Method and apparatus for establishing a communication connection in a wireless network

Abstract

A method and apparatus for establishing a communication connection in a wireless network are provided. A method for a user equipment (UE) to establish a communication connection includes: sending a first attach request to a communication network using a PLMN and an APN; receiving a reason for rejecting the first attach request from the communication network; disabling the UE's N1 mode to disable New Radio Standalone (NRSA) networking based on the reason for rejecting the first attach request. Subsequently, sending a second attach request to the communication network using the same PLMN and APN and establishing a communication connection with an LTE network. When at least one specific condition is met or a specific time period has elapsed, the N1 mode is re-enabled and a corresponding procedure is initiated. When the N1 mode is re-enabled, the UE reports updated capabilities to the communication network. The UE supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability. At least in the coverage area where the UE is located, the communication network does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wireless communication, and more specifically to a method and apparatus for establishing a communication connection in a wireless network. Background Technology

[0002] In modern mobile communications, a User Equipment (UE) initiates the attach procedure by sending an Attach Request to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and establishes a default bearer by sending a Connection Request in the Packet Data Network (PDN). According to the radio access technology developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)—5G New Radio (5G NR)—"N1 mode" is a mode that allows the UE to access the 5G core network. An Information Element (IE) is a set of information that can be included in signaling messages or data streams sent through the interface. When N1 mode is enabled, the Attach Request N1 mode IE is configured to support it, and the PDN Connection Request includes a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session identifier. When N1 mode is disabled, the Attach Request N1 mode IE is configured to not support it, and the PDN Connection Request does not include a PDU session identifier.

[0003] A network slice can be defined as a partition of a logical network and a 3GPP-compliant wireless network. Network slices can be created to serve a specific purpose or a group of customers and can be identified using Single Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information (S-NSSAI). The communication network making an attach request uses a PDU session identifier to associate the PDN connection, default bearer, PDU session, and S-NSSAI.

[0004] 5G NR's "New Radio Standalone" (NR SA) is a mode that uses 5G cells for signaling and information transmission. NR SA includes a 5G packet core architecture, instead of relying on a 4G Evolved Packet Core, and allows 5G deployment without a Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G network. Typically, a UE can move between 5G and LTE coverage areas, initiating interoperability between the 5G and LTE networks to maintain service continuity. According to current 3GPP protocols (e.g., 5G NR Release 17 and legacy systems, i.e., previous cellular mobile systems), there may be scenarios where a UE supports NR SA and NR SA interoperability with LTE, but the communication network does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability (at least in the coverage area where the UE is located). In this case, if the UE's attach request to the LTE network or default PDN connection is rejected for some reason, there is no corresponding explicit rejection reason value definition. Therefore, the UE may not be able to register in the LTE network. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method for establishing a communication connection by a user equipment (UE) is provided, comprising: sending a first attach request to a communication network using a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and an Access Point Network (APN), and receiving from the communication network a reason for rejecting the first attach request (e.g., a message indicating the reason for rejection). The UE's N1 mode is disabled based on the reason for rejecting the first attach request, thereby disabling the UE's New Radio Interface (NR) Standalone (SA) mode. Subsequently, a second attach request is sent to the communication network using the same PLMN and APN to establish a communication connection with an LTE network. When at least one specific condition is met or a specific time period has elapsed, the N1 mode is re-enabled and a corresponding procedure is initiated. When the N1 mode is re-enabled, the UE reports updated capabilities to the communication network. The UE supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability, but the communication network does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability, at least in the coverage area where the UE is located.

[0006] In various embodiments:

[0007] The steps to disable NR SA may include: starting a timer with a specific period when NR SA is disabled, wherein the period is defined by the network configuration or user equipment (UE) and has a default value.

[0008] The steps of receiving a reason for rejecting a first attach request from a communication network may include: receiving an Evolved Packet System Mobility Management (EMM) reason for the first attach request and an Evolved Packet System Session Management (EPM) reason for rejecting a PDN connection request from the communication network.

[0009] The step of receiving the reason for rejecting the first attach request from the communication network may further include: receiving a response from the communication network instructing the user equipment to unattach and the reason therefor.

[0010] After the timer expires, N1 mode can be enabled and the corresponding process can be initiated to report the updated capabilities.

