A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and device, the method comprising: a terminal device sending a first message to a first network device in a first network. Wherein, when the terminal device only comprises a first subscriber identity module card, the first message comprises first capability information, the first capability information indicating a first time delay for switching; when the terminal device comprises the first subscriber identity module card and a second subscriber identity module card, the first message comprises second capability information, the second capability information indicating a second time delay for switching, the second time delay being greater than the first time delay; the time delay for switching being a time delay required by the terminal device for switching between different carriers in the first network. Through the method, the terminal device can adaptively report the time delay for switching, for example, when the terminal device only comprises one subscriber identity module card, a smaller first time delay can be reported; when the terminal device comprises two subscriber identity module cards, a larger second time delay can be reported, thereby improving the uplink transmission capability.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of communication technology, terminal devices with dual registration functionality have become widely used. These devices can support two Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, allowing simultaneous registration on two networks. When two SIM cards are in use, the terminal device needs to register with both networks. This can be achieved using dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) mode, employing time-division multiplexing (TDD) to utilize the radio frequency front-end (RF front-end) for service transmission on both networks. The terminal device can prioritize services based on network requirements. However, in DSDS mode, the terminal device can only transmit services with one network at a time; it cannot transmit with two networks simultaneously. While the terminal device can switch between different carriers at its maximum capacity, this can lead to resource contention, increased bit error rate, and higher latency.

[0003] To avoid the aforementioned drawbacks, dual SIM dual active (DSDA) mode can be used. In DSDA mode, the terminal device uses only a portion of the radio frequency resources to process service data for each network, allowing it to transmit services with two networks simultaneously. However, in DSDA mode, the handover latency increases due to limited radio frequency resources when the terminal device switches between different carriers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a communication method and apparatus to solve the problem of adaptively adjusting the switching latency of terminal devices in DSDA mode.

[0005] It should be understood that in the solutions provided in this application, the communication device can be a wireless communication device, or a component within a wireless communication device, such as a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or communication chip, or other integrated circuit products. The wireless communication device can be a computer device that supports wireless communication functions.

[0006] Specifically, wireless communication devices can be terminals such as smartphones or wireless access network devices such as base stations. A system-on-a-chip (SoC) is also called a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or simply a SoC chip. Communication chips may include baseband processing chips and radio frequency (RF) processing chips. The baseband processing chip is sometimes called a modem or baseband chip. The RF processing chip is sometimes called an RF transceiver or RF chip. In physical implementation, some or all of the communication chips may be integrated within the SoC chip. For example, the baseband processing chip may be integrated into the SoC chip, while the RF processing chip may not be integrated with the SoC chip.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method being applied to a terminal device supporting dual-SIM capability, comprising: the terminal device determining a first message; wherein, when the terminal device includes only a first User Identity Module Card (UIM), the first message includes first capability information, the first capability information indicating a handover delay as a first delay; when the terminal device includes both the first UIM and a second UIM, the first message includes second capability information, the second capability information indicating a handover delay as a second delay, the second delay being greater than the first delay; the handover delay being the delay required for the terminal device to switch between different carriers in a first network corresponding to the first UIM; and the terminal device sending a first message to a first network device in the first network.

[0008] In existing solutions, terminal devices with dual-SIM capabilities only report the minimum capability when reporting capabilities, such as reporting only the second latency each time. However, the method provided in this application allows terminal devices with dual-SIM capabilities to adaptively report capability information. For example, when the terminal device includes only one SIM card, it can report a smaller first latency; when it includes two SIM cards, it can report a larger second latency, thereby improving uplink transmission capabilities.

[0009] In one possible implementation, when the first message includes the first capability information, the delay for the terminal device to switch between the first carrier and the second carrier is the first delay.

[0010] Alternatively, when the first message includes the second capability information, the delay for the terminal device to switch between the first carrier and the second carrier is the second delay;

[0011] Wherein, the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers configured by the first network device for the terminal device.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first carrier is an uplink carrier, and the second carrier is an uplink carrier.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the terminal device sends a second message to a second network device in the second network corresponding to the second user identity recognition module card;

[0014] Wherein, when the terminal device includes only the first user identity module card, the second message includes third capability information, the third capability information indicating a third delay; when the terminal device includes the first user identity module card and the second user identity module card, the second message includes fourth capability information, the fourth capability information indicating a fourth delay, the fourth delay being greater than the third delay, and both the fourth delay and the third delay being the delay required for the terminal device to switch between different carriers in the second network.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first message is a capability information reporting message, which includes an uplink transmission channel switching interval field, and the uplink transmission channel switching interval field is used to carry the first capability information or the second capability information.

[0016] Secondly, this application also provides a communication device that implements any of the methods provided in the first aspect. This communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the terminal device in the methods described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface for supporting communication between the communication device and devices such as network devices.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0020] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, applied to a terminal device with dual-SIM capability, comprising: the terminal device sending first indication information to a first network device in a first network, the first indication information indicating a fifth delay; when the terminal device is in a connected state in the first network and the terminal device is in the connected state in a second network, the terminal device sending second indication information to the first network device; the second indication information indicating a sixth delay, the sixth delay being greater than the fifth delay, the fifth delay and the sixth delay being the delay required for the terminal device to switch between different carriers in the first network.

[0021] The method provided in this application enables a terminal device with dual SIM capability to switch between carriers with a smaller fifth delay when it is connected to only one network; and to switch between carriers with a larger sixth delay when the terminal device is connected to two networks, thereby achieving adaptive adjustment of switching capability and improving data transmission performance.

[0022] In one possible implementation, when the terminal device is in a connected state in the first network and in a disconnected state in the second network, the terminal device switches between a first carrier and a second carrier according to the fifth delay, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers configured by the first network device for the terminal device.

[0023] In one possible implementation, when the terminal device is in a connected state in the first network and the terminal device is in the connected state in the second network, the terminal device switches between the first carrier and the second carrier according to the sixth delay.

[0024] In one possible implementation, if the terminal device maintains the connection state in the first network and releases the connection with the second network, then the terminal device sends the first indication information to the first network device.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the first carrier is an uplink carrier, and the second carrier is an uplink carrier.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the first indication information or the second indication information is located in the uplink transmission channel switching interval field of the capability information reporting message.

[0027] Fourthly, this application also provides a communication device that implements any of the methods provided in the third aspect above. This communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing corresponding functions of the terminal device in the methods described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface for supporting communication between the communication device and devices such as network devices.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0031] Fifthly, a communication device is also provided, comprising: a processor and a memory;

[0032] The memory is used to store program instructions; the processor is used to execute the program instructions stored in the memory so that the communication device implements any of the possible design methods in any of the above aspects.

[0033] Sixthly, a communication device is also provided, including: a processor and an interface circuit;

[0034] The interface circuit is used to access a memory containing program instructions; the processor is used to access the memory through the interface circuit and execute the program instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device implements any of the possible design methods in any of the above aspects.

