Connection method and related device

Abstract

This application provides a connection method and related devices. The connection method includes: an access network device obtains connection mode preference information of a first terminal device, where the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device; the access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, and the path switching information is used to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device. In this way, the switched connection mode of the first terminal device can better meet the connection requirements of the first terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technologies, and in particular, to a connection method and related devices. Background Art

[0002] D2D (device to device) technology refers to the technology of direct communication between two terminal devices. That is, the direct communication between two terminal devices bypasses the access network device.

[0003] Existing communication protocols support a network architecture in which terminal devices access the network through relay devices. As Figure 1A shown in the schematic diagram of the network architecture, in this network architecture, a terminal device 1 (which can be called a remote device) not within the coverage of the wireless network can use D2D technology to connect to the wireless network by connecting to another terminal device 2 (which can be called a relay device) within the coverage of the network. That is, the remote device can access the network through the relay device. Among them, the relay device is connected to the access network device in the wireless network through the Uu interface, and the remote device is connected to the relay device through the PC5 interface.

[0004] During the movement of the terminal device 1, it will move from within the coverage of the wireless network to outside the coverage of the wireless network, and it is also possible to move from outside the coverage of the wireless network to within the coverage of the wireless network. During such a movement process, the terminal device will switch the connection method with the access network device.

[0005] Please refer to Figure 1B shown in the schematic diagram of the network architecture. In the prior art, the solution for the terminal device to switch the connection method with the access network device is that when the terminal device 1 moves from within the coverage of the wireless network to outside the coverage of the wireless network, the connection method between the terminal device 1 and the access network device is switched to the terminal device 1 directly connecting to the access network device in the wireless network through the Uu interface. Further, when the terminal device 1 moves from within the coverage of the wireless network to outside the coverage of the wireless network, the connection method between the terminal device 1 and the access network device will be switched to: the terminal device 1 is connected to the terminal device 2 through the PC5 interface, and then connected to the access network device through the terminal device 2.

[0006] However, terminal devices have different connection requirements in different scenarios. In the prior art, the solution for the terminal device to switch the connection method with the access network device cannot well meet the connection requirements of the terminal device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a connection method and related devices, which helps to better meet the connection requirements of terminal devices.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a connection method, including: an access network device obtains connection mode preference information of a first terminal device, where the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device; the access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, and the path switching information is used to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0009] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, and the first terminal device switches the path according to the path switching information. In this way, the connection mode switched by the first terminal device can better meet the connection requirements of the first terminal device.

[0010] The connection mode preference can also be referred to as the connection path preference. The connection mode preference can be understood as the preference for the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network; or it can be understood as the preference for the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device; or it can also be understood as the connection mode that the first terminal device allows to connect to the access network device.

[0011] Specifically, the connection mode preference includes: dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface; or, single connection of the Uu interface; or single connection of the PC5 interface. In this way, the appropriate connection mode preference can be determined according to the actual connection requirements of the first terminal device.

[0012] Specifically, the single connection of the Uu interface means that the first terminal device is connected to the access network device in a single connection mode of the Uu interface.

[0013] The single connection of the PC5 interface means that the first terminal device is connected to the relay device in a single connection mode of the PC5 interface, and the relay device is connected to the access network device. The relay device and the access network device may establish a Uu interface connection.

[0014] The dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface means that the first terminal device is connected to the access network device in the connection mode of the Uu interface, and the first terminal device is connected to the access network device in the connection mode of the PC5 interface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the access network device sending path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information includes:

[0016] When the preferred connection mode is the dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is the single connection of the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to the dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface;

[0017] The access network device sends the path switching information to the first terminal device. The path switching information includes a first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0018] In the embodiment of the present application, the first preset condition may be based on at least one of the following: signal strength, signal quality, or signal-to-noise ratio.

[0019] For example, the first preset condition may be one of the following:

[0020] The signal strength of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to a first strength threshold; or the signal strength of the Uu interface is greater than the first strength threshold; or the signal quality of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to a first quality threshold; or the signal quality of the Uu interface is greater than the first quality threshold, or the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to a first signal-to-noise ratio threshold; or the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is greater than the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold.

[0021] Obviously, the above first preset condition may be based on 2 or 3 of signal quality, signal strength, and signal-to-noise ratio at the same time, without limitation.

[0022] In this way, when the first terminal device moves from outside the coverage area of the wireless network to inside the coverage area of the wireless network, it can be switched to the dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface according to the first indication information, can continue to transmit the unfinished service data through the PC5 interface, and can also transmit data using the Uu interface, which can ensure service continuity. Such a connection mode can meet the requirements of services with high continuity requirements.

[0023] Optionally, before the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to the dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, the access network device sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information further includes: the access network device determines that the first terminal device supports the dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface according to the path support capability information of the first terminal device.

[0024] In this way, before the access network device can instruct the first terminal device to perform dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, it can first determine the dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface of the first terminal device, which can avoid the situation that after the access network device sends the first indication message to the first terminal device, the first terminal device cannot perform dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface according to the first indication message.

[0025] In some embodiments, the access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, including:

[0026] When the connection mode preference is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, then the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single connection of the PC5 interface;

[0027] The access network device sends the path switching information to the first terminal device, and the path switching information includes a second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0028] The second preset condition may be based on at least one of the following: signal strength, signal quality, or signal-to-noise ratio.

[0029] For example, the second preset condition may be one of the following:

[0030] The signal strength of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first strength threshold; or the signal strength of the Uu interface is less than the first strength threshold; or the signal quality of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first quality threshold; or the signal quality of the Uu interface is less than the first quality threshold, or the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold; or the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is less than the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold.

