Method, user equipment and storage medium for avoiding repeated cell reselection

Abstract

Provided are a method for avoiding repeated cell reselection, a user equipment (UE), and a storage medium. The method includes the following. When it is detected that the UE is camped on a first cell of a ping-pong cell pair, a timer is started, wherein the ping-pong cell pair further includes a second cell, and a difference between signal qualities of the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold. Before the timer expires, cell reselection is not performed in the ping-pong cell pair by a third cell, wherein the third cell is different from the first cell and the second cell. According to the present application, repeated cell reselection between two or more cells can be avoided, thereby reducing power consumption of the UE.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to a method for avoiding repeated cell reselection, a user equipment (UE) and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, when the signal quality of a serving cell of a UE and a neighboring cell of the serving cell are similar, the UE can perform repeated cell reselection (i.e., ping-pong cell reselection) between the two cells. Existing prevention mechanisms can solve the repeated cell reselection between the two cells. However, due to the non-ideal network configuration, when the signal quality or priority of more than two cells (including the serving cell and multiple neighboring cells) are similar, even if the UE does not move, the UE can repeatedly perform cell reselection between the more than two cells, which unnecessarily increases the power consumption of the UE. Therefore, how to avoid repeated cell reselection between more than two cells is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments provide a method for avoiding repeated cell reselection, a UE and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to avoid repeated cell reselection between more than two cells, thereby reducing the power consumption of the UE.

[0004] In a first aspect, a method for avoiding repeated cell reselection is provided. The method is implemented in a UE and includes the following. When it is detected that the UE resides in a first cell of a ping-pong cell pair, a timer is started, wherein the ping-pong cell pair further includes a second cell, and the difference between the signal quality of the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold. Before the timer expires, a cell reselection is not performed within the ping-pong cell pair through a third cell, wherein the third cell is different from the first cell and the second cell.

[0005] In a second aspect, a UE is provided. The UE includes at least one processor and a memory. The memory is connected to the at least one processor and stores at least one computer-executable instruction, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0006] In a third aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method described in the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed in the embodiment description. Obviously, the drawings in the following description only are some embodiments of the present application, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can also be obtained from these drawings without creative labor.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of ping-pong cell reselection of four cells.

[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a method of avoiding duplicate cell reselection according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of cell reselection of three cells according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a method of avoiding duplicate cell reselection according to other embodiments.

[0013] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a method of avoiding duplicate cell reselection according to other embodiments.

[0014] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a device for avoiding duplicate cell reselection according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In order to make the technical personnel in the art better understand the solutions of the embodiments, the following will combine the drawings in the embodiments to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, not all. Based on the embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor should be within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0017] The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0018] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a user equipment (UE) 101, a first network device 102, and a second network device 103.

[0020] The aforementioned UE 101 is a client-side entity used for signal reception and transmission. The aforementioned UE 101 may be referred to as a terminal device, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The aforementioned UE 101 may be a mobile phone, wearable device, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver functionality, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless terminal in industrial control, autonomous driving, remote medical surgery, smart grid, traffic safety, smart city, or smart home applications, or a device supporting enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. The technology employed by the aforementioned UE 101 and the form of the aforementioned UE 101 are not limited herein.

[0021] The first network device 102 is the network device corresponding to the serving cell (i.e., cell A) of the UE 101, and the second network device 103 is the network device corresponding to the neighboring cell (i.e., cell B) of the serving cell. The first network device 102 may be the same as or different from the second network device 103. Figure 1 The number of neighboring cells in the communication system is merely illustrative and not intended to limit this application.

[0022] Due to the suboptimal network configuration, for example, the signal quality or priority of cell A and cell B are similar, the UE 101 camped on cell A initiates cell reselection to cell B. After the UE 101 reselects to cell B, i.e., camps on cell B, the UE 101 initiates cell reselection to cell A. Moreover, the above process can potentially repeat for a number of times. That is, the UE 101 can frequently switch between cell A and cell B. In this case, each of cell A and cell B is defined as a ping-pong cell, and the two cells (i.e., cell A and cell B) form a ping-pong cell pair.

