabilities of the terminal device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a processing unit, which is used to determine whether the terminal device supports connecting to the 5G core network 5GC via E-UTRA and does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The transceiver unit is used to send a second message, including: When the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA but does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA, the transceiver unit is used to send a second message to the wireless access network device.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The wireless capabilities of the terminal device further indicate that the terminal device supports E-UTRA connection to 5GC.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 13, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a processing unit, which is further configured to: Enable E-UTRA capability for connection to EPC via E-UTRA, while retaining E-UTRA capability for connection to 5GC via E-UTRA.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The terminal device's E-UTRA capability includes a first E-UTRA capability and a second E-UTRA capability; the processing unit is used to deactivate the ability to connect to the EPC via E-UTRA, while retaining the ability to connect to the 5GC via E-UTRA, including: Enable one of the first or second E-UTRA capabilities.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The third message is also used to indicate that the terminal device does not support S1 mode, which is the terminal device accessing the EPC network via E-UTRA using the S1 interface.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver unit is used to receive initialization configuration information sent by the core network equipment, wherein the initialization configuration information does not include the wireless capabilities of the terminal equipment; The wireless capabilities of the terminal device stored locally by the core network device are deleted when a third message is received from the terminal device, wherein the third message indicates a change in the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The transceiver unit is further configured to send a first message to the terminal device, the first message being used to request the wireless capabilities of the terminal device; The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second message sent by the terminal device. The second message is used to indicate the wireless capabilities of the terminal device. The wireless capabilities of the terminal device include that the terminal device does not support connecting to EPC via E-UTRA. The second message includes a first wireless capability information element but does not include an E-UTRA wireless capability information element. The first wireless capability information element is used to indicate that the terminal device supports connecting to 5GC via E-UTRA. The E-UTRA wireless capability information element is used to indicate the E-UTRA wireless capabilities of the terminal device.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a processing unit, the processing unit being used for: It is determined that the terminal device supports connection to 5GC via E-UTRA; In response to the second message, the terminal device is scheduled to access 5GC.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes the communication device as described in any one of claims 10 to 16, and the communication device as described in any one of claims 17 to 18.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Includes a program or instructions that, when run on a computer, execute the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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