[0011] Stop the timer, enable N1 mode and initiate the corresponding procedure to report the updated capabilities when one of the following conditions occurs: the UE selects a different PLMN and APN; the UE enters a different tracking area (TA); the UE is powered off and then powered on again; or the Global Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) is removed from the UE.

[0012] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method for establishing a communication connection by a communication network is provided, comprising: receiving a first attach request sent from a UE using a PLMN and an APN, and determining whether to reject the first attach request; when the first attach request is rejected, sending a reason for rejecting the first attach request to the UE; and receiving a second attach request from the UE for an LTE network and establishing a communication connection with the UE using the same PLMN and APN under the condition that the UE has disabled NR SA mode, wherein the UE supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability, and the communication network does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability at least in the coverage area where the UE is located.

[0013] The step of sending the reason for rejecting the first attach request to the UE may include sending the EMM rejection reason for the first attach request and the ESM rejection reason for the PDN connection request to the UE.

[0014] The step of sending the reason for rejecting the first attach request to the UE may further include sending a response and reason instructing the UE to be unattached.

[0015] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for establishing a communication connection is provided, comprising: a first communication circuit configured to send a first attach request to a communication network using a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and an Access Point Network (APN), and to receive a reason for rejecting the first attach request from the communication network; a second communication circuit configured to send a second attach request to the communication network again using the same PLMN and APN and establish a communication connection with an LTE network when the New Radio Interface (NRSA) of the apparatus is disabled; a disable circuit configured to disable NRSA mode based on the reason for rejecting the attach request; and an enable circuit that enables N1 mode and initiates a corresponding procedure to report updated capabilities after at least one specific condition is met or a specific time period has elapsed, wherein the apparatus supports NRSA and NRSA-LTE interoperability, and the communication network does not support NRSA or NRSA-LTE interoperability at least in the coverage area where the apparatus is located.

[0016] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for establishing a communication connection is provided, comprising: a first receiving circuit configured to receive a first attach request sent from a user equipment (UE) using a public land mobile network (PLMN) and an access point network (APN), and to determine whether to reject the first attach request; a transmitting circuit configured to send a reason for rejecting the first attach request to the UE when the first attach request is rejected; and a second receiving circuit configured to receive a second attach request from the UE for an LTE network and establish a communication connection with the UE using the same PLMN and APN when the UE's New Radio Standalone (NRSA) mode is disabled, wherein the UE supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability, and the apparatus does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability.

[0017] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions is provided, wherein when the instructions are executed by at least one processor, they cause the at least one processor to perform the following operations: at least one processor; at least one memory storing computer-executable instructions, wherein when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the at least one processor, they cause the at least one processor to perform operations to implement any of the methods described above.

[0018] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can achieve at least the following beneficial effects: In scenarios where operator networks that do not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability directly reject attach requests initiated by UEs that do not support NR SA and / or NR SA and LTE interoperability, the UE can disable N1 mode to register in the LTE network and establish a PDN connection. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating how a communication network rejects a communication connection from a UE in an existing 3GPP protocol.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for establishing a communication connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for establishing a communication connection according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for enabling the N1 mode.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a UE-side apparatus for establishing a communication connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for establishing a communication connection on the communication network side according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device for establishing a communication connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a full understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, changes and equivalent substitutions may be made to the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and may be changed as desired, except that they occur in a logically specific order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0028] Examples of devices used to establish a communication connection may be at least one or a combination of the following: mobile smartphones, tablet PCs, laptop PCs, e-book readers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players, mobile medical devices, wearable devices (e.g., electronic watches, electronic necklaces, etc.), home appliances (e.g., televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, and air purifiers), navigation devices, in-vehicle communication devices, etc. Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication network that rejects a communication connection from a UE according to existing 3GPP protocols (e.g., 5G NR Release 17 and legacy systems).

[0029] In this scenario, UE 10 supports NR SA and interoperability with NR SA and LTE compatible networks (hereinafter referred to as "LTE"), while communication network 12 does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability in the coverage area where UE 10 is located.

[0030] In operation 101, UE 10 sends an attach request (indicating a request for 5G-based communication) to communication network 12, configured as supported by the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and APN (both within network 12), using the IE configuration. UE 10 also sends a PDN connection request containing the PDU session ID. Here, communication network 12 can use the PDU session ID to identify and associate the PDU session with Single Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information (S-NSSAI).