[0023] The network device (e.g., the first network device 102 or the second network device 103) is an entity on the network side for signal receiving and transmitting. The network device can be an evolved Node B (eNB), a transmission / reception point (TRP), a next generation Node B (gNB) in a fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) system, a node in other future mobile communication systems, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, etc. The technology adopted by the network device and the form of the network device are not limited herein.

[0024] The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to LTE, 5G mobile communication, and various future communication systems.

[0025] The cell reselection of two cells is described above, and the cell reselection of multiple cells, for example, four cells, will be described below.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of ping-pong cell reselection of four cells. As Figure 2As shown, there are four cells: physical cell identity (PCI) 1, PCI 2, PCI 3 and PCI 4, and the priorities of the four cells are 7, 5, 7 and 7 respectively, where 0 represents the lowest priority and 7 represents the highest priority. These priorities are provided by system information and broadcast to UEs. First, due to the network configuration being not ideal (e.g., PCI 1 and PCI 2 have similar signal quality), the UE performs ping-pong cell reselection between PCI 1 and PCI 2, i.e., the UE frequently switches between PCI 1 and PCI 2. In this case, PCI 1 and PCI 2 are referred to as a ping-pong cell pair. The above-mentioned signal quality refers to reference signal received power (RSRP), which is defined as a linear average of power contributions, in a considered measurement frequency bandwidth, of resource elements that carry cell-specific reference signals in the third generation partnership project (3GPP). The existing ping-pong prevention between the two cells forces the UE to stay on PCI 2. However, second, because PCI 3 is on a higher priority frequency, the UE reselects from PCI 2 to PCI 3 in compliance with the 3GPP specification. Third, because PCI 4 and PCI 3 have the same priority and the signal quality of PCI 4 is higher than that of PCI 3, the UE reselects from PCI 3 to PCI 4, which is normal ranking-based cell reselection. Fourth, also based on normal ranking-based cell reselection, the UE reselects from PCI 4 to PCI 1. When the UE reselects back to PCI 1 from PCI 2 through (i.e., by means of) PCI 3 and PCI 4, the above-mentioned four steps are repeated, so the UE performs unnecessary cell reselection. Therefore, the existing ping-pong prevention between two cells cannot prevent large-loop ping-pong cell reselection.

[0027] In view of the above, the embodiments of the present application provide a method for avoiding repeated cell reselection between more than two cells to reduce the power consumption of a UE. The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application is performed after the UE is forced to stay in one cell in a ping-pong cell pair (i.e., the existing ping-pong prevention). The embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a method for avoiding repeated cell reselection according to an embodiment. The method is implemented in the above-mentioned UE. As shown, the method starts from 301. Figure 3

[0029] 301, when it is detected that the above-mentioned UE stays in a first cell in a ping-pong cell pair, a timer is started, wherein the above-mentioned ping-pong cell pair further includes a second cell, and the signal quality difference between the above-mentioned first cell and the above-mentioned second cell is less than a first threshold value.

[0030] For a better understanding of the method of the present embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 . Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of cell reselection of three cells according to an embodiment. As shown,​Figure 4 As shown, there are three cells: a first cell, a second cell, and a third cell. Referring to the solid arrow in FIG. 1, the UE frequently switches between the first cell and the second cell, i.e., performs repeated cell reselection, so each of the first cell and the second cell is defined as a ping-pong cell, and the first cell and the second cell form a ping-pong cell pair. The UE currently resides in the first cell, and the method of the present embodiment aims to prevent the UE from reselecting back to the second cell. Figure 4

[0031] In this embodiment, the ping-pong cell pair includes the first cell (i.e., the serving cell of the UE) and the second cell (i.e., the neighboring cell of the serving cell), wherein each of the first cell and the second cell is a ping-pong cell. The reason for defining the first cell and the second cell as ping-pong cells is that the difference in signal quality of the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold (i.e., the signal quality of the first cell and the second cell is similar), and the UE performs repeated cell reselection between the first cell and the second cell, i.e., the UE frequently switches between the first cell and the second cell.

[0032] In this case, when it is detected that the UE resides in the first cell, a timer is started to initiate a prevention mechanism for repeated cell reselection. The timer can be started for the second cell, for the second cell and the first cell at the same time, or for the UE, without limitation here.

[0033] 302, before the expiration of the above-mentioned timer, no cell reselection is performed within the above-mentioned ping-pong cell pair through a third cell, wherein the above-mentioned third cell is different from the above-mentioned first cell and the above-mentioned second cell.