[0031] Specifically, if the first preset condition is that the signal strength of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to the first strength threshold, then the second preset condition may be that the signal strength of the Uu interface is less than the first strength threshold; if the first preset condition is that the signal strength of the Uu interface is greater than the first strength threshold, then the second preset condition may be that the signal strength of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first strength threshold.

[0032] If the first preset condition is that the signal quality of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to the first quality threshold, then the second preset condition can be that the signal quality of the Uu interface is less than the first quality threshold; if the first preset condition is that the signal quality of the Uu interface is greater than the first quality threshold, then the second preset condition can be that the signal quality of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first quality threshold.

[0033] If the preset condition is that the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold, then the second preset condition can be that the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is less than the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold; if the preset condition is that the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is greater than the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold, then the second preset condition can be that the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold.

[0034] Obviously, the above second preset condition can be based on two or three of signal quality, signal strength, and signal-to-noise ratio without limitation.

[0035] In this way, when the first terminal device moves from within the coverage area of the wireless network to outside the coverage area of the wireless network, it can switch the PC5 interface single connection according to the second indication information, and can avoid data transmission interruption caused by weak Uu interface signal strength, thereby improving the probability of successful data transmission.

[0036] In some embodiments, the access network device sending path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information includes:

[0037] When the connection mode preference is Uu interface single connection, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is PC5 interface single connection, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, then the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to Uu interface single connection;

[0038] The access network device sends the path switching information to the first terminal device, and the path switching information includes a third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0039] In this way, when the first terminal device moves from outside the coverage area of the wireless network to within the coverage area of the wireless network, it can switch to Uu interface single connection according to the third indication information, and can improve data transmission efficiency. Such a connection mode can meet the requirements of services with high data transmission efficiency.

[0040] In some embodiments, the access network device sending path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information includes:

[0041] When the connection mode preference is single connection via the Uu interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection via the Uu interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single connection via the PC5 interface;

[0042] The access network device sends the path switching information to the first terminal device, and the path switching information includes a fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0043] In this way, when the first terminal device moves from within the coverage area of the wireless network to outside the coverage area of the wireless network, it can switch to single connection via the PC5 interface according to the fourth indication information, and can avoid data transmission interruption caused by weak signal strength of the Uu interface, thereby improving the probability of successful data transmission.

[0044] In some embodiments, the access network device obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device includes:

[0045] The access network device receives the connection mode preference information from a first network device, and the first network device is an access and mobility management function device or a session management device. In this way, the access network device can obtain the connection mode preference information from the first network device.

[0046] In some embodiments, the access network device obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device includes: the access network device receives the connection mode preference information from the first terminal device. In this way, the access network device can obtain the connection mode preference information from the first terminal device.

[0047] Optionally, the connection mode preference information is carried in a measurement report. In this way, the first terminal device sends the connection mode preference information to the access network device by carrying the connection mode preference information in the measurement report, which can save signaling overhead. For example, the first terminal device can send a measurement report to the access network device, and the measurement report includes the connection mode preference information.

[0048] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a connection method, including: a first network device obtains connection method preference information of a first terminal device, where the connection method preference information indicates the connection method preference of the first terminal device; the first network device sends the connection method preference information to an access network device.

[0049] In this way, the access network device can, according to the connection method preference information, instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection method, so that the connection method switched by the first terminal device is more in line with the connection requirements of the first terminal.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first network device obtaining the connection method preference information of the first terminal device includes:

[0051] The first network device obtains the subscription data of the first terminal device;

[0052] The first network device obtains the connection method preference information according to the subscription data of the first terminal device.

[0053] In this way, the first network device can obtain the connection method preference information of the first terminal device from the subscription data of the first terminal device, and send the connection method preference information to the access device, so that the access network device can send path switching information to the terminal device according to the connection method preference information of the first terminal device.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first network device is an access and mobility management function device. Before the first network device obtains the connection method preference information of the first terminal device, the method further includes:

[0055] The access and mobility management function device receives a registration request from the first terminal device, where the registration request includes path support capability information of the first terminal device;

[0056] Wherein, the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports one or more of the following: dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, single connection of Uu interface, or single connection of PC5 interface.

[0057] In this way, the access and mobility management function device can obtain the path support capability information of the first terminal device, and provide the path support capability information to the access network device, so that the access network device can, according to the path support capability information, determine the connection capability of the first terminal device, and instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection method according to the connection capability and connection method preference of the first terminal device.

[0058] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a connection method, including:

[0059] The first terminal device determines its connection mode preference;

[0060] The first terminal device sends the connection mode preference information to the access network device, and the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device.

[0061] In this way, the first terminal device determines its connection mode preference by itself and sends the connection mode preference information indicating this preference to the access network device, enabling the access network device to instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection mode according to the connection mode preference determined by the first terminal device itself, so that the connection mode of the first terminal device can better meet its own connection requirements.

[0062] Optionally, the connection mode preference information is carried in the measurement report. This helps reduce signaling overhead.

[0063] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the first terminal device sends a registration request to the access and mobility management function device, and the registration request includes the path support capability information of the first terminal device;

[0064] Wherein, the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports one or more of the following: dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, single connection of the Uu interface, or single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0065] In this way, the access and mobility management function device can obtain the path support capability information of the first terminal device and provide the path support capability information to the access network device, so that the access network device can determine the connection capability of the first terminal device according to the path support capability information, and instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection mode according to the connection capability and connection mode preference of the first terminal device.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first terminal device determines the connection mode preference information, including: the first terminal device determines the connection mode preference information according to one