A cell reselection method and related apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a cell reselection method and related devices, and the method comprises the following steps: determining first information of a first slice, wherein the first slice is a slice selected during cell reselection, and the first information of the first slice is used for indicating an area supporting the first slice; determining at least one candidate cell according to the area supporting the first slice; and determining a target cell from the at least one candidate cell. By using the method provided in the application, the access success rate of slice service of the first slice can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a cell reselection method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The New Radio (NR) system introduces the concept of network slicing. Different slice types correspond to different service types. Operators can flexibly configure the supported network slice types on the network side according to their own needs. To maximize the flexibility of network-side slice deployment, the slice types deployed in cells on different frequency points can be configured independently. Currently, cell reselection between cells on the same frequency does not need to consider network slicing limitations; user equipment (UE) selects cells to camp on solely based on signal quality.

[0003] However, this strategy may be unsuitable when applied to tracking area (TA) boundaries. This is because slices are homogeneously deployed within a TA or TA list, meaning they have the same support capabilities for slices. However, at TA boundaries, the slice deployment of neighboring TAs may differ from that of the TA to which the user equipment (UE) currently belongs. If the UE selects a cell solely based on signal quality, the cell with good signal quality may not support the slice service the UE expects, thus affecting subsequent access speeds and resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a cell reselection method and related apparatus, which can improve the access success rate of slice services in the first slice.

[0005] Firstly, this application provides a cell reselection method, the method comprising: determining first information of a first slice, wherein the first slice is a slice selected during cell reselection, and the first information of the first slice is used to indicate an area supporting the first slice; determining at least one candidate cell based on the area supporting the first slice; and determining a target cell from the at least one candidate cell. This method can improve the access success rate of slice services for the first slice.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the target cell is a cell among the at least one candidate cell that meets the cell reselection criteria and supports the first slice.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the region supporting the first slice includes at least one region, the at least one region includes at least one cell, and the at least one candidate cell is one or more of the at least one cell. The region can be a TA, a TA list, or a registration area (RA), etc.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, determining the first information of the first slice includes: acquiring registration status information of the first slice, the registration status information indicating the registration status of the first slice within the area to which the current stationed cell belongs; and / or receiving indication information, the indication information indicating slice information supported by neighboring cells, the neighboring cells being cells adjacent to the current stationed cell, the neighboring cells belonging to the same area or different areas as the current stationed cell; and determining the first information based on the registration status information and / or the indication information.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the indication information is carried by broadcast system messages and / or dedicated signaling.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method is applied to a user equipment (UE), the UE including a non-access stratum (NAS) and an access stratum (AS); obtaining the registration status information of the first slice includes: the AS obtaining slice information from the NAS, the slice information including the registration status information of the first slice.

[0011] Secondly, this application provides a communication device, which includes units for the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0012] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and a transceiver; the transceiver is used to receive or transmit signals; the processor is used to execute the methods in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0013] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory for storing a computer program; the processor is specifically configured to invoke the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to execute the methods described in the first aspect and any of its possible implementations.

[0014] Fourthly, this application provides a chip, the chip being configured to determine first information of a first slice, the first slice being a slice selected during cell reselection, the first information of the first slice being used to indicate an area supporting the first slice; the chip is further configured to determine at least one candidate cell based on the area supporting the first slice; the chip is further configured to determine a target cell from the at least one candidate cell.

[0015] Fifthly, this application provides a module device, which includes a communication module, a power module, a storage module, and a chip module, wherein: the power module is used to provide power to the module device; the storage module is used to store data and instructions; the communication module is used for internal communication within the module device, or for communication between the module device and external devices; the chip module is used to: determine first information of a first slice, wherein the first slice is a slice selected during cell reselection, and the first information of the first slice is used to indicate an area supporting the first slice; determine at least one candidate cell based on the area supporting the first slice; and determine a target cell from the at least one candidate cell.

[0016] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0017] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer program or computer program product, including code or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect above and any possible implementation thereof.

[0018] By using the method of this application embodiment, since the first information indicates the area supporting the first slice, the user equipment can select the cell to be accessed from the area supporting the first slice during the cell reselection process. This can reduce the cell reselection latency of the user equipment, increase the probability that the cell to be accessed later supports the slice selection (i.e. the first slice), and improve the access success rate of the slice service of the first slice. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the inclusion relationship between a cell, a TA, and a TA list, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a cell reselection method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of yet another cell reselection method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of yet another cell reselection method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of yet another cell reselection method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a module device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] The terminology used in the following embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to include the plural expressions as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items.