[0035] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is also provided, comprising: a processor and a memory;

[0036] The memory is used to store program instructions; the processor is used to execute the program instructions stored in the memory so that the communication device implements any of the possible design methods in any of the above aspects.

[0037] Eighthly, a communication device is also provided, comprising:

[0038] A processor and an interface circuit; wherein the interface circuit is used to access a memory in which program instructions are stored; the processor is used to access the memory through the interface circuit and execute the program instructions stored in the memory to enable the communication device to implement any of the possible design methods in any of the above aspects.

[0039] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may include: a storage unit for storing program instructions; and a processing unit for executing the program instructions in the storage unit to implement the method in any possible design of any of the foregoing multiple technical solutions.

[0040] The storage unit can be a memory, such as volatile memory, used to cache these program instructions, which can be loaded into this storage unit from other non-volatile memory during the execution of the data scheduling method. Alternatively, the storage unit can also be non-volatile memory integrated within the chip. The processing unit can be a processor, such as one or more processing cores of the chip.

[0041] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein computer-readable instructions are stored therein, which, when read and executed by a computer, cause a communication device to perform any of the methods described above in the possible design.

[0042] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, which, when read and executed by a computer, causes a communication device to perform a method in any possible design of any of the preceding aspects.

[0043] In a twelfth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip being connected to a memory for reading and executing a software program stored in the memory to implement the method in any possible design of any of the above aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of radio frequency resource occupancy provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of carrier switching provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of radio frequency resource occupancy provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of carrier switching provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of carrier switching provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of carrier switching provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The technical solutions provided in this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the system structures and business scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application are mainly for explaining some possible implementations of the technical solutions of this application and should not be construed as a unique limitation on the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with the evolution of the system and the emergence of newer business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application will still be applicable to the same or similar technical problems.

[0058] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to various wireless communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, NR systems and future wireless communication systems, and are not limited thereto.

[0059] A wireless communication system can include both devices that provide wireless network services and devices that use those services. Devices providing wireless network services refer to those that make up the wireless communication network; they can be simply called network equipment or network elements. Network equipment typically belongs to operators or infrastructure providers and is operated or maintained by these vendors. Network equipment can be further divided into radio access network (RAN) equipment and core network (CN) equipment. Typical RAN equipment includes base stations (BS).

[0060] It should be understood that a base station can sometimes be referred to as a radio access point (AP) or a transmission reception point (TRP). Specifically, a base station can be a generation Node B (gNB) in a 5G new radio (NR) system or an evolutionary Node B (eNB) in a 4G long term evolution (LTE) system. Depending on its physical form or transmit power, a base station can be classified as a macro base station or a micro base station. Micro base stations are sometimes also referred to as small base stations or small cells.

[0061] Devices using wireless network services are often simply referred to as terminal equipment. Terminal equipment establishes connections with network devices and provides specific wireless communication services to users based on the network devices' services. It should be understood that because terminal equipment has a closer relationship with users, it is sometimes also called user equipment (UE) or subscriber unit (SU). Furthermore, unlike base stations which are typically located in fixed locations, terminal equipment often moves with the user and is sometimes called a mobile station (MS). Additionally, some network devices, such as relay nodes (RNs) or wireless routers, may also be considered terminal equipment because they possess UE identity or belong to users.

[0062] Specifically, terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart glasses), and other devices with wireless access capabilities, such as smart cars, various Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including various smart home devices (such as smart meters and smart appliances) and smart city devices (such as security or monitoring equipment and smart road traffic facilities).

[0063] In this embodiment, the terminal device may have the ability to register on at least two networks, such as dual-network registration capability. That is, the terminal device can register on two networks simultaneously, for example... Figure 1 The diagram shows a network architecture applicable to embodiments of this application. Figure 1 In the first network, there is a first network device 101, and in the second network, there is a second network device 102. Terminal device 103 can be registered in both the first and second networks simultaneously. Terminal device 103 can attach to a cell in the first network device 101 according to first identity information and attach to a cell in the second network device 102 according to second identity information.

[0064] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device can support dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier, and carrier aggregation (CA) in any network.

[0065] The first network and the second network can belong to the same operator or different operators; the first network and the second network can belong to the same type of network, such as both being NR networks, or they can belong to different types of networks, such as the first network being an LTE network and the second network being an NR network.

[0066] In this application embodiment, "identity information" is a logical concept. "Identity information" can correspond to a subscriber identity module (SIM) card or contracted user information or a virtual SIM card or user identifier (such as an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) / temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI)), and is not limited to natural person users or physical terminals (mobile phones).

[0067] From the network's perspective, different "identity information" logically correspond to different communication entities served by the network. For example, a terminal device with dual registration functionality is considered two communication entities by the network. Similarly, when a "user" corresponds to a SIM card or subscribed user information, the network will identify two terminal devices with different SIM cards or different subscribed user information as two different communication entities, and will also identify the same terminal device with multiple different SIM cards or multiple subscribed user information as multiple different communication entities, even though in reality, a terminal device with multiple different SIM cards or multiple subscribed user information is only one physical entity.

[0068] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device may include multiple radio frequency transmission channels. For example, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 In this context, the terminal equipment includes a radio frequency (RF) module, a phase-locked loop (PLL), multiple antennas, and a baseband subsystem. The RF module may include RF transmit and receive channels, among other modules. For ease of description, Figure 2 The image only shows the RF transmit channel included in the RF module. The RF transmit channel may include modules such as a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), filters, power amplifiers (PA), and mixers. The baseband subsystem may also include one or more processing cores, as well as hardware accelerators (HACs) and buffers.

[0069] Figure 2 In this embodiment, each radio frequency transmission channel corresponds to a PLL. In practical applications, multiple radio frequency transmission channels can also share a PLL. This application does not limit this.

[0070] It should be understood that Figure 2 This is just an example. Figure 2 The terminal device shown in the image only includes the main components. The terminal device may also include other modules, such as memory, massive storage, etc.

[0071] The baseband subsystem can extract useful information or data bits from the baseband signal, or convert information or data bits into baseband signals to be transmitted. These information or data bits can represent user data such as voice, text, and video, or control information. For example, the baseband subsystem can perform signal processing operations such as modulation and demodulation, encoding and decoding. Different radio access technologies, such as 5G NR and 4G LTE, often have slightly different baseband signal processing operations. Therefore, to support the convergence of multiple mobile communication modes, the baseband subsystem can simultaneously include multiple processing cores or multiple HACs.

[0072] For the RF transmitting channel, the RF receiver in the RF transmitting channel transmits signals according to the local oscillator signal provided by the PLL in the following way: The RF transmitting channel can receive the baseband signal from the baseband subsystem. After the baseband signal is processed by the digital frequency converter, it can be converted into an analog signal by the digital to analog converter (DAC). The analog signal is then up-converted into an RF signal by the local oscillator signal by the mixer. The RF signal may be processed by the filter, the power amplifier (PA), and the filter. Finally, it is selected by the antenna switch and radiated outward from the selected antenna.