[0034] ​In this embodiment, the third cell is another neighboring cell, and is different from the first cell and the second cell. Before the expiration of the above-mentioned timer, the UE camped in the first cell is prohibited from reselecting back to the second cell or the first cell directly or through the third cell even if the third cell has better signal quality or higher priority than the first cell. For example, the UE first camps in the first cell, and before the expiration of the above-mentioned timer, the UE can reselect to the above-mentioned third cell when the third cell has better signal quality or higher priority than the first cell. After the UE reselects to the above-mentioned third cell, i.e., camps in the above-mentioned third cell, the UE can reselect to the second cell or the first cell, however, the above-mentioned procedure will result in unnecessary cell reselection. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to avoid unnecessary cell reselection, after the UE camps in the third cell, the UE does not perform cell reselection to the second cell or the first cell, i.e., the UE only camps in the third cell. For example, the UE first camps in the first cell, in order to avoid unnecessary cell reselection, the UE keeps camping in the first cell before the expiration of the timer, and does not perform cell reselection to the second cell and the third cell. In terms of the above-mentioned two examples, before the expiration of the timer, the UE can reselect from the first cell to the third cell, but after reselecting from the first cell to the third cell, the UE can only camp in the third cell, and the UE cannot reselect to the second cell or the first cell; or, before the expiration of the timer, the UE keeps camping in the first cell, and does not reselect to any other cell (e.g., the third cell and the second cell).

[0035] The number of neighboring cells is not limited here. There can be other neighboring cells such as a fourth cell, in which case the UE is prohibited from reselecting back to the second cell through the third cell and / or the fourth cell.

[0036] According to the method of this embodiment, when it is detected that the UE camps in the first cell in the above-mentioned ping-pong cell pair, a timer is started, and before the expiration of the timer, cell reselection is not performed within the above-mentioned ping-pong cell pair through the third cell. Therefore, repeated cell reselection between two or more cells can be avoided, and in turn the power consumption of the UE can be reduced.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the following operation is further performed before the timer is started. It is detected that the location change of the above-mentioned UE is less than a second threshold, and the above-mentioned UE performs repeated cell reselection between the above-mentioned ping-pong cell pair and the above-mentioned third cell.

[0038] In this embodiment, when the UE's location change is detected to be less than a second threshold (i.e., the UE moves a small distance or even not at all), the UE performs repeated cell reselections between the ping-pong pair of cells and the third cell, and the ping-pong cell reselection of more than two cells is detected when the ping-pong pair of cells is detected. The ping-pong cell reselection of more than two cells is caused by the existing prevention mechanism of two cells. The existing prevention mechanism forces the UE to stay on one cell (e.g., the first cell) in the ping-pong pair of cells. However, if the third cell has better signal quality or higher priority than the first cell, the UE can reselect from the first cell to the third cell, and then can reselect from the third cell to the second cell. That is, when the UE reselects back to the other cell (e.g., the second cell) in the ping-pong pair of cells using the third cell, another round of ping-pong cell reselection occurs.

[0039] In this case, the prevention mechanism for repeated cell reselection needs to be initiated, e.g., a timer is initiated.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the timer is initiated in the following manner. A first timer is initiated. The cell reselection within the ping-pong pair of cells by the third cell before the expiration of the timer includes the following. The cell reselection to the second cell by the third cell before the expiration of the first timer is not performed.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first timer is initiated for the second cell to which the UE does not camp on to prevent the UE from reselecting back to the second cell before the expiration of the first timer. Before the expiration of the first timer, the UE can either stay camped on the first cell or reselect to the third cell (see the dashed arrow in Figure 4 Thus, another round of ping-pong cell reselection can be avoided.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, the timer is initiated in the following manner. A second timer is initiated. The cell reselection within the ping-pong pair of cells by the third cell before the expiration of the timer includes the following. The cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell by the third cell before the expiration of the second timer is not performed.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second timer is initiated for both the first cell and the second cell to prevent the UE from camping on the first cell and reselecting back to the second cell before the expiration of the second timer. Before the expiration of the second timer, the UE can reselect to the third cell, but cannot camp on the first cell and reselect to the second cell.