[0031] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the term "comprising" and any variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or server that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0032] The embodiments of this application can be applied to Figure 1 The network architecture shown is Figure 1 The network architecture shown is the network architecture of a wireless communication system. This network architecture typically includes user equipment and network equipment. The number and form of each device do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates two network devices (Network Device 1 and Network Device 2) and one user equipment (UE). Network Device 2 provides communication services to the UE. During the UE's movement from its current location to the location of Network Device 1, a cell reselection may be triggered.

[0033] It should be noted that the wireless communication systems mentioned in the embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to: Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th-generation (5G) systems, 6th-generation (6G) systems, and future mobile communication systems.

[0034] The user equipment in this application embodiment is a device with wireless communication capabilities, and may be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal equipment, industrial control terminal equipment, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, UE terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, UE agent, or UE device, etc. It should be noted that in the following description, the name "user equipment" is used as an example. This user equipment may also be referred to as a terminal, terminal equipment, UE, etc., and these terms can all be understood as referring to the user equipment in this application embodiment. This application does not limit the name of the user equipment.

[0035] User equipment can be fixed or mobile. It should be noted that user equipment can support at least one wireless communication technology, such as LTE, New Radio (NR), etc. For example, user equipment can be a mobile phone, tablet, desktop computer, laptop computer, all-in-one computer, vehicle terminal, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, wearable device, user equipment in future mobile communication networks, or user equipment in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMN), etc. In some embodiments of this application, the user equipment may also be a device with transceiver functions, such as a chip system. The chip system may include chips, but may also include other discrete devices; this application does not limit this.

[0036] In this application embodiment, the network device is a device that provides wireless communication functions for user equipment, and can also be referred to as a radio access network (RAN) device or access network element. The network device can support at least one wireless communication technology, such as LTE, NR, etc. For example, the network device includes, but is not limited to: next-generation base station (gNB), evolved node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved node B, or home node B (HNB)), baseband unit (BBU), transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), mobile switching center, etc., in a 5th-generation (5G) mobile communication system. Network devices can also be wireless controllers, centralized units (CUs), and / or distributed units (DUs) in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or they can be relay stations, access points, vehicle-mounted devices, terminal devices, wearable devices, and network devices in future mobile communications or future evolved PLMNs. In some embodiments, network devices can also be means for providing wireless communication capabilities to user equipment, such as a chip system. For example, a chip system may include chips, and may also include other discrete devices. In some embodiments, network devices can also communicate with Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet, private IP networks, or other data networks.

[0037] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0038] Next, some concepts involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced.

[0039] 1. Network Slicing

[0040] A network slice is a combination of multiple network functions (NFs) and corresponding resources that implement communication services, including the core network (CN), radio access network (RAN), and / or user equipment (UE). A communication network consists of various network slices that meet different connectivity requirements. A network slice is a logical network that satisfies the communication service needs of a class of applications or a specific use case. Different network slices provide differentiated services to different users and for different services. A single RAN can support multiple network slices.

[0041] Network slicing technology allows the physical network of a communication service to be divided into multiple virtual networks, each adapted to different service requirements. This can be achieved by segmenting virtual networks based on latency, bandwidth, security, and reliability to suit various scenarios. By creating multiple logical networks from a single physical network, network slicing avoids building a dedicated physical network for each service, thus saving deployment costs. Mobile network operators can treat customers as belonging to different tenant types, each with different service requirements. These requirements are managed and subscribed to based on the slice type available to each tenant according to their service level agreement (SLA).

[0042] To identify end-to-end network slices, each network slice is uniquely identified by single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), which consists of slice / service type (SST) and slice differentiator (SD).

[0043] 2. Tracking area (TA)

[0044] Tracking Area (TA) is a new concept established by the LTE system for UE location management. It is defined as the free-moving area where the UE does not need to update services. The function of TA is to manage the terminal's location, which can be exemplarily divided into paging management and location update management. The UE informs the evolved packet core (EPC) of its tracking area through tracking area registration. When the UE is in an idle state, the core network can know the tracking area where the UE is located. Furthermore, when an idle UE needs to be paged, paging must be performed in all cells within the tracking area registered by the UE.

[0045] Tracking Area (TA) is a cell-level configuration; multiple cells can be configured with the same TA, but a cell can only belong to one TA. In LTE network technology, the core network assigns a TA or a Tracking Area List (TAlist) consisting of multiple tracking areas to the terminal. When the UE moves within the TA list, it does not need to perform TA updates, reducing frequent interactions with the network. It should be noted that the same TA can exist in different TA lists. Additionally, the Registration Area (RA) is the tracking area list of the LTE network; in other words, a Registration Area consists of multiple tracking areas.