[0073] In this embodiment, the baseband subsystem can be a standalone chip, referred to as a modem chip. The hardware components of the baseband subsystem can be manufactured and sold on a modem chip basis. Modem chips are sometimes also referred to as baseband chips or baseband processors. Alternatively, the baseband subsystem can be further integrated into a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) chip, manufactured and sold on a SoC chip basis. The software components of the baseband subsystem can be built into the chip's hardware components before the chip leaves the factory, or they can be imported into the chip's hardware components from other non-volatile memory after the chip leaves the factory, or they can be downloaded and updated online via a network.

[0074] When a terminal device registers with two networks, if the DSDA method is used, the terminal device only uses a portion of the radio frequency resources to process service data from each network, allowing the terminal device to transmit services with both networks simultaneously. For example... Figure 3 As shown, assuming the terminal device includes two radio frequency transmission channels and two antennas, in order to implement DSDA, one radio frequency transmission channel and one antenna of the terminal device are used to process the signal corresponding to the first network to which SIM card 1 belongs, and the other radio frequency transmission channel and one antenna of the terminal device are used to process the signal corresponding to the second network to which SIM card 2 belongs.

[0075] In this embodiment, the terminal device supports uplink switching technology, which can also be called uplink transmitter (TX) switching. By employing uplink switching technology, the terminal device can perform uplink time-division data transmission on two carriers using time-division multiplexing (TDM). Uplink switching technology can be mainly applied in the following three scenarios: Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA)-NR dual connectivity (DC), supplementary uplink (SUL), and carrier aggregation (CA).

[0076] In these three scenarios, the following situations were discussed in R16:

[0077] Scenario 1: If the base station is configured with uplink (UL) time-division multiplexing (TDM), then under the configuration of Example 1 in Table 1 and Example 1 in Table 2, the base station cannot schedule the terminal device to transmit data on carrier 2. That is, it can only schedule the terminal device to transmit data in carrier 1 and carrier 2 using TDM, and cannot transmit data concurrently.

[0078] Scenario 2: If the base station is configured with UL TDM, then under the configuration of Instance 2 in Table 1 and Instance 2 in Table 2, the base station can schedule the terminal device to transmit data on carrier 1 or carrier 2 alone; the base station can also schedule the terminal device to transmit data on carrier 1 or carrier 2 simultaneously, that is, it supports concurrency on carrier 1 or carrier 2.

[0079] The embodiments of this application mainly involve data transmission using TDM in carrier 1 or carrier 2.

[0080] In Example 1 of Table 1 and Example 1 of Table 2, the terminal device with two transmission channels is configured to use one transmission channel on each of the two carriers (carrier 1 and carrier 2) for data transmission; in Example 2 of Table 1 and Example 2 of Table 2, the terminal device with two transmission channels is configured to use two transmission channels on one carrier (carrier 1 or carrier 2) for data transmission.

[0081] Table 1

[0082]

[0083] Table 2

[0084]

[0085] In Tables 1 and 2, 1T+1T indicates that carrier 1 occupies one transmit link and carrier 2 occupies one transmit link, and so on. A transmit link can include one radio frequency transmit channel and one antenna. In Tables 1 and 2, 1P+1P indicates that carrier 1 occupies one antenna port and carrier 2 occupies one antenna port, and so on.

[0086] When a terminal device supports uplink handover technology, it uses TDM (Transmission Directional Mode) for data transmission on carrier 1 and carrier 2. Since concurrent data transmission is not possible, the terminal device needs to perform carrier handover, switching from one carrier to another for data transmission. This data transmission generally refers to uplink data transmission. When the terminal device switches from one carrier to another, it may need to relock the phase-locked loop (PLL) to match the local oscillator signal output by the PLL with the center frequency of the switched carrier. Simultaneously, the terminal device may also need to perform corresponding adaptations to the RF transmission channel. Therefore, carrier handover requires a certain amount of time, which can be denoted as the uplink handover interval or handover delay. For ease of description, it will be referred to as handover delay below. During the uplink handover interval, the terminal device does not transmit data.

[0087] For example, suppose the terminal device includes two radio frequency (RF) transmission channels, namely the first RF transmission channel and the second RF transmission channel, and each RF transmission channel corresponds to a PLL; the terminal device includes two antennas, namely the first antenna and the second antenna. If the terminal device is configured with two carriers in the first network, namely the first carrier and the second carrier.

[0088] Scenario 1: If the terminal device is only registered in the first network, one radio frequency transmission channel can correspond to one carrier. For example, the terminal device can transmit signals in the first carrier through the first radio frequency transmission channel and the first antenna, and transmit signals in the second carrier through the second radio frequency transmission channel and the second antenna.

[0089] In scenario one, when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier, the switching latency can be 0.

[0090] Since each radio frequency (RF) transmission channel corresponds to one carrier, and each RF transmission channel can be pre-adapted to the frequency of its corresponding carrier, the RF transmission channel of the terminal device does not need to be readjusted when switching carriers. Thus, when switching to another carrier, signal processing can be performed directly through the RF transmission channel corresponding to that carrier.

[0091] Scenario 2: If the terminal device registers only in the first and second networks, and if the DSDS method is used, the terminal device uses the radio frequency transmission channel in both networks to transmit services via time division multiplexing. In DSDS, the terminal device can only transmit services with one network at a time and cannot transmit services with two networks simultaneously. When switching between different carriers, the terminal device can switch according to its maximum capacity; for example, when switching from the first carrier to the second carrier, the switching delay can be zero.

[0092] Scenario 3: If the terminal device registers only in the first and second networks, and if the DSDA method is used, the terminal device can only use a portion of the radio frequency resources to transmit services in both networks. However, the terminal device can transmit services with both networks simultaneously. For example, in the DSDA method, the terminal device transmits signals from the first network through the first radio frequency transmission channel and the first antenna, and transmits signals from the second network through the second radio frequency transmission channel and the second antenna. In other words, multiple carriers of the terminal device need to share a single radio frequency transmission channel in this case.

[0093] In Scenario 3, because multiple carriers need to share a single radio frequency (RF) transmission channel, the RF transmission channel requires real-time modulation each time the terminal device switches to another carrier. Therefore, when the terminal device switches from the first carrier to the second carrier, the switching delay is greater than 0, for example, 140 μs. During this carrier switching, the terminal device cannot transmit data within the switching delay. Instead, it needs to adapt the first RF transmission channel to the frequency of the carrier it is switching to.

[0094] As described above, in the DSDA mode, although the terminal device can transmit services with two networks simultaneously, each carrier switch requires a switching delay, resulting in increased data transmission latency. Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a method to solve the above problem, which will be described in detail below.

[0095] It should be noted that the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0096] In this embodiment of the application, the interaction between a network device and a terminal device is used as an example for explanation. The operation performed by the network device can also be performed by the chip or module inside the network device, and the operation performed by the terminal device can also be performed by the chip or module inside the terminal device. The terminal device has dual network registration capability.