[0031] In response to receiving the attach request, the communication network 12 sends a response message to the UE 10 to refuse attach and refuse PDN connection (operation 102).

[0032] In existing 3GPP protocols, such as Figure 1 As shown, if the PDN connection rejection message is "ESM failure" notified by the EMM layer (i.e., the EMM reason "ESM failure" included in the attachment rejection information), then the UE can only choose a different APN to establish a connection with the LTE network (within network 12), or fall back to 3G / 2G.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for establishing a communication connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The method can operate in the following scenario: UE 20 supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability, but the communication network 22 to which the UE 20 is requested to attach does not support NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability in the coverage area where UE 20 is located.

[0034] In operation 201, UE 20 sends an attach request and a PDN connection request to communication network 22 (using PLMN and APN within network 22), wherein the attach request is configured to support N1 mode IE, and the PDN connection request includes a PDU session identifier.

[0035] In operation 202, in response to receiving the attach request and PDN connection request from UE 20, communication network 22 sends an EMM reason "ESM failure" to UE 20 to reject the attach request. Communication network 22 also sends an ESM reason (ESM message) "NR SA not supported" to UE to reject the PDN connection request.

[0036] In operation 203, UE 20 disables NR SA in response to the ESM reason "NR SA not supported" received from the communication network 22 rejecting the PDN connection request. UE 20 may also start a timer with a specific period (e.g., a default value of 12 hours) when NR SA is disabled. Here, the timer period can be specified by the network or customized by the UE implementation.

[0037] In operation 204, with NR SA disabled (N1 mode disabled), UE 20 again sends an attach request to the communication network using the same PLMN and APN as in operation 201 and is able to establish a communication connection with the LTE network (part of network 22). With N1 mode disabled, a different IE configuration can be indicated in, for example, the transport message associated with the LTE request (the N1 mode IE configuration for 5G-based attach requests is not supported), and the PDN connection request may not include a PDU session identifier. UE 20 can also start a timer with a specific period (e.g., a default value of 12 hours) when NR SA is disabled. Here, the timer period can be specified by network 22 or customized by UE 20.

[0038] It is important to note here that in operation 204, if a timer has been set as described above, even if UE 20 has successfully connected to network 22 via LTE, UE 20 can then re-enable NR SA and subsequently attempt 5G-based communication when the timer expires. For example, if UE 20 moves to a 5G coverage area or a coverage area where interoperability between NR SA and LTE is available, 5G-based communication may be available, as described previously. Figure 2 This method allows the UE to adjust its internal settings to re-initiate LTE network registration and PDN connection based on the corresponding rejection reason. In contrast, in... Figure 1 In related technical methods, because the communication network does not provide the UE with ESM reasons such as "NR SA not supported" for rejecting the PDN connection request (this type of message transmission is not specified in existing 3GPP protocols or versions), the UE cannot obtain the specific reason for the connection failure. Therefore, the UE cannot make corresponding adjustments based on the reason for the rejection.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for establishing a communication connection according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] In operation 301, a UE 30 supporting NR SA and NR SA-LTE interoperability sends a message to a communication network 32 in the coverage area where the UE 30 is located that does not support NR SA or NR SA-LTE interoperability. The message includes an attach request and a PDN connection request, wherein the attach request is configured to support N1 mode IE, and the PDN connection request includes a PDU session identifier.

[0041] In operation 302, upon receiving the attach request and PDN connection request from UE 30, the communication network 32 sends a "re-attach required" de-attach response to the attach request, with the reason "NR SA not supported". Note that UE 30 may have previously attached to the LTE network before initiating the NR SA-based attach request in operation 301.

[0042] In operation 303, UE 30 disables NRSA in response to a received communication network detachment reason "NR SA not supported". UE 30 may also start a timer with a specific period (e.g., a default value of 12 hours) when NR SA is disabled. Here, the timer period can be specified by network 32 or customized by UE 30.

[0043] In operation 304, UE 30, with NR SA disabled, resends an attach request to the communication network using the same PLMN and APN to establish a communication connection with the LTE network. When N1 mode is disabled, the attach request N1 mode IE is configured as not supported, and the PDN connection request does not include the PDU session identifier.