[0044] The existing prevention mechanism has the following drawbacks. When the UE leaves the ping-pong cell pair, for example, leaves the first cell to the third cell, the timer stops. That is, without the timer constraint, the UE will go back to the second cell through the third cell again, which will cause another round of ping-pong cell reselection. In contrast, in this embodiment, even if the UE reselects to another cell (e.g., the third cell), the second timer does not stop until it expires, which will prevent another round of ping-pong cell reselection.

[0045] In addition, if multiple ping-pong cell pairs are detected, each ping-pong cell pair will have its own timer for each ping-pong cell. The UE will eventually stop cell reselection and stay in one cell.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the timer is started in the following manner. A third timer is started. Performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell before the expiration of the third timer includes the following. Performing cell reselection to the second cell through the third cell before the expiration of the third timer.

[0047] In this embodiment, a third timer is started for the UE to prevent the UE from reselecting back to the second cell before the expiration of the third timer. Before the expiration of the third timer, the UE can stay camped on the first cell or reselect to the third cell, but cannot reselect to the second cell. Thus, another round of ping-pong cell reselection can be avoided.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, the following operation is further performed. Performing cell reselection to the third cell before the expiration of the third timer.

[0049] In this embodiment, before the expiration of the third timer, the UE can only stay camped on the first cell, but cannot reselect to the third cell, not to mention reselect to the second cell. Thus, another round of ping-pong cell reselection can be avoided.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, the following operation is further performed. Determining that the signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold.

[0051] In this embodiment, once the ping-pong cell reselection of two or more cells is detected, a third timer is started, and before the third timer expires, the UE will stay camped on the first cell or reselect to the third cell if the signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold. Alternatively, before the third timer expires, the UE will only stay camped on the first cell, i.e., will not perform cell reselection, if the signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold. That is, if the signal quality of the serving cell (i.e., the first cell) is acceptable, the UE will not perform cell reselection to other cells. As mentioned above, the signal quality refers to the reference signal received power (RSRP).

[0052] As mentioned above, the timer can be started for the second cell, for both the second cell and the first cell, or for the UE. In the following embodiments, the timer is started for both the second cell and the first cell. Moreover, before the timer is started, the ping-pong cell reselection of two or more cells is detected. That is, the location change of the UE is detected to be less than a second threshold, and the UE performs repeated cell reselection between the ping-pong cell pair and a third cell.

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a method of avoiding repeated cell reselection according to other embodiments. The method is implemented in the UE described above. As shown in Figure 5 the method starts from 501.

[0054] 501, it is detected that the location change of the UE is less than a second threshold, and the UE performs repeated cell reselection between a ping-pong cell pair and a third cell, wherein the ping-pong cell pair includes a first cell and a second cell, and the difference between the signal quality of the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold.

[0055] 502, when it is detected that the UE is camped on the first cell, a second timer is started.

[0056] 503, before the second timer expires, no cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell is performed through the third cell, wherein the third cell is different from the first cell and the second cell.

[0057] In this embodiment, the ping-pong cell reselection of two or more cells is detected, and the second timer is started for both the first cell and the second cell to prevent the UE from camping on the first cell and reselecting back to the second cell before the second timer expires. Before the second timer expires, the UE can reselect to the third cell (see the dotted arrow in Figure 4 ), but cannot camp on the first cell and reselect to the second cell.

[0058] According to the method in the embodiment, it is detected that the location change of the UE is less than the second threshold, and it is detected that the UE performs repeated cell reselection between the above ping-pong cell pair and the above third cell; when it is detected that the UE resides in the first cell, a second timer is started; before the second timer expires, cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell is not performed through the third cell. Therefore, repeated cell reselection between two or more cells can be avoided, and thus the power consumption of the UE can be reduced.

[0059] As described above, the timer can be started for the second cell, for the second cell and the first cell, or for the UE. In the following embodiment, the timer is started for the UE. Further, before the timer is started, it is detected that the ping-pong cell reselection of two or more cells. That is, it is detected that the location change of the UE is less than the second threshold, and it is detected that the UE performs repeated cell reselection between the ping-pong cell pair and the third cell. In addition, after the timer is started, it is determined that the signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold.

[0060] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a method for avoiding repeated cell reselection according to other embodiments. The method is implemented in the above UE. As shown in Figure 6 the method starts from 601.