[0097] The embodiments of this application are applied to Figure 1 In the scenario shown, the terminal device supports dual SIM cards, meaning it can have two SIM cards simultaneously registered on both a first and a second network. The first network can be a mobile communication network, such as an NR or LTE network; the second network can also be a mobile communication network, such as an NR or LTE network. The first and second networks can belong to the same operator or different operators; they can also be of the same type (e.g., both NR networks) or different types (e.g., the first network is an LTE network and the second is an NR network). Furthermore, the first and second networks can be the same network or different networks.

[0098] When the first and second networks are the same network, it can be assumed that the terminal device registers with two identities within the same network. This is similar to a user registering two phone numbers with one operator using their identity information. The two SIM cards corresponding to these phone numbers reside on the same terminal device. From the network's perspective, each identity is authenticated and billed separately, and logically, these different "identities" correspond to different communication entities served by the network. However, in reality, because the terminal device has dual registration functionality, these two identities can share a single communication entity—that is, share the terminal device. But the network is unaware that these two identities share a single communication entity; each network still treats the terminal device as an independent terminal device.

[0099] Based on the preceding description, such as Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 4 The method includes:

[0100] S401: Terminal device confirms first message.

[0101] The first message can be a UE capability information reporting message, which can be used to report the capability information possessed by the terminal device. The first message can also be other messages, and this application embodiment is not limited to them.

[0102] Where the terminal device only includes a first user identity module card or is only registered in the first network corresponding to the first user identity module card, the terminal device can be considered not to need to register in the second network corresponding to the second user identity module card. The terminal device can transmit data through all radio frequency transmission channels and antennas in the terminal device in the first network. In this case, the first message includes first capability information, and the handover delay indicated by the first capability information is the first delay, which can be the maximum delay that the terminal device can support. The handover delay is the delay required for the terminal device to switch between different carriers in the first network corresponding to the first user identity module card.

[0103] In this embodiment of the application, when the first message is a capability information reporting message, the capability information reporting message includes an uplink transmission channel switching interval (uplink Tx Switching Period-r16) field, and the uplink transmission channel switching interval field can be used to carry the first capability information.

[0104] For example, a capability information reporting message may include an information element called Band CombinationList, which may include the following:

[0105]

[0106] The uplinkTxSwitchingPeriod-r16 can be used to carry the switching delay. The switching delay value can be 0, 35μs, 140μs, or 210μs, depending on the actual situation.

[0107] In this embodiment of the application, when the terminal device includes the first user identity recognition module card and the second user identity recognition module card, the terminal device can register in the first network and the second network simultaneously. The first message includes second capability information, and the switching delay indicated by the second capability information is the second delay. At this time, the terminal device can only use one radio frequency transmission channel to transmit data in the first network. Therefore, the second delay is greater than the first delay.

[0108] In this embodiment of the application, the second delay can also be carried through the uplinkTxSwitchingPeriod-r16 field in the first message.

[0109] In this embodiment of the application, the first message may also indicate information such as the maximum bandwidth supported by the terminal device and the supported CA type, but this embodiment of the application is not limited in this respect.

[0110] Based on the above description, taking the handover delay of a terminal device switching between carriers as an example, when the terminal device registers only in the first network, the handover delay reported by the terminal device can be the first delay, meaning the handover delay when the terminal device switches between the first carrier and the second carrier is the first delay. When the terminal device registers in both the first and second networks, the handover delay reported by the terminal device can be the second delay, meaning the handover delay when the terminal device switches between the first carrier and the second carrier is the second delay. Here, the first and second carriers are the carriers configured for the terminal device by the first network. The second delay is greater than the first delay. Both the second and first delays are the delays required for the terminal device to switch between different carriers; for example, the first delay is 0, and the second delay is 140μs.

[0111] In this embodiment, the first carrier can be an uplink carrier, and the second carrier can be an uplink carrier. When this application is applied to a DC scenario, such as a dual-connectivity scenario of evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA)-NR, the first carrier can be an uplink carrier in E-UTRA, and the second carrier can be an uplink carrier in NR, or the first carrier can be an uplink carrier in NR, and the second carrier can be an uplink carrier in E-UTRA.

[0112] When this application is applied to a supplementary uplink scenario, the first carrier can be a SUL carrier of the second carrier, the second carrier can be a normal uplink (NUL) carrier, or the second carrier can be a SUL carrier of the first carrier, the first carrier can be a normal uplink (NUL) carrier.

[0113] When this application is applied to a CA scenario, the first carrier can be a single carrier or a carrier formed by aggregating multiple uplink carriers; correspondingly, the second carrier can be a single carrier or a carrier formed by aggregating multiple uplink carriers.

[0114] In this embodiment of the application, the frequency ranges corresponding to the first carrier and the second carrier may have various forms. For example, the frequency ranges corresponding to the first carrier and the second carrier may be in at least three frequency bands: low band (LB), ranging from 700MHz to 900MHz; middle high band (MHB), ranging from 1400MHz to 2700MHz; and ultra high band (UHB), ranging from 3000MHz to 5900MHz.

[0115] Of course, the above are just examples. The first and second carriers may also exist in other forms, which will not be elaborated here.

[0116] S402: The terminal device sends a first message to the first network device in the first network.

[0117] Optionally, in one implementation, the terminal device actively sends a first message to the first network device; in another implementation, the first network device triggers the terminal device to send the first message, for example, the first network device sends a capability information query message to the terminal device to query the capabilities of the terminal device. After receiving the capability information query message, the terminal device sends the first message to the first network device.

[0118] S403: The first network device receives a first message from the terminal device and performs data scheduling on the terminal device according to the first message.

[0119] For example, if the first message includes first capability information, when the terminal device performs carrier switching, the first network device can determine that the terminal device cannot transmit data within the first time delay, and thus does not schedule data for the terminal device within the first time delay.

[0120] Optionally, if the terminal device also includes a second user identification module card, it may further include:

[0121] S404: The terminal device sends a second message to the second network device in the second network.

[0122] Wherein, when the terminal device includes only the first user identity module card, the second message includes third capability information, the third capability information indicating a third delay; when the terminal device includes the first user identity module card and the second user identity module card, the second message includes fourth capability information, the fourth capability information indicating a fourth delay, the fourth delay being greater than the third delay, the fourth delay and the third delay being the delay required for the terminal device to switch between different carriers in the second network, for example, the third delay being 0 and the fourth delay being 140μs.

[0123] S405: The second network device receives a second message from the terminal device and performs data scheduling on the terminal device according to the second message.

[0124] In existing solutions, terminal devices with dual-SIM capabilities only report the minimum capability when reporting capabilities, such as reporting only the second latency each time. However, the method provided in this application allows terminal devices with dual-SIM capabilities to adaptively report capability information. For example, when the terminal device includes only one SIM card, it can report a smaller first latency; when it includes two SIM cards, it can report a larger second latency, thereby improving uplink transmission capabilities.