[0044] according to Figure 3 In this embodiment, by sending an explicit detach reason value to UE 30, UE 30 can disable NR SA by disabling N1 mode, thereby successfully registering for LTE and establishing a PDN connection. In this way, UE 30 can also avoid repeated search and registration attempts between LTE and NR SA in communication network 32. This avoidance of repeated search and registration reduces power consumption caused by invalid NR SA cell search, cell selection, and registration, and communication network 32 can thereby reduce invalid signaling load.

[0045] Note that in operation 303, if a timer is set as described above, even if UE 30 has successfully connected to network 32 via LTE, when the timer expires, UE 30 can then re-enable NR SA and subsequently attempt further 5G-based communication.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for restarting an NR SA according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0047] In operation 401, UE 40, which supports NR SA and NR SA-LTE interoperability, sends messages to communication network 42 using PLMN and APN. Communication network 42 does not support NR SA or NR SA-LTE interoperability in the coverage area where UE 40 is located. The sent messages include attach requests and PDN connection requests, wherein the attach request is configured to support N1 mode IE, and the PDN connection request contains a PDU session identifier.

[0048] In operation 402, in response to receiving the attach request and PDN connection request from UE 40, the communication network 42 sends an EMM reason "ESM failure" to the UE to reject the attach request, and sends an ESM reason "NR SA not supported" to the UE 40 to reject the PDN connection request.

[0049] Optionally, upon receiving the attach request and PDN connection request from UE 40, the communication network 42 sends a "re-attachment required" de-attachment response to UE 40 in response to the attach request, with the reason "NR SA not supported" (e.g., Figure 3 (as in the embodiments).

[0050] In operation 403, UE 40 disables NR SA in response to the received rejection reason "NR SA not supported" from the communication network 42 rejecting the PDN connection request, and starts a timer with a specific period (e.g., a default value of 12 hours). Here, the timer period can be specified by the network 42 or customized by UE 40.

[0051] In operation 404, with NR SA disabled, UE 40 again sends an attach request to communication network 42 to establish a communication connection with the LTE network (within network 42) using the same PLMN and APN as in operation 401. Here, the attach request N1 mode IE is configured not to be supported, and the PDN connection request does not contain the PDU session identifier.

[0052] In operation 405, the timer can be stopped, N1 mode can be enabled, and the corresponding procedure to report the updated capability (e.g., N1 mode capability) can be initiated when one of the following occurs: (i) UE 40 selects a different PLMN and / or APN; (ii) UE 40 enters a different Tracking Area (TA); (iii) UE 40 is powered off and then powered on again; (iv) the Global Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) is removed. The corresponding procedure to report the updated capability can then be initiated (operation 406) (e.g., UE 40 can send a message to network 42 indicating that N1 mode has been enabled).

[0053] On the other hand, if no condition occurs in operation 405 before the timer expires (as set in operation 403), the timer may expire, at which point NR SA can be initiated (operation 407). Subsequently, in operation 408, a corresponding procedure can be sent to report the updated capability (the UE can send a message to network 42 indicating that N1 mode has been enabled).

[0054] According to the previously described Figure 4 In one embodiment, UE 40 can perform LTE communication after disabling N1 mode and disabling NR SA for communication network 42 that does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability (at least in the coverage area where UE 40 is located). Furthermore, UE 40 can restart NR SA after a timer expires or under certain conditions, thereby connecting to another network (within communication network 42) that supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a UE-side apparatus 500 for establishing a communication connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., circuitry within any of the UE 20, UE 30, or UE 40 as described above).

[0056] In this embodiment, the device 500 may include: a first communication circuit 501 configured to send an attach request to a communication network using a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and receive a reason for rejecting the attach request from the communication network; a disabling circuit 502 configured to disable New Radio Standalone (NRSA) networking based on the reason for rejecting the attach request; and a second communication circuit 503 configured to send an attach request to the communication network again using the same PLMN and APN and establish a communication connection with the LTE network when NRSA is disabled. The attach request N1 mode IE sent by the first communication circuit 501 is configured to support NRSA, and the PDN connection request includes a PDU session identifier. The attach request N1 mode IE sent by the second communication circuit 503 after N1 mode is disabled is configured to not support NRSA, and the PDN connection request does not include a PDU session identifier. The device 500 supports NRSA and NRSA-LTE interoperability, and the communication network does not support NRSA or NRSA-LTE interoperability at least in the coverage area where the UE is located. Optionally, the device 500 for establishing a communication connection may further include a memory (not shown). The memory can be configured to store NR SA configurations to restart NR SA.