[0046] See Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the inclusion relationship between a cell, a TA, and a TA list, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 The example shows three TA lists: TA list1 (containing TA1-TA5), TA list2 (containing TA4-TA8), and TA list3 (containing TA9-TA12). Each TA list includes at least one TA. Figure 2 In the TA list, both TA list1 and TA list2 include TA4 and TA5. Taking TA2 as an example, TA2 includes cell A, cell B, and cell C. A cell can only belong to one TA. It should be noted that the cells included in other TAs are... Figure 2 Cells are not shown in the diagram, but this does not mean that other TAs do not contain cells.

[0047] 3. Cell reselection

[0048] Cell reselection refers to the process by which a UE, in idle mode, monitors the signal quality of neighboring cells and the current cell to select the best cell to provide a service signal. When the signal quality of the serving cell is below a certain threshold, and the signal quality of neighboring cells meets the S criterion and the reselection decision criterion, the UE will access and camp in that neighboring cell.

[0049] The process for cell reselection on the same frequency can be referred to as follows:

[0050] Step 0: The non-access stratum (NAS) of the user equipment provides slice information, including slice priority, to the access stratum (AS) of the user equipment.

[0051] Step 1: The AS of the user equipment prioritizes the slices.

[0052] Step 2: The user device starts by selecting the highest priority slice, here we select S-NSSAI 1.

[0053] Step 3: The user equipment assigns priorities to each frequency for the selected slice S-NSSAI 1.

[0054] It should be noted that different slices can have different frequency priorities.

[0055] Step 4: The user equipment starts the measurement from the highest priority frequency.

[0056] Step 5: If the highest-level cell is a suitable cell (meets the definition of TS 38.304) and supports the slice selected in Step 2, then the user equipment camps on that cell and exits the operation sequence.

[0057] Step 6: If there are still frequencies remaining for the selected slice, return to Step 4 and continue measuring from the next highest priority frequency.

[0058] Step 7: If slices still exist in the slice list, return to Step 2.

[0059] It should be noted that whether Step 7 should be retained in the current standard is still undecided. In practical applications, Step 7 may not be executed, and Step 8 may be executed after Step 6. This application does not restrict whether Step 7 should be executed.

[0060] Step 8: Perform traditional cell reselection.

[0061] As can be seen from the above process, cell reselection between cells of the same frequency does not need to consider the limitations of network slicing; the user equipment selects a cell to camp on solely based on signal quality. This strategy may be unsuitable when applying it to TA boundaries. This is because slices are homogeneously deployed within a TA or tracking area list (TA list), meaning that the support capability for slices is the same within the TA or TA list. However, at TA boundaries, the slice deployment of neighboring TAs may be inconsistent with the slice deployment of the user equipment's current TA. If the user equipment selects a cell solely based on signal quality, the cell with good signal quality ultimately selected by the user equipment may not support the slice service expected by the user equipment, thus affecting the subsequent access speed of the slice service and resulting in a poor user experience. Based on this, the solution proposed in this application embodiment is presented.

[0062] See Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a cell reselection method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to... Figure 1 In the network architecture shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0063] S101, The user equipment determines the first information of the first slice.

[0064] The first slice is the slice selected during cell reselection. Optionally, the first slice can be the highest priority slice among the user equipment's slices.

[0065] The first information of the first slice is used to indicate the area supporting the first slice. Specifically, the area supporting the first slice includes at least one region, and the at least one region includes at least one cell. For example, the region can be a TA, a TA list, or an RA. Since the first information indicates the area supporting the first slice, the cell for subsequent access by the user equipment can be selected from the region supporting the first slice in subsequent processes. This can reduce the latency of cell reselection for the user equipment, increase the probability that the subsequently accessed cell supports the selected slice (i.e., the first slice), and improve the success rate of slice service access for the first slice.

[0066] Optionally, the first information of the first slice can be determined by: obtaining the registration status information of the first slice, which indicates the registration status of the first slice in the area to which the current stationed cell belongs; and / or receiving indication information, which indicates the slice information supported by a neighboring cell, wherein the neighboring cell is a cell adjacent to the current stationed cell and the neighboring cell belongs to the same area or a different area as the current stationed cell; and determining the first information based on the registration status information and / or the indication information.

[0067] S102, The user equipment determines at least one candidate cell based on the region supporting the first slice.