[0125] Combination Figure 4 The process shown below is illustrated in the following specific embodiment, which will be used to describe an embodiment of this application.

[0126] Assume the terminal device includes two radio frequency transmission channels, namely the first radio frequency transmission channel and the second radio frequency transmission channel, the first radio frequency transmission channel corresponds to a PLL 1, and the second radio frequency transmission channel corresponds to a PLL 2; the terminal device includes two antennas, namely the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0127] When a terminal device is registered only in the first network, it can process services within that network through all radio frequency transmission channels. If the terminal device is configured with two carriers in the first network, designated as the first carrier and the second carrier, then it can... Figure 5 As shown, one carrier can correspond to one radio frequency (RF) transmission channel and one antenna. For example, the first carrier corresponds to the first RF transmission channel and the first antenna, and the second carrier corresponds to the second RF transmission channel and the second antenna. The data stream that needs to be transmitted via the first carrier is transmitted to the first RF transmission channel after encoding and modulation, and then radiated out through the first antenna. Similarly, the data stream that needs to be transmitted via the second carrier is transmitted to the second RF transmission channel after encoding and modulation, and then radiated out through the second antenna. In this case, the first handover delay between the first carrier and the second carrier of the terminal device can be 0.

[0128] In this case, such as Figure 6 As shown, assuming the terminal device transmits data via the first radio frequency transmission channel on the first carrier, the data stream is processed by the first radio frequency transmission channel and then modulated onto the first carrier before being transmitted through the first antenna. If the terminal device decides to switch to the second carrier for service transmission, it can directly switch to the second radio frequency transmission channel to transmit data on the second carrier. Figure 6In this time slot, one time slot comprises 14 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, designated as symbols 0 to 13. Within symbols 0 to 3 of this time slot, the terminal device transmits data on the first carrier. When the terminal device needs to switch to the second carrier, it can do so after data transmission in symbol 3 of the time slot has finished. Since the first delay is zero, the terminal device can begin data transmission on the second carrier starting in symbol 4 of the time slot.

[0129] Furthermore, in symbols 4 to 7 of this time slot, the terminal device transmits data on the second carrier. When the terminal device needs to switch to the first carrier, it can do so after the data transmission in symbol 7 of this time slot has ended. Since the first delay is 0, the terminal device can start transmitting data via the first carrier in symbol 8 of this time slot.

[0130] Figure 6 Since the first delay of the terminal device switching between carriers is 0, the terminal device can achieve seamless switching when switching between the first carrier and the second carrier. The switching process will not affect data transmission, thus improving data transmission efficiency.

[0131] When a terminal device registers in both the first and second networks, if the terminal device is configured with two carriers in the first network (the first carrier and the second carrier), then it can be registered as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the terminal device processes services in the first network through a first radio frequency transmission channel and a first antenna, for example, by using a time-division multiplexing method to transmit data on the first carrier and the second carrier respectively; the terminal device processes services in the second network through a second radio frequency transmission channel and a second antenna. In this case, the second delay for the terminal device switching between the first carrier and the second carrier can be 35 μs.

[0132] In this case, such as Figure 8 As shown, a time slot comprises 14 OFDM symbols, denoted as symbols 0 to 13. Assume the duration of one OFDM symbol is 71.4 μs. In symbols 0 to 3 of this time slot, the terminal device transmits data on the first carrier. When the terminal device needs to switch to the second carrier, it can do so after data transmission in symbol 3 of the time slot has finished. Since the first delay is 35 μs, the terminal device needs to perform the handover within symbol 4. The terminal device can then begin data transmission on the second carrier starting from symbol 5 of this time slot.

[0133] Furthermore, in symbols 5 to 8 of this time slot, the terminal device transmits data on the second carrier. When the terminal device needs to switch to the first carrier, it can do so after data transmission in symbol 8 of this time slot has ended. Since the first delay is 35μs, the terminal device needs to perform the handover within symbol 9. The terminal device can then begin data transmission via the first carrier in symbol 10 of this time slot. In this case, the terminal device does not use the second radio frequency transmission channel to process services in the first network.

[0134] Figure 8 In this context, since the first delay for the terminal device to switch between carriers is 35μs, the terminal device needs to reserve at least one OFDM symbol for carrier switching when switching between the first carrier and the second carrier.

[0135] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device can also determine the handover delay based on the status of the terminal device in each network.

[0136] like Figure 9 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes:

[0137] S901: The terminal device sends a first indication message to the first network device in the first network, the first indication message indicating a fifth delay.

[0138] The first indication information can be carried through the capability information reporting message of the terminal device, or through other messages; this application embodiment is not limited in this regard. When the first message is a capability information reporting message, the capability information reporting message may include the uplink Tx Switching Period-r16 field, which can be used to carry the first indication information.

[0139] In this embodiment, the fifth delay can be the delay required for the terminal device to switch between different carriers in the first network. When the first indication information is carried through the uplink Tx Switching Period-r16 field, the value of the fifth switching delay can be 0, 35μs, 140μs, or 210μs, depending on the actual situation.

[0140] In this embodiment, the capability information reported by the terminal device to the first network device may include a first indication information or a second indication information, wherein the fifth delay indicated by the first indication information is less than the sixth delay indicated by the second indication information. Similarly, the second indication information can be carried through the uplink Tx Switching Period-r16 field in the capability information reporting message.

[0141] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device first reports the first indication information to the first network device. In any of the following scenarios, the terminal device may report the second indication information to the first network device: Scenario 1, the terminal device is in a connected state in the second network; Scenario 2, the terminal device needs to transmit service data in the first network and the terminal device is currently transmitting service data in the second network.

[0142] In this embodiment of the application, when the terminal device is in a connected state in the first network and in a disconnected state in the second network, the terminal device can switch between the first carrier and the second carrier according to the fifth delay.

[0143] Wherein, the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers configured by the first network for the terminal device. The first carrier can be an uplink carrier, and the second carrier can be an uplink carrier. When this application is applied to a DC scenario, such as an evolved E-UTRA and NR dual-connectivity scenario, the first carrier can be an uplink carrier in E-UTRA, and the second carrier can be an uplink carrier in NR, or the first carrier can be an uplink carrier in NR, and the second carrier can be an uplink carrier in E-UTRA.

[0144] When this application is applied to a supplementary uplink scenario, the first carrier can be a SUL carrier of the second carrier, the second carrier can be a NUL carrier, or the second carrier can be a SUL carrier of the first carrier, and the first carrier can be a NUL carrier.

[0145] When this application is applied to a CA scenario, the first carrier can be a single carrier or a carrier formed by aggregating multiple uplink carriers; correspondingly, the second carrier can be a single carrier or a carrier formed by aggregating multiple uplink carriers.

[0146] In this embodiment, the connected state can refer to the radio resource control (RRC) connected state, and the disconnected state can refer to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state. The terminal device can switch between the RRC connected state, the RRC idle state, and the RRC inactive state according to the actual situation.