[0061] 601, it is detected that the location change of the UE is less than the second threshold, and the UE performs repeated cell reselection between a ping-pong cell pair and a third cell, wherein the ping-pong cell pair includes a first cell and a second cell, and the signal quality difference between the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold.

[0062] 602, when it is detected that the UE resides in the first cell, a third timer is started.

[0063] 603, it is determined that the signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold.

[0064] 604, before the third timer expires, cell reselection to the second cell is not performed through the third cell.

[0065] 605, before the third timer expires, cell reselection to the third cell is not performed.

[0066] In this embodiment, it is detected that the ping-pong cell reselection of two or more cells, a third timer is started for the UE to prevent the UE from reselecting back to the second cell before the third timer expires, and it is determined that the signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold. Before the third timer expires, the UE can only remain in the first cell, but cannot reselect to the third cell or reselect to the second cell.

[0067] According to the method in the embodiment, it is detected that the location change of the UE is less than a second threshold, and it is detected that the UE repeatedly performs cell reselection between the ping-pong cell pair and the third cell; a third timer is started when it is detected that the UE is camped on the first cell; it is determined that the signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold; before the third timer expires, cell reselection to the second cell is not performed through the third cell; and before the third timer expires, cell reselection to the third cell is not performed. Therefore, repeated cell reselection between two or more cells can be avoided, and thus the power consumption of the UE can be reduced.

[0068] The scheme of the embodiments of the present application is described above mainly from the perspective of the method execution process. It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the electronic device comprises a hardware structure and / or a software module corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is implemented in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical scheme. A person skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0069] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional units of the mobile terminal according to the above method examples. For example, each functional unit can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated in one processing unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional unit. It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division. When actually implemented, there can be another division manner.

[0070] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a device for avoiding repeated cell reselection according to an embodiment. The device 700 is implemented in a UE, as shown in Figure 7 The device 700 comprises a starting unit 701 and an execution unit 702.

[0071] The starting unit 701 is configured to start a timer when it is detected that the UE is camped on a first cell in a ping-pong cell pair, wherein the ping-pong cell pair further comprises a second cell, and a signal quality difference between the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold. The execution unit 702 is configured to, before the timer expires, not perform cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through a third cell, wherein the third cell is different from the first cell and the second cell.

[0072] In at least one example, the apparatus 700 further includes a detecting unit. The detecting unit is configured to detect that a location change of the UE is less than a second threshold, and the UE performs repeated cell reselection between the ping-pong cell pair and the third cell.

[0073] In at least one example, in starting the timer, the starting unit 701 is configured to start a first timer. In not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell before the timer expires, the performing unit 702 is configured to not perform cell reselection to the second cell through the third cell before the first timer expires.

[0074] In at least one example, in starting the timer, the starting unit 701 is configured to start a second timer. In not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell before the timer expires, the performing unit 702 is configured to not perform cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell through the third cell before the second timer expires.

[0075] In at least one example, in starting the timer, the starting unit 701 is configured to start a third timer. In not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell before the timer expires, the performing unit 702 is configured to not perform cell reselection to the second cell through the third cell before the third timer expires.

[0076] In at least one example, the apparatus 700 further includes a first performing unit. The first performing unit is configured to not perform cell reselection to the third cell before the third timer expires.

[0077] In at least one example, the apparatus 700 further includes a determining unit. The determining unit is configured to determine that a signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold.

[0078] The apparatus according to the embodiment detects that the UE resides in the first cell in the ping-pong cell pair, starts a timer, and does not perform cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell before the timer expires. Therefore, repeated cell reselection between two or more cells can be avoided, and the power consumption of the UE can be reduced.

[0079] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a UE according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 8 The UE includes at least one processor 810, a memory 820, and a communication interface 830.

[0080] The memory 820 is connected with the at least one processor 810 and the communication interface 830, and stores one or more programs 821 (for example, at least one computer executable instruction). When executed by the at least one processor 810, the at least one computer executable instruction causes the at least one processor 810 to perform: starting a timer when it is detected that the UE resides in a first cell of a ping-pong cell pair, wherein the ping-pong cell pair further includes a second cell, and a difference between signal qualities of the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold; and before the timer expires, not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through a third cell, wherein the third cell is different from the first cell and the second cell.