[0068] Specifically, the area supporting the first slice includes at least one area, and the at least one area includes at least one cell, with the at least one candidate cell being one or more of the at least one cell. In this way, it can be guaranteed that the candidate cell supports the first slice.

[0069] S103, The user equipment determines the target cell from the at least one candidate cell.

[0070] The target cell is one of the at least one candidate cells that meets the cell reselection criteria and supports the first slice. It should be noted that the cell where the user equipment ultimately camps may not be the target cell. This is because cell reselection may also consider factors such as cell load and the number of slices supported by the cell. The user equipment can use the target cell as a candidate cell in the cell reselection process; in other words, the target cell can be considered as an available cell to camp on.

[0071] See Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another cell reselection method provided in the embodiments of this application. This method can be applied to... Figure 1 In the network architecture shown, steps S201-S202 of the method are... Figure 3 The present invention describes one specific implementation of step 101. This method includes the following steps:

[0072] S201, The user equipment obtains the registration status information of the first slice.

[0073] The first slice is the slice selected during cell reselection. Optionally, the first slice can be the highest priority slice among the user equipment's slices. The registration status information is used to indicate the registration status of the first slice within the area to which the currently camped cell belongs. For example, this area can be a TA, TA list, or RA.

[0074] In some embodiments, the user equipment includes an AS and a NAS. The user equipment obtains the registration status information of the first slice by the AS obtaining slice information from the NAS, the slice information including the registration status information of the first slice. Optionally, if the first identifier is a first state, the registration status information is used to indicate that the first slice is a slice registered in the area to which the current camped cell belongs; if the first identifier is a second state, the registration status information is used to indicate that the first slice is an unregistered slice in the area to which the current camped cell belongs. In a specific example, the registration status information is indicated by 1 bit of data, the first state can be 1, and the second state can be 0. It should be noted that the registration status information may have other forms of representation, which are not limited in this embodiment.

[0075] The slice information may also include slice identification information (e.g., S-NSSAI), the index of the slice group to which the slice belongs, priority information, etc. For example, see Table 1, which illustrates one type of slice information provided in this application. For example, regarding the priority information in the slice information shown in Table 1, a larger priority value indicates a higher priority for the slice; that is, S-NSSAI 1 has a higher priority than S-NSSAI 2. It should be noted that Table 1 does not represent all slices, nor does it represent all the relevant information for all slices. In practical applications, the slice information may contain more or less content. In this example, S-NSSAI 1 is a slice registered within the area to which the current cell belongs, and S-NSSAI 2 is a slice not registered within the area to which the current cell belongs.

[0076] Table 1

[0077]

[0078] S202. The user equipment determines the first information of the first slice based on the registration status information.

[0079] The first information of the first slice is used to indicate the area supporting the first slice. Specifically, the area supporting the first slice includes at least one region, and the at least one region includes at least one cell.

[0080] Optionally, if the registration status information indicates that the first slice is an unregistered slice within the first region, then the region indicated by the first information supporting the first slice is determined to be a second region, which is different from the first region. In this scheme, since the first slice is an unregistered slice within the first region, other cells within the first region cannot support the first slice. This indication method of the first information can prevent the user equipment from making invalid measurements on cells in the first region during subsequent measurements, reduce cell reselection latency, increase the probability that subsequent access cells support the selected slice (i.e., the first slice), and improve the slice service access success rate of the first slice.

[0081] S203. The user equipment determines at least one candidate cell based on the region supporting the first slice.

[0082] S204. The user equipment determines the target cell from the at least one candidate cell.

[0083] It should be noted that the execution methods of steps S203 and S204 above can refer to the above. Figure 3 The execution methods of steps S102 and S103 in the corresponding embodiments will not be described again here.

[0084] See Figure 5This is a flowchart of another cell reselection method provided in the embodiments of this application. This method can be applied to... Figure 1 In the network architecture shown, steps S301-S303 of the method are... Figure 3 The present invention describes one specific implementation of step 101. This method includes the following steps:

[0085] S301, The user equipment obtains the registration status information of the first slice.

[0086] It should be noted that the execution method of this step can refer to the execution method of step S201 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] S302. The network device sends instruction information to the user equipment.

[0088] It should be noted that there is no specific order in which steps S302 and S301 are executed.

[0089] This indication information is used to indicate the slice information supported by the neighboring cell, which is a cell adjacent to the cell where the current user equipment is camped, and the neighboring cell may belong to the same area or a different area as the current camped cell. For example, the area can be TA, TA list, or RA.

[0090] In some embodiments, the indication information is carried by broadcast system messages and / or dedicated signaling.