[0147] In this embodiment of the application, when the state of the terminal device in the second network changes, the switching delay can be updated. For example, when the terminal device switches to the connected state in the second network, S902 can be executed.

[0148] S902: When the terminal device remains connected in the first network and switches to connected mode in the second network, the terminal device sends a second indication message to the first network device.

[0149] The second indication information indicates the sixth delay, which is the delay required for the terminal device to switch between different carriers in the first network. The sixth delay is greater than the fifth delay. For example, the fifth delay can be 0 and the sixth delay can be 35μs.

[0150] When the terminal device remains connected in the first network and switches to connected mode in the second network, the terminal device can switch between the first carrier and the second carrier according to the sixth delay.

[0151] It should be noted that prior to S902, when a terminal device remained connected in the first network, and then switched from a disconnected to a connected state in the second network, the first network device could be triggered to actively query the terminal device's capability information, thereby updating the handover delay from the fifth delay to the sixth delay. Specifically, this could include the following steps:

[0152] Step 1: The terminal device sends a third message to the first network device. The third message is used to indicate that the terminal device's capabilities have changed.

[0153] Step 2: The first network device sends a capability query message to the terminal device.

[0154] After receiving the capability query message, the terminal device executes S902.

[0155] The method provided in this application enables a terminal device with dual-SIM capability to switch between carriers with a smaller fifth delay when it is connected to only one network; and to switch between carriers with a larger sixth delay when the terminal device is connected to two networks, thereby achieving adaptive adjustment of switching capability and improving data transmission performance.

[0156] Optionally, when the terminal device remains connected in the first network and releases its connection to the second network or switches to a disconnected state in the second network, the terminal device may send a first indication message to the first network device, thereby enabling the terminal device to switch between the first carrier and the second carrier according to the fifth delay.

[0157] Combination Figure 9 The process shown below is illustrated in the following specific embodiment, which will be used to describe an embodiment of this application.

[0158] Assume the terminal device includes two radio frequency transmission channels, namely the first radio frequency transmission channel and the second radio frequency transmission channel, the first radio frequency transmission channel corresponds to a PLL 1, and the second radio frequency transmission channel corresponds to a PLL 2; the terminal device includes two antennas, namely the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0159] When a terminal device reports its capabilities in both the first and second networks, it reports the maximum capabilities it can support. For example, the terminal device reports the handover delay between different carriers as the fifth delay when reporting to the first network, and the handover delay between different carriers as the fifth delay when reporting to the second network.

[0160] When the terminal device is in a connected state in the first network, if the terminal device needs to transmit service data with the first network, and the terminal device is in a disconnected state in the second network, or the terminal device does not transmit service data with the second network, the terminal device can use all radio frequency resources and antennas to process the service data of the first network. At this time, the terminal device can switch between the first carrier and the second carrier according to the fifth delay. That is to say, the delay of the terminal device switching between the first carrier and the second carrier is the fifth delay.

[0161] Based on the above description, such as Figure 10 As shown, the terminal device processes services in the first network through a first radio frequency transmission channel and a first antenna, for example, using a time-division multiplexing method to transmit data on the first carrier and the second carrier respectively. If the data in each carrier includes two streams, then when transmitting data on the first carrier, the terminal device needs to use the first radio frequency transmission channel to process the first stream of data on the first carrier and the second radio frequency transmission channel to process the second stream of data on the first carrier; correspondingly, when transmitting data on the second carrier, the terminal device needs to use the first radio frequency transmission channel to process the first stream of data on the second carrier and the second radio frequency transmission channel to process the second stream of data on the second carrier. In this case, the fifth delay can be 35 μs and the sixth delay can be 140 μs.

[0162] In this case, such as Figure 10 As shown, a time slot comprises 14 OFDM symbols, denoted as symbols 0 to 13, with an OFDM symbol duration of 71.4 μs. Within symbols 0 to 3 of this time slot, the terminal device transmits data on the first carrier. Specifically, within symbols 0 to 3 of this time slot, the terminal device processes the first stream of data on the first carrier through a first radio frequency channel and a first antenna, and processes the second stream of data on the first carrier through a second radio frequency channel and a second antenna.

[0163] When the terminal device needs to switch to the second carrier, it can do so after the data transmission of symbol 3 in that time slot has ended. Since the fifth delay is 35μs, the terminal device needs to perform the handover within symbol 4. The terminal device can then start data transmission via the second carrier from symbol 5 in that time slot.

[0164] Furthermore, in symbols 5 to 8 of this time slot, the terminal device transmits data on the second carrier. Specifically, in symbols 5 to 8 of this time slot, the terminal device processes the first stream of data on the second carrier through a first radio frequency channel and a first antenna, and processes the second stream of data on the second carrier through a second radio frequency channel and a second antenna.

[0165] When the terminal device needs to switch to the first carrier, the terminal device can switch to the first carrier after the data transmission of symbol 8 in the time slot is completed. Since the fifth delay is 35μs, the terminal device needs to perform the handover in symbol 9. The terminal device can start data transmission through the first carrier in symbol 10 in the time slot.

[0166] Furthermore, when the terminal device needs to transmit service data with the second network, the terminal device can report the second indication information to the first network device, and the terminal device can also report the second indication information to the second network device. At this time, the delay of the terminal device in carrier switching in the first network is the sixth delay, and the delay of carrier switching in the second network is the sixth delay.

[0167] Based on the above description, such as Figure 11 As shown, a time slot comprises 14 OFDM symbols, denoted as symbols 0 to 13, with an OFDM symbol duration of 71.4 μs. Since the terminal device can only process service data from the first network through a single radio frequency transmission channel, the first carrier contains only a single-level data stream. For example, in symbols 0 to 3 of this time slot, the terminal device processes data from the first carrier through the first radio frequency channel and the first antenna.

[0168] When the terminal device needs to switch to the second carrier, it can do so after the data transmission of symbol 3 in this time slot has ended. Since the sixth delay is 140μs, the terminal device needs to perform the handover within symbols 4 and 5. The terminal device can then start data transmission via the second carrier from symbol 6 in this time slot.

[0169] Furthermore, in symbols 6 to 8 of this time slot, the terminal device transmits data on the second carrier. Specifically, in symbols 6 to 8 of this time slot, the terminal device processes data on the second carrier through a second radio frequency channel and a second antenna.

[0170] When the terminal device needs to switch to the first carrier, the terminal device can switch to the first carrier after the data transmission of symbol 8 in the time slot is completed. Since the sixth delay is 140μs, the terminal device needs to perform the handover within symbol 9 and symbol 10. The terminal device can start data transmission through the first carrier from symbol 11 in the time slot.

[0171] Using the above method, the terminal device actively triggers the network to query the capabilities of the terminal devices that have already established a connection, based on the service status. At the same time, it restricts the reporting capability of newly established connections, re-reports after switching latency, and initiates DSDA dual connection with dual SIM cards after querying the capabilities of the already established connections.