[0081] In at least one embodiment, the at least one processor is further configured to: before starting the timer, detect that a location change of the UE is less than a second threshold, and the UE performs repeated cell reselection between the ping-pong cell pair and the third cell.

[0082] In at least one embodiment, when configured to start the timer, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: start a first timer. When configured to, before the timer expires, not perform cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: before the first timer expires, not perform cell reselection to the second cell through the third cell.

[0083] In at least one embodiment, when configured to start the timer, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: start a second timer. When configured to, before the timer expires, not perform cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: before the second timer expires, not perform cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell through the third cell.

[0084] In at least one embodiment, when configured to start the timer, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: start a third timer. When configured to, before the timer expires, not perform cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: before the third timer expires, not perform cell reselection to the second cell through the third cell.

[0085] In at least one embodiment, the at least one processor is further configured to: before the third timer expires, not perform cell reselection to the third cell.

[0086] In at least one embodiment, the at least one processor is further configured to: determine that the signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold.

[0087] According to the UE of the embodiment, when it is detected that the UE is camped on a first cell in the above-mentioned ping-pong cell pair, a timer is started, and before the timer expires, cell reselection is not performed in the above-mentioned ping-pong cell pair through a third cell. Therefore, repeated cell reselection between two or more cells can be avoided, and in turn, power consumption of the UE can be reduced.

[0088] The embodiment also discloses a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is configured to store a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform the following: when it is detected that the UE is camped on a first cell in a ping-pong cell pair, a timer is started, wherein the ping-pong cell pair further includes a second cell, and a difference between signal quality of the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold; and before the timer expires, cell reselection is not performed in the ping-pong cell pair through a third cell, wherein the third cell is different from the first cell and the second cell.

[0089] In at least one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program further causes the processor to perform the following: before the timer is started, it is detected that a location change of the UE is less than a second threshold, and the UE performs repeated cell reselection between the ping-pong cell pair and the third cell.

[0090] In at least one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform the following: a first timer is started; and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform the following: before the timer expires, cell reselection is not performed to the second cell through the third cell before the first timer expires.

[0091] In at least one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform the following: a second timer is started; and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform the following: before the timer expires, cell reselection is not performed to the first cell and the second cell through the third cell before the second timer expires.

[0092] In at least one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program further causes the processor to perform: starting a third timer; and refraining from performing cell reselection to the second cell through the third cell before the third timer expires, in relation to refraining from performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell before the timer expires.

[0093] In at least one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program further causes the processor to perform: refraining from performing cell reselection to the third cell before the third timer expires.

[0094] In at least one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program further causes the processor to perform: determining that the signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold.

[0095] The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of processing steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0096] The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of processing steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0097] The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of processing steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0098] It should be noted that, for the foregoing method embodiments, the sequences of the described actions are not necessarily required to achieve the objects of the application, and certain steps can be performed in other sequences or even concurrently. Also, the aforementioned embodiments merely illustrate rather than limit the application.

[0099] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment is focused on different aspects, and the parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the relevant description of other embodiments.

[0100] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely schematic, and the division of the above units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, another division manner can be adopted, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, apparatuses or units, and can be electrical or other forms.

[0101] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, that is, can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network units. According to actual needs, part or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

[0102] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0103] If the above-mentioned integrated units are realized in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable memory. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of the present application essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or the whole or part of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a memory and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the above-mentioned methods of various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned memory includes: a U disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a mobile hard disk, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0104] A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above-mentioned embodiments can be completed by a program instructing relevant hardware, and the program can be stored in a computer readable memory, which can include a flash disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, etc.

[0105] Although the present application is described in conjunction with certain embodiments, it is understood that the present application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, rather, the present application is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as are permitted under the law.