[0091] S303. After receiving the instruction information, the user equipment determines the first information of the first slice based on the registration status information and the instruction information.

[0092] The first information of the first slice is used to indicate the area supporting the first slice. Specifically, the area supporting the first slice includes at least one region, and the at least one region includes at least one cell.

[0093] Optionally, the user equipment can determine whether a second cell exists among the neighboring cells based on the indication information. This second cell belongs to a different region than the first region, and it supports the first slice. In one example, the selected first slice is S-NSSAI 1, and the indication information indicates the slice information supported by the three neighboring cells. Cell A supports slices S-NSSAI 1, S-NSSAI 2, and S-NSSAI 3, and its region is the first region; Cell B supports slices S-NSSAI 2 and S-NSSAI 3, and its region is the third region; Cell C supports slices S-NSSAI 1 and S-NSSAI 2, and its region is the third region. Therefore, it can be determined that a second cell exists among the neighboring cells, and this second cell is Cell C.

[0094] In another example, the first slice selected is S-NSSAI 1, which indicates the slice information supported by the four neighboring cells. Cell A supports slices S-NSSAI 1, S-NSSAI 2, and S-NSSAI 3, and belongs to the first region; Cell B supports slices S-NSSAI 2 and S-NSSAI 3, and belongs to the third region; Cell C supports slices S-NSSAI 1 and S-NSSAI 2, and belongs to the third region; Cell D supports slices S-NSSAI 1 and S-NSSAI 4, and belongs to the fourth region. Therefore, it can be determined that a second cell exists among the neighboring cells, namely Cell C and Cell D. It can be seen that this second cell is one or more cells.

[0095] In one possible scenario, if the registration status information indicates that the first slice is an unregistered slice within a first area, and a second cell exists among the neighboring cells, then it is determined that the area supporting the first slice indicated by the first information is the area to which the second cell belongs. In this scheme, since the first slice is an unregistered slice within the first area, other cells within the first area cannot support the first slice. Furthermore, since the second cell supports the first slice, all cells in the area to which the second cell belongs can support the first slice. This indication method of the first information allows the user equipment to avoid invalid measurements of cells in the first area during subsequent measurements and to perform measurements in the area to which the second cell belongs. This can reduce cell reselection latency, increase the probability that subsequent access cells support the selected slice (i.e., the first slice), and improve the access success rate of the slice service of the first slice.

[0096] In another possible scenario, if the registration status information indicates that the first slice is a slice registered within a first region, and there is no second cell among the neighboring cells, then the region indicated by the first information supporting the first slice is determined to be the first region. In this scheme, since the first slice is a slice registered within the first region, all other cells within the first region can support the first slice. Furthermore, since there is no second cell supporting the first slice, other regions different from the first region cannot support the first slice. This indication method of the first information allows user equipment to avoid invalid measurements of cells in other regions during subsequent measurement processes, and to perform measurements within the first region. This can reduce cell reselection latency, increase the probability that subsequent access cells support the selected slice (i.e., the first slice), and improve the access success rate of the slice service of the first slice.

[0097] In another possible scenario, if the registration status information indicates that the first slice is a slice registered within a first region, and the second cell exists among the neighboring cells, then the area indicated by the first information supporting the first slice is determined to be both the first region and the area to which the second cell belongs. In this scheme, since the first slice is a slice registered within the first region, all other cells within the first region can support the first slice. Furthermore, since the second cell supports the first slice, all cells in the area to which the second cell belongs can support the first slice. This indication method of the first information allows the user equipment to avoid invalid measurements of cells in other regions that do not support the first slice during subsequent measurements, and to perform measurements only in the first region and the area to which the second cell belongs. This can reduce cell reselection latency, increase the probability that subsequent access cells support the selected slice (i.e., the first slice), and improve the access success rate of the slice service of the first slice.

[0098] S304. The user equipment determines at least one candidate cell based on the region supporting the first slice.

[0099] S305. The user equipment determines the target cell from the at least one candidate cell.

[0100] It should be noted that the execution methods of steps S304 and S305 above can refer to the above. Figure 3 The execution methods of steps S102 and S103 in the corresponding embodiments will not be described again here.

[0101] See Figure 6 This is a flowchart of another cell reselection method provided in the embodiments of this application. This method can be applied to... Figure 1 In the network architecture shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0102] S400, User equipment obtains slice information.