[0172] In summary, the terminal device reports its uplink capabilities in each registered network on a single-SIM basis. During single-SIM uplink operations, the terminal device utilizes all front-end resources and reports its capabilities under full resource utilization. When the terminal device has already initiated service transmission in the first network, and needs to initiate uplink services in the second network, to minimize the impact on the first network, the DSDS allocation method is selected when initiating service transmission in the second network. In the second network, network capabilities are reported directly in a resource-constrained manner. Simultaneously, the terminal device triggers RRC (Redirect Redirect Code) to report terminal device capability changes in the first network, allowing the network to dynamically and proactively query the terminal device's capabilities in the first network. The terminal device reports its uplink capabilities in the first network... If the network reconfigures the limited capabilities after confirmation, the DSDA method is used concurrently in the first and second networks, and the network capabilities are reported using a resource-constrained method during handover latency. When a connection is released in a network, the card with the unreleased card triggers RRC to actively report the network terminal device capability change, this time actively reporting the exclusive resource capabilities. After dual-network registration, the front-end RF resources and antennas of the terminal device need to be allocated in both networks. When uplink transmission is performed in both networks, if a high uplink rate still needs to be maintained, in ENDC, SUL, or CA scenarios, the hardware specifications for uplink transmission are reduced, but the number of carriers used for uplink transmission is not reduced; for example, using part of the terminal device's RF resources in one network.

[0173] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination. In the above description of different embodiments, the differences between the embodiments are emphasized; other aspects between the different embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. The step numbers in the flowcharts described in this application are merely examples of the execution flow and do not constitute a restriction on the order of step execution. There is no strict execution order between steps in this application that do not have temporal dependencies. Furthermore, not all steps shown in the flowcharts are mandatory; some steps can be added or deleted based on actual needs.

[0174] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspective of interaction between various devices. The steps performed by the network devices described above can also be implemented by different communication devices.

[0175] To achieve the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the network device, terminal device, or the aforementioned communication device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the aforementioned functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0176] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division; in actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0177] Similar to the above concept, such as Figure 12 As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a device 1200. The communication device 1200 may be... Figure 1 The terminal device in the above method embodiments is used to implement the method for the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The communication device can also be... Figure 1 The network device in the above method embodiments is used to implement the method corresponding to the network device. For specific functions, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0178] Specifically, the device 1200 may include a processing unit 1201 and a communication unit 1202. In this embodiment, the communication unit may also be called a transceiver unit, and may include a sending unit and / or a receiving unit, respectively used to perform the sending and receiving steps of the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments. Hereinafter, in conjunction with... Figures 12 to 13 The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail.

[0179] In some possible implementations, the behavior and functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments can be implemented by the communication device 1200, for example, implementing... Figure 4 In the embodiments, the method executed by the terminal device is described. For example, the communication device 1200 can be a terminal device, a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the terminal device, or a chip or chipset in the terminal device, or a part of a chip used to perform the relevant method function. The communication unit 1202 can be used to execute... Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving or sending operations performed by the terminal device can be performed by the processing unit 1201 as follows: Figure 4 The embodiments shown involve operations performed by the terminal device other than sending and receiving.

[0180] In some possible implementations, the communication device has dual-SIM capability, specifically:

[0181] A processing unit is configured to determine a first message; wherein, when only a first user identity module card is included, the first message includes first capability information, and the handover delay indicated by the first capability information is a first delay; when both the first user identity module card and a second user identity module card are included, the first message includes second capability information, and the handover delay indicated by the second capability information is a second delay, the second delay being greater than the first delay; the handover delay is the delay required for the terminal device to handover between different carriers in the first network corresponding to the first user identity module card;

[0182] The communication unit is used to send a first message to a first network device in the first network.

[0183] In some possible implementations, when the first message includes the first capability information, the delay for switching between the first carrier and the second carrier is the first delay.

[0184] Alternatively, when the first message includes the second capability information, the delay for switching between the first carrier and the second carrier is the second delay;

[0185] Wherein, the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers configured by the first network device.

[0186] In some possible implementations, the first carrier is an uplink carrier, and the second carrier is an uplink carrier.

[0187] In some possible implementations, the communication unit is further used for:

[0188] Send a second message to the second network device in the second network corresponding to the second user identity recognition module card;

[0189] When only the first user identification module card is included, the second message includes third capability information, which indicates a third delay; when the first user identification module card and the second user identification module card are included, the second message includes fourth capability information, which indicates a fourth delay, which is greater than the third delay. Both the fourth delay and the third delay are the delays required for the terminal device to switch between different carriers in the second network.

[0190] In some possible implementations, the first message is a capability information reporting message, which includes an uplink transmission channel switching interval field, and the uplink transmission channel switching interval field is used to carry the first capability information or the second capability information.

[0191] In some possible implementations, the behavior and functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments can be implemented by the communication device 1200, for example, implementing... Figure 9 In the embodiments, the method executed by the terminal device is described. For example, the communication device 1200 can be a terminal device, a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the terminal device, or a chip or chipset in the terminal device, or a part of a chip used to perform the relevant method function. The communication unit 1202 can be used to execute... Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving or sending operations performed by the terminal device can be performed by the processing unit 1201 as follows: Figure 9 The embodiments shown involve operations performed by the terminal device other than sending and receiving.

[0192] In some possible implementations, the communication device has dual-SIM capability, specifically:

[0193] The processing unit is configured to send first indication information to a first network device in the first network via a communication unit, wherein the first indication information indicates a fifth delay.

[0194] The processing unit is configured to send a second indication information to the first network device via the communication unit when it is in a connected state in the first network and in the connected state in the second network; the second indication information indicates a sixth delay, the sixth delay being greater than the fifth delay, the fifth delay and the sixth delay being the delay required for switching between different carriers in the first network.

[0195] In some possible implementations, the processing unit is further configured to: when in a connected state in the first network and in a disconnected state in the second network, switch between a first carrier and a second carrier according to the fifth delay, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers configured for the first network device.

[0196] In some possible implementations, the processing unit is further configured to: switch between a first carrier and a second carrier according to the sixth delay when it is in a connected state in the first network and in the connected state in the second network.

[0197] In some possible implementations, the communication unit is further used for:

[0198] If the connection state is maintained in the first network and the connection with the second network is released, then the first indication information is sent to the first network device.

[0199] In some possible implementations, the first carrier is an uplink carrier, and the second carrier is an uplink carrier.

[0200] In some possible implementations, the first indication information or the second indication information is located in the uplink transmission channel switching interval field of the capability information reporting message.