Claims

1. A method for avoiding repeated cell reselection, implemented in a user equipment (UE) and comprising: starting a timer upon detecting that the UE is camped on a first cell of a ping-pong cell pair, wherein the ping-pong cell pair further comprises a second cell, and a difference between signal qualities of the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold; and not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through a third cell before expiration of the timer, wherein the third cell is different from the first cell and the second cell, and wherein the not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell before expiration of the timer comprises not performing cell reselection to the second cell through the third cell or not performing cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell through the third cell before expiration of the first timer. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising: before starting the timer, detecting that a location change of the UE is less than a second threshold, and the UE performs repeated cell reselection between the ping-pong cell pair and the third cell. 3.The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein starting the timer comprises: starting a first timer; and the not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell before expiration of the timer comprises: not performing cell reselection to the second cell through the third cell before expiration of the first timer. 4.The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein starting the timer comprises: starting a second timer; and the not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell before expiration of the timer comprises: not performing cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell through the third cell before expiration of the second timer. 5.The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein starting the timer comprises: starting a third timer; and the not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell before expiration of the timer comprises: not performing cell reselection to the second cell through the third cell before expiration of the third timer.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: not performing cell reselection to the third cell before expiration of the third timer.

7. The method of claim 5 or 6, further comprising: determining that the signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold. 8.A user equipment (UE) comprising: at least one processor; and a memory connected to the at least one processor and storing at least one computer-executable instruction that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform: starting a timer upon detecting that the UE is camped on a first cell of a ping-pong cell pair, wherein the ping-pong cell pair further comprises a second cell, and a difference between signal qualities of the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold; and not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through a third cell before expiration of the timer, wherein the third cell is different from the first cell and the second cell, and wherein the not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair through the third cell before expiration of the timer comprises not performing cell reselection to the second cell through the third cell or not performing cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell through the third cell before expiration of the first timer. not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair by a third cell before the timer expires, wherein the third cell is different from the first cell and the second cell, and wherein the not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair by a third cell before the timer expires comprises not performing cell reselection to the second cell by the third cell or not performing cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell by the third cell before the first timer expires. 9.The UE of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: before starting the timer, detect that a location change of the UE is less than a second threshold, and the UE performs repeated cell reselections between the ping-pong cell pair and the third cell. 10.The UE of claim 8 or 9, wherein, when used for starting the timer, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: start a first timer; when used for not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair by the third cell before the timer expires, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: not perform cell reselection to the second cell by the third cell before the first timer expires. 11.The UE of claim 8 or 9, wherein, when used for starting the timer, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: start a second timer; when used for not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair by the third cell before the timer expires, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: not perform cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell by the third cell before the second timer expires. 12.The UE of claim 8 or 9, wherein, when used for starting the timer, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: start a third timer; when used for not performing cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair by the third cell before the timer expires, the at least one processor is specifically configured to: not perform cell reselection to the second cell by the third cell before the third timer expires. 13.The UE of claim 12, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: not perform cell reselection to the third cell before the third timer expires. 14.The UE of claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine that a signal quality of the first cell is greater than a preset threshold. 15.A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform: When the UE is detected to camp on a first cell of a ping-pong cell pair, a timer is started, wherein the ping-pong cell pair further comprises a second cell, and a difference between signal qualities of the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold; and the ping-pong cell pair further comprises a second cell, and a difference between signal qualities of the first cell and the second cell is less than a first threshold; and not performing, by a third cell, cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair before the timer expires, wherein the third cell is different from the first cell and the second cell, and wherein the not performing, by the third cell, cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair before the timer expires comprises not performing, by the third cell, cell reselection to the second cell or not performing, by the third cell, cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell before the first timer expires.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program further causes the processor to perform: before starting the timer, detecting that a location change of the UE is less than a second threshold and the UE performs repeated cell reselections between the ping-pong cell pair and the third cell.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15 or 16, wherein, in starting the timer, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform: starting a first timer; in not performing, by the third cell, cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair before the timer expires, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform: not performing, by the third cell, cell reselection to the second cell before the first timer expires.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15 or 16, wherein, in starting the timer, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform: starting a second timer; in not performing, by the third cell, cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair before the timer expires, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform: not performing, by the third cell, cell reselection to the first cell and the second cell before the second timer expires.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15 or 16, wherein, in starting the timer, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform: starting a third timer; in not performing, by the third cell, cell reselection within the ping-pong cell pair before the timer expires, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program causes the processor to perform: not performing, by the third cell, cell reselection to the second cell before the third timer expires.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein, when the computer program is executed by the processor, the computer program further causes the processor to perform: not performing, by the third cell, cell reselection to the third cell before the third timer expires.

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