[0103] Optionally, the access layer in the user equipment obtains slice information from the non-access layer, which includes slice priority. For example, this slice information may include slice identification information (e.g., S-NSSAI), the index of the slice group to which the slice belongs, priority information, registration status information, etc. In a specific example, see Table 1 above for slice information. S401, the user equipment sorts the slices by priority.

[0104] User equipment can prioritize slices based on the priority information in the slice information. For example, for the priority information in the slice information shown in Table 1, a larger priority value indicates a higher priority for the slice; that is, S-NSSAI 1 has a higher priority than S-NSSAI 2.

[0105] S402, User equipment selects from the highest priority slice.

[0106] For example, the selected slice is the first slice (i.e., S-NSSAI 1). That is to say, the first slice is the slice selected during cell reselection.

[0107] S403. The user equipment assigns priorities to each frequency for the selected first slice.

[0108] It should be noted that different slices can have different frequency priorities.

[0109] S404. User equipment performs measurements on candidate cells in descending order of frequency priority.

[0110] The candidate cell is the cell that supports the first slice. The method for determining the candidate cell can be referred to the above. Figures 3-5 The method described in the previous section will not be repeated here. S405: Determine whether the measured cell is a suitable cell (meets the definition of TS38.304) and supports the first slice.

[0111] S406. If the measured cell is a suitable cell, then the user equipment is stationed in that cell and exits the operation sequence.

[0112] S407. If the measured cell is not a suitable cell, then determine whether the selected first slice still has any remaining frequencies.

[0113] S408. If the selected first slice has no remaining frequencies, then determine whether there are other slices in the slice list.

[0114] Additionally, if there are remaining frequencies in the selected first slice, return to step S404 to continue measuring from the next highest priority frequency.

[0115] It should be noted that in the application of this embodiment, step S408 may not be executed. That is, if the selected first slice has no remaining frequencies, then traditional cell reselection is performed. This application does not limit whether step S408 is executed.

[0116] S409. If no other slices are available in the slice list, perform traditional cell reselection.

[0117] If other slices exist in the slice list, return to step S402.

[0118] The solution provided in this application embodiment allows the user equipment to select a subsequent access cell from the candidate cells that support the first slice during the cell reselection process. This reduces the latency of cell reselection for the user equipment, increases the probability that the subsequent access cell supports the slice selection (i.e., the first slice), and improves the access success rate of the slice service of the first slice.

[0119] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the network device and terminal device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0120] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application is shown. This communication device can be a user equipment, a device within a user equipment, or a device compatible with a user equipment. Figure 7 The communication device 70 shown may include a first determining unit 701, a second determining unit 702 and a third determining unit 703.

[0121] in:

[0122] The first determining unit 701 is used to determine first information of a first slice, which is a slice selected during cell reselection. The first information of the first slice is used to indicate the area supporting the first slice. The operation performed by the first determining unit 701 can be referred to the above. Figure 3 The description of step S101 in the corresponding embodiment can be found above. Figure 4 The description of step S202 in the corresponding embodiment can be found above. Figure 5 The following is a description of step S303 in the corresponding embodiment.

[0123] The second determining unit 702 is configured to determine at least one candidate cell based on the region supporting the first slice. The operations performed by the second determining unit 702 can be referred to the above description. Figure 3 The description of step S102 in the corresponding embodiment can be found above. Figure 4 The description of step S203 in the corresponding embodiment can be found above. Figure 5 The following is a description of step S304 in the corresponding embodiment.

[0124] The third determining unit 703 is used to determine the target cell from the at least one candidate cell. The operation performed by the third determining unit 703 can be referred to the above. Figure 3 The description of step S103 in the corresponding embodiment can be found above. Figure 4 The description of step S204 in the corresponding embodiment can be found above. Figure 5 The following is a description of step S305 in the corresponding embodiment.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the target cell is a cell among the at least one candidate cell that meets the cell reselection criteria and supports the first slice.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the region supporting the first slice includes at least one region, the at least one region includes at least one cell, and the at least one candidate cell is one or more of the at least one cell.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the first determining unit 701 is specifically configured to: obtain registration status information of the first slice, the registration status information indicating the registration status of the first slice within the area to which the current stationed cell belongs; and / or receive indication information, the indication information indicating slice information supported by neighboring cells, the neighboring cells being cells adjacent to the current stationed cell, the neighboring cells belonging to the same area or different areas as the current stationed cell; and determine the first information based on the registration status information and / or the indication information.

[0128] In one possible implementation, the indication information is carried by broadcast system messages and / or dedicated signaling.

[0129] In one possible implementation, the communication device 80 includes a non-access stratum (NAS) and an access stratum (AS); the first determining unit 701 is specifically used for: the AS obtaining slice information from the NAS, the slice information including the registration status information of the first slice.