[0201] It should be understood that the descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments, such as... Figures 4 to 11 The apparatus structure for implementing terminal equipment and network equipment can also refer to apparatus 1200. Therefore, the contents not described in detail can be referred to the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0202] A communication unit can also be called a transceiver, transceiver device, or transceiver unit. A processing unit can also be called a processor, processing board, processing module, or processing device. Optionally, the device in communication unit 1202 used to implement the receiving function can be considered a receiving unit, and the device in communication unit 1202 used to implement the transmitting function can be considered a transmitting unit; that is, communication unit 1202 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. A communication unit can sometimes also be called a transceiver, transceiver unit, or transceiver circuit. A receiving unit can sometimes be called a receiver, receiver, or receiving circuit. A transmitting unit can sometimes be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0203] The above is just an example. Processing unit 1201 and communication unit 1202 can also perform other functions. For a more detailed description, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figures 4 to 11 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown are not repeated here.

[0204] like Figure 13 The image shown is of the device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 The device shown can be Figure 12 The illustrated device represents one hardware circuit implementation. This communication device can be applied to the flowchart shown above to perform the functions of the terminal device or network device in the method embodiments described. For ease of explanation, Figure 13 Only the main components of the communication device are shown.

[0205] like Figure 13As shown, the communication device 1300 includes a processor 1310 and an interface circuit 1320. The processor 1310 and the interface circuit 1320 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1320 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1300 may also include a memory 1330 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1310, or storing input data required by the processor 1310 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1310 executes instructions.

[0206] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figures 3 to 11 In the method shown, the processor 1310 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1201, and the interface circuit 1320 is used to implement the functions of the communication unit 1202.

[0207] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal device, the terminal device chip implements the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The terminal device chip receives information from other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, the information being sent to the terminal device by the network device; or, the terminal device chip sends information to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, the information being sent to the network device by the terminal device.

[0208] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a network device, the network device chip implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The network device chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is information sent from the terminal device to the network device; or, the network device chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is information sent from the network device to the terminal device.

[0209] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices or transistor logic devices. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0210] In embodiments of this application, the memory may be random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a network device or a terminal device. The processor and storage medium may also exist as discrete components in a network device or a terminal device.

[0211] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0212] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0213] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0214] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to terminal devices that support dual SIM cards, including: The terminal device determines the first message; Wherein, when the terminal device includes only a first user identity module card, the first message includes first capability information, and the handover delay indicated by the first capability information is a first delay; when the terminal device includes the first user identity module card and a second user identity module card, the first message includes second capability information, and the handover delay indicated by the second capability information is a second delay, the second delay being greater than the first delay; the handover delay is the delay required for the terminal device to handover between different carriers in the first network corresponding to the first user identity module card; The terminal device sends a first message to the first network device in the first network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first message includes the first capability information, the delay for the terminal device to switch between the first carrier and the second carrier is the first delay; Alternatively, when the first message includes the second capability information, the delay for the terminal device to switch between the first carrier and the second carrier is the second delay; Wherein, the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers configured by the first network device for the terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first carrier is an uplink carrier, and the second carrier is an uplink carrier.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device sends a second message to the second network device in the second network corresponding to the second user identity recognition module card; Wherein, when the terminal device includes only the first user identity module card, the second message includes third capability information, the third capability information indicating a third delay; when the terminal device includes the first user identity module card and the second user identity module card, the second message includes fourth capability information, the fourth capability information indicating a fourth delay, the fourth delay being greater than the third delay, and both the fourth delay and the third delay being the delay required for the terminal device to switch between different carriers in the second network.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first message is a capability information reporting message, which includes an uplink transmission channel switching interval field. The uplink transmission channel switching interval field is used to carry the first capability information or the second capability information.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to terminal devices that support dual SIM cards, including: The terminal device sends a first indication information to a first network device in the first network, the first indication information indicating a fifth delay; when the terminal device is in a connected state in the first network and the terminal device is in the connected state in the second network, the terminal device sends a second indication information to the first network device; the second indication information indicates a sixth delay, the sixth delay being greater than the fifth delay, the fifth delay and the sixth delay being the delay required for the terminal device to switch between different carriers in the first network.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the terminal device is in a connected state in the first network and in a disconnected state in the second network, the terminal device switches between a first carrier and a second carrier according to the fifth delay. The first carrier and the second carrier are carriers configured by the first network device for the terminal device.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the terminal device is in a connected state in the first network and the terminal device is in the connected state in the second network, the terminal device switches between the first carrier and the second carrier according to the sixth delay.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the terminal device maintains the connection state in the first network and releases the connection with the second network, then the terminal device sends the first indication information to the first network device.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first carrier is an uplink carrier, and the second carrier is an uplink carrier.

11. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first indication information or the second indication information is located in the uplink transmission channel switching interval field of the capability information reporting message.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device supports dual SIM cards, including: Processing unit, used to determine the first message; Wherein, when only the first user identity module card is included, the first message includes first capability information, and the handover delay indicated by the first capability information is the first delay; when the first user identity module card and the second user identity module card are included, the first message includes second capability information, and the handover delay indicated by the second capability information is the second delay, and the second delay is greater than the first delay; the handover delay is the delay required for the communication device to switch between different carriers in the first network corresponding to the first user identity module card; The communication unit is used to send a first message to a first network device in the first network.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the first message includes the first capability information, the delay for switching between the first carrier and the second carrier is the first delay; Alternatively, when the first message includes the second capability information, the delay for switching between the first carrier and the second carrier is the second delay; Wherein, the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers configured by the first network device.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first carrier is an uplink carrier, and the second carrier is an uplink carrier.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The communication unit is also used for: Send a second message to the second network device in the second network corresponding to the second user identity recognition module card; When only the first user identification module card is included, the second message includes third capability information, which indicates a third delay; when the first user identification module card and the second user identification module card are included, the second message includes fourth capability information, which indicates a fourth delay, which is greater than the third delay. Both the fourth delay and the third delay are the delays required for the communication device to switch between different carriers in the second network.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The first message is a capability information reporting message, which includes an uplink transmission channel switching interval field. The uplink transmission channel switching interval field is used to carry the first capability information or the second capability information.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device supports dual SIM cards, including: The processing unit is configured to send first indication information to a first network device in the first network via a communication unit, wherein the first indication information indicates a fifth delay. The processing unit is configured to send a second indication information to the first network device via the communication unit when it is in a connected state in the first network and in the connected state in the second network; the second indication information indicates a sixth delay, the sixth delay being greater than the fifth delay, the fifth delay and the sixth delay being the delay required for switching between different carriers in the first network.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to: when in a connected state in the first network and in a disconnected state in the second network, switch between a first carrier and a second carrier according to the fifth delay, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are carriers configured for the first network device.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to: when in a connected state in the first network and in the connected state in the second network, switch between the first carrier and the second carrier according to the sixth delay.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, The communication unit is also used for: If the connection state is maintained in the first network and the connection with the second network is released, then the first indication information is sent to the first network device.

21. The apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The first carrier is an uplink carrier, and the second carrier is an uplink carrier.

22. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first indication information or the second indication information is located in the uplink transmission channel switching interval field of the capability information reporting message.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, This includes the processor, interface circuitry, and memory; The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, Including processor and memory; The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer contains a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

27. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor coupled to a memory for executing a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, such that the chip implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 11.

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