[0057] The steps for disabling circuit 502 to disable NR SA include: starting a timer with a specific period when NR SA is disabled.

[0058] The step of receiving the reason for the rejection of the attach request from the communication network by the first communication circuit 501 includes receiving from the communication network an Evolved Packet System Mobility Management (EMM) reason for the attach request and an Evolved Packet System Session Management (ESM) reason for the PDN connection request.

[0059] The step of receiving the reason for the attachment rejection request from the communication network by the first communication circuit 501 further includes receiving a response from the communication network instructing the user equipment to detach and the reason therefor.

[0060] The apparatus 500 for establishing a communication connection may further include: an enable circuit 504 configured to re-enable N1 mode and initiate a corresponding procedure to report the updated capabilities after a timer expires. Here, the timer is stopped, N1 mode is enabled, and the corresponding procedure to report the updated capabilities is initiated when one of the following occurs: a different PLMN and APN are selected, a different tracking area is entered, power is turned off and then on again, or the Global Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) is removed.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for establishing a communication connection on the communication network side according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] In this embodiment, the device 600 on the communication network side for establishing a communication connection may include: a first receiving circuit 601 configured to receive an attach request sent from a user equipment using a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and determine whether to reject the attach request; a sending circuit 602 configured to send a reason for rejecting the attach request to the user equipment when the attach request is rejected; and a second receiving circuit 603 configured to receive another attach request from the user equipment for an LTE network using the same PLMN and APN when the user equipment disables New Radio Standalone (NRSA) networking and establish a communication connection with the user equipment. The attach request received by the first receiving circuit 601 is configured to support N1 mode IE, and the PDN connection request includes a PDU session identifier. The attach request received by the second receiving circuit 603 after N1 mode is disabled is configured not to support N1 mode IE, and the PDN connection request does not include a PDU session identifier. The user equipment supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability, while the device 600 does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability.

[0063] The step of sending the reason for rejecting the attach request to the user equipment by the transmitting circuit 602 includes sending an Evolved Packet System Mobility Management (EMM) reason for the attach request and an Evolved Packet System Session Management (ESM) reason for the PDN connection request to the user equipment.

[0064] The step of sending the reason for rejecting the attach request to the user equipment by the sending circuit 602 further includes sending a response instructing the user equipment to detach and the reason therefor to the user equipment.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 700 for establishing a communication connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Reference Figure 7 The electronic device 700 may include at least one memory 701 and at least one processor 702. The at least one memory stores a set of computer-executable instructions. When the set of computer-executable instructions is executed by the at least one processor, a method for establishing a communication connection according to an embodiment of this disclosure is performed. Here, the electronic device 700 may be an electronic device on the UE side or an electronic device on the communication network side.

[0067] As an example, an electronic device can be a PC, tablet, personal digital assistant, smartphone, or other device capable of executing the aforementioned set of instructions. Here, the electronic device is not necessarily a single device; it can be any collection of devices or circuits capable of executing the aforementioned instructions (or instruction sets) individually or in combination. The electronic device can also be part of an integrated control system or system manager, or can be configured to interconnect locally or remotely (e.g., via wireless transmission) through an interface.

[0068] In electronic devices, processors may include central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), programmable logic devices, dedicated processor systems, microcontrollers, or microprocessors. By way of example and not limitation, processors may also include analog processors, digital processors, microprocessors, multi-core processors, processor arrays, network processors, etc.

[0069] The processor can execute instructions or code stored in memory, which can also store data. Instructions and data can also be sent and received over a network via a network interface device, which can employ any known transport protocol.

[0070] Memory can be integrated with the processor; for example, RAM or flash memory can be housed within an integrated circuit microprocessor. Alternatively, memory can comprise a separate device, such as an external disk drive, storage array, or other storage device that can be used by any database system. Memory and processor can be operatively coupled, or can communicate with each other, for example, via I / O ports, network connections, etc., enabling the processor to read files stored in the memory.