[0130] The aforementioned communication device may be, for example, a chip or a chip module. The modules or units included in the various devices or products described in the above embodiments may be software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of both. For example, for various devices and products applied to or integrated into chips, each module can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated within the chip, while the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated into chip modules, each module can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, and different modules can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some modules can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated within the chip module, while the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated into user equipment, each module can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, and different modules can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components within the user equipment, or at least some modules can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated within the user equipment, while the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0131] like Figure 8 The diagram shows another communication device 80 provided in an embodiment of this application, used to implement the above. Figures 3-6 The device refers to the functionality of a user equipment. This device can be user equipment itself or a device for user equipment. The device for user equipment can be a chip system or a chip within the user equipment. The chip system can consist of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0132] The communication device 80 includes at least one processor 820 for implementing the data processing function of the user equipment in the method provided in this application embodiment. The communication device 80 may also include a communication interface 810 for implementing the transmit and receive operations of the user equipment in the method provided in this application embodiment. In this application embodiment, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface for communicating with other devices via a transmission medium. For example, the communication interface 810 enables the device in the communication device 80 to communicate with other devices. The processor 820 uses the communication interface 810 to transmit and receive data and is used to implement the above method embodiment. Figure 3 The method described.

[0133] The communication device 80 may further include at least one memory 830 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 830 is coupled to the processor 820. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 820 may operate in conjunction with the memory 830. The processor 820 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 830. At least one of the at least one memories may be included in the processor.

[0134] When the communication device 80 is powered on, the processor 820 can read the software program in the memory 830, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 820 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure). The radio frequency circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the radio frequency signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device 80, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 820. The processor 820 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0135] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor 820 that performs baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged in a remote manner, independent of the communication device.

[0136] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 810, processor 820, and memory 830. This application embodiment... Figure 8 The memory 830, processor 820, and communication interface 810 are connected via a bus 840. Figure 8 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 8 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0137] When the communication device 80 is specifically used for user equipment, for example, when the communication device 80 is specifically a chip or chip system, the communication interface 810 may output or receive baseband signals. When the communication device 80 is specifically a user equipment, the communication interface 810 may output or receive radio frequency signals. In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, which can implement or execute the various methods, operations, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The operation of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly reflected as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0138] It should be noted that the communication device can execute the relevant steps of the user equipment or access network equipment (i.e., network equipment) in the aforementioned method embodiments. For details, please refer to the implementation methods provided in the above steps, which will not be repeated here.

[0139] For various devices and products applied to or integrated into communication devices, each of its modules can be implemented using hardware such as circuits. Different modules can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components within the terminal. Alternatively, at least some modules can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated within the terminal, while the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented using hardware such as circuits.

[0140] For cases where the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 9 The diagram shows the structure of the chip. The chip 90 includes a processor 901 and a communication interface 902. The number of processors 901 can be one or more, and the number of communication interfaces 902 can be multiple.

[0141] The processor 901 is configured to perform the following operations: determine first information of a first slice, the first slice being a slice selected during cell reselection, the first information of the first slice indicating an area supporting the first slice; determine at least one candidate cell based on the area supporting the first slice; and determine a target cell from the at least one candidate cell.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the target cell is a cell among the at least one candidate cell that meets the cell reselection criteria and supports the first slice.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the region supporting the first slice includes at least one region, the at least one region includes at least one cell, and the at least one candidate cell is one or more of the at least one cell.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the processor 901 is configured to specifically perform the following operations: acquire registration status information of the first slice, the registration status information indicating the registration status of the first slice within the area to which the current stationed cell belongs; and / or receive indication information indicating slice information supported by neighboring cells, the neighboring cells being cells adjacent to the current stationed cell, the neighboring cells belonging to the same area or different areas as the current stationed cell; and determine the first information based on the registration status information and / or the indication information.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the indication information is carried by broadcast system messages and / or dedicated signaling.

[0146] In one possible implementation, the chip 90 includes a non-access stratum (NAS) and an access stratum (AS); the processor 901 is specifically configured to perform the following operation: the AS obtains slice information from the NAS, the slice information including registration status information of the first slice.

[0147] For each device or product applied to or integrated into the chip, each of its modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor 901 integrated inside the chip, and the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0148] like Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a module device provided in an embodiment of this application. The module device 100 can perform the relevant steps of the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment. The module device 100 includes: a communication module 1001, a power module 1002, a storage module 1003, and a chip module 1004.