[0071] In addition, electronic devices may include video displays (such as liquid crystal displays) and user interaction interfaces (such as keyboards, mice, touch input devices, etc.). All components of the electronic device may be interconnected via buses and / or networks.

[0072] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions may also be provided, wherein when the instructions are executed by at least one processor, they cause at least one processor to perform a method for establishing a communication connection according to any of the example methods of this disclosure described above. Examples of computer-readable storage media include: read-only memory (ROM), random access programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), flash memory, non-volatile memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD+R, CD-RW, CD+RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-R LTH, BD-RE, Blu-ray or optical disc storage, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), card storage (such as multimedia cards, secure digital (SD) cards, or ultra-fast digital (XD) cards), magnetic tape, floppy disk, magneto-optical data storage device, optical data storage device, hard disk, solid-state drive, and any other device configured to store a computer program and any associated data, data files, and data structures in a non-transitory manner and to provide the computer program and any associated data, data files, and data structures to a processor or computer so that the processor or computer can execute the computer program. The computer program in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can run in an environment deployed in computer devices such as clients, hosts, agent devices, servers, etc. Furthermore, in one example, the computer program and any associated data, data files, and data structures are distributed across a networked computer system, such that the computer program and any associated data, data files, and data structures are stored, accessed, and executed in a distributed manner through one or more processors or computers.

[0073] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product may also be provided, wherein instructions in the computer program product may be executed by at least one processor in an electronic device to perform a method for establishing a communication connection according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. As used in connection with the various embodiments of this disclosure, the term "circuit" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "component," "tool," "processor," or "electronic circuit"). A circuit may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or portion of such a single integrated component. For example, according to embodiments, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Any of the circuits described above may be a processor, wherein the processor reads and executes instructions stored in memory to perform its function.

[0075] The above has been referred to Figures 2 to 7 A method and apparatus for establishing a communication connection according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described. However, it should be understood that: Figure 5 and Figure 6 The electronic devices and circuits shown can be configured as software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform specific functions. Figure 7 The electronic device shown is not limited to the components shown above, but some components may be added or removed as needed, and the above components may also be combined.

[0076] Although the inventive concept has been specifically shown and described with reference to its embodiments, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a communication connection by a user equipment (UE), comprising: The public land mobile network (PLMN) and the access point network (APN) are used to send a first attach request to the communication network and receive a reason for rejecting the first attach request from the communication network, wherein the reason includes an evolved packet system mobility management (EMM) reason for the first attach request and an evolved packet system session management (ESM) reason for the packet data network (PDN) connection request. The UE's N1 mode is disabled based on the reason for rejecting the first attach request, thereby disabling the UE's New Radio Interface (NR) Standalone (SA) mode. Send a second attach request to the communication network using the same PLMN and APN and establish a communication connection with the LTE network; Once at least one specific condition or a specific time period is met, N1 mode will be reactivated and the corresponding process will be initiated. When N1 mode is re-enabled, the UE reports the updated capabilities to the communication network. The user equipment supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability, and the communication network does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability at least in the coverage area where the UE is located.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: When NR SA mode is disabled, a timer with a specific time period is started, wherein the specific time period is configured by the communication network or customized by the UE.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Simultaneously with receiving the reason for rejecting the first attach request, a message indicating that the UE will be unattached is received from the communication network.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, After the timer expires, N1 mode is re-enabled and the corresponding process is initiated.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The at least one specific condition includes: the UE selecting a different PLMN and APN; the UE entering a different Tracking Area (TA); the UE being powered off and then powered on again; or the Global Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) being removed from the UE.

6. A method for establishing a communication connection using a communication network, comprising: The system uses the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and the APN to receive the first attach request sent from the User Equipment (UE) and to determine whether to reject the first attach request. When the first attach request is denied, the reason for denying the first attach request is sent to the UE, wherein the reason includes an Evolved Packet System Mobility Management (EMM) reason for the first attach request and an Evolved Packet System Session Management (ESM) reason for the Packet Data Network (PDN) connection request; and The system receives a second attach request for the LTE network from the UE, and establishes a communication connection with the UE using the same PLMN and APN when the second attach request indicates that the UE has disabled the UE's New Radio Standalone (NR) SA mode. The user equipment supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability, and the communication network does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability at least in the coverage area where the UE is located.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: The system will send a response to the first attach request, indicating that the user equipment will be unattached, to the UE.

8. An apparatus for establishing a communication connection, comprising: A first communication circuit is configured to send a first attach request to a communication network using a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and an Access Point Network (APN), and to receive from the communication network a reason for rejecting the first attach request, wherein the reason includes an Evolved Packet System Mobility Management (EMM) reason for the first attach request and an Evolved Packet System Session Management (ESM) reason for a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection request. The second communication circuit is configured to send a second attach request to the communication network and establish a communication connection with the LTE network using the same PLMN and APN when the NR standalone (SA) mode of the device is disabled. The disable circuit is configured to disable NR SA mode based on the reason for rejecting the first attach request; and The circuit is enabled when at least one specific condition or a specific time period is met, enabling N1 mode and initiating the corresponding process to report the updated capabilities. The device supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability, and the communication network does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability at least in the coverage area where the device is located.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The disable circuit is configured to start a timer with a specific time period when NR SA mode is disabled, wherein the specific time period is configured by the communication network or customized by the device.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The first communication circuit is also configured to receive from the communication network a response and reason indicating that the device will be unattached.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The enable circuit is also configured to re-enable N1 mode and initiate the corresponding process after the timer expires.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The at least one of the following conditions includes: the device selecting a different PLMN and APN; the device entering a different tracking area (TA); the device being powered off and then powered on again; or the Global Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) being removed from the device.

13. A communication network apparatus for establishing a communication connection, comprising: The first receiving circuit is configured to receive a first attach request sent from a user equipment UE using a public land mobile network (PLMN) and an access point network (APN), and to determine whether to reject the first attach request. A transmitting circuit is configured to send a reason for rejecting a first attach request to the UE when the first attach request is rejected, wherein the reason includes an Evolved Packet System Mobility Management (EMM) reason for the first attach request and an Evolved Packet System Session Management (ESM) reason for the Packet Data Network (PDN) connection request; and The second receiving circuit is configured to receive a second attach request from the UE for the LTE network and establish a communication connection with the UE using the same PLMN and APN when the UE's New Radio Independent (NR) SA mode is disabled. The UE supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability, while the device does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The transmitting circuit is also configured to send a response and reason indicating that the UE should be detached to the UE.

15. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions, wherein, When the instruction is executed by at least one processor, it causes the at least one processor to perform a method for establishing a communication connection by a user equipment (UE), wherein the method includes: The public land mobile network (PLMN) and the access point network (APN) are used to send a first attach request to the communication network and receive a reason for rejecting the first attach request from the communication network, wherein the reason includes an evolved packet system mobility management (EMM) reason for the first attach request and an evolved packet system session management (ESM) reason for the packet data network (PDN) connection request. The UE's N1 mode is disabled based on the reason for rejecting the first attach request, thereby disabling the UE's New Radio Interface (NR) Standalone (SA) mode. Send a second attach request to the communication network using the same PLMN and APN and establish a communication connection with the LTE network; Once at least one specific condition or a specific time period is met, N1 mode will be reactivated and the corresponding process will be initiated. When N1 mode is re-enabled, the UE reports the updated capabilities to the communication network. The user equipment supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability, and the communication network does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability at least in the coverage area where the UE is located.

16. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions, wherein, When the instruction is executed by at least one processor, it causes the at least one processor to perform a method for establishing a communication connection by a communication network, the method comprising: The system uses the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and the APN to receive the first attach request sent from the User Equipment (UE) and to determine whether to reject the first attach request. When the first attach request is denied, the reason for denying the first attach request is sent to the UE, wherein the reason includes an Evolved Packet System Mobility Management (EMM) reason for the first attach request and an Evolved Packet System Session Management (ESM) reason for the Packet Data Network (PDN) connection request; and The system receives a second attach request for the LTE network from the UE, and establishes a communication connection with the UE using the same PLMN and APN when the second attach request indicates that the UE has disabled the UE's New Radio Standalone (NR) SA mode. The user equipment supports NR SA and NR SA and LTE interoperability, and the communication network does not support NR SA or NR SA and LTE interoperability at least in the coverage area where the UE is located.

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