[0149] The power module 1002 is used to provide power to the module device; the storage module 1003 is used to store data and instructions; and the communication module 1001 is used for internal communication within the module device or for communication between the module device and external devices.

[0150] The chip module 1004 is used for:

[0151] First information about a first slice is determined, where the first slice is the slice selected during cell reselection, and the first information about the first slice indicates the area supporting the first slice. At least one candidate cell is determined based on the area supporting the first slice. A target cell is then determined from the at least one candidate cell.

[0152] In one possible implementation, the target cell is a cell among the at least one candidate cell that meets the cell reselection criteria and supports the first slice.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the region supporting the first slice includes at least one region, the at least one region includes at least one cell, and the at least one candidate cell is one or more of the at least one cell.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the chip module 1004 is specifically used to: acquire registration status information of the first slice, the registration status information indicating the registration status of the first slice in the area to which the current stationed cell belongs; and / or receive indication information, the indication information indicating slice information supported by neighboring cells, the neighboring cells being cells adjacent to the current stationed cell, the neighboring cells belonging to the same area or different areas as the current stationed cell; and determine the first information based on the registration status information and / or the indication information.

[0155] In one possible implementation, the indication information is carried by broadcast system messages and / or dedicated signaling.

[0156] In one possible implementation, the module device 100 includes a non-access stratum (NAS) and an access stratum (AS); the chip module 1004 is specifically used for: the AS to obtain slice information from the NAS, the slice information including the registration status information of the first slice.

[0157] For various devices and products applied to or integrated into chip modules, each of its modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module. Alternatively, at least some modules can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated inside the chip module, while the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0158] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a processor, enable the implementation of the method flow described in the above method embodiments.

[0159] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some operations can be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0160] The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this application can be referenced mutually. Each embodiment has its own emphasis, and parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. For the sake of convenience and brevity, for example, the functions and operations of the various devices and equipment provided in the embodiments of this application can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments of this application. The method embodiments and the device embodiments can also be referenced, combined or cited from each other.

[0161] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A cell reselection method, characterized in that, The method includes: First information of the first slice is determined. The first slice is the slice selected during cell reselection. The first information of the first slice is used to indicate the area that supports the first slice. The first slice is determined based on slice priority, which is obtained from the non-access stratum. At least one candidate cell is determined based on the region supporting the first slice; The target cell is determined from the at least one candidate cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target cell is a cell among the at least one candidate cell that meets the cell reselection criteria and supports the first slice.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The region supporting the first slice includes at least one region, the at least one region includes at least one cell, and the at least one candidate cell is one or more of the at least one cell.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information for determining the first slice includes: Obtain the registration status information of the first slice, wherein the registration status information is used to indicate the registration status of the first slice in the area to which the current stationed cell belongs; And or receive indication information, the indication information being used to indicate the slice information supported by the neighboring cell, the neighboring cell being a cell adjacent to the currently stationed cell, the neighboring cell and the currently stationed cell belonging to the same area or a different area; The first information is determined based on the registration status information and / or the indication information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The indication information is carried by broadcast system messages and / or dedicated signaling.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The method is applied to a user equipment (UE), which includes a non-access stratum (NAS) and an access stratum (AS). The step of obtaining the registration status information of the first slice includes: The AS obtains slice information from the NAS, and the slice information includes the registration status information of the first slice.

7. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a unit for implementing the method of any one of claims 1-6.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor and a transceiver; The transceiver is used to receive or send signals; The processor is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The communication device also includes a memory: The memory is used to store computer programs; The processor is specifically configured to invoke the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

10. A chip, characterized in that, The chip is used to determine first information of a first slice, which is a slice selected during cell reselection, and the first information of the first slice is used to indicate the area supporting the first slice; The first slice is determined based on slice priority, which is obtained from the non-access layer; The chip is also configured to determine at least one candidate cell based on the region supporting the first slice; The chip is also used to determine the target cell from the at least one candidate cell.

11. A module device, characterized in that, The module device includes a communication module, a power module, a storage module, and a chip module, wherein: The power module is used to provide electrical energy to the module device; The storage module is used to store data and instructions; The communication module is used for internal communication within the module device, or for communication between the module device and external devices; The chip module is used for: First information of the first slice is determined. The first slice is the slice selected during cell reselection. The first information of the first slice is used to indicate the area that supports the first slice. The first slice is determined based on slice priority, which is obtained from the non-access stratum. At least one candidate cell is determined based on the region supporting the first slice; The target cell is determined from the at least one candidate cell.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-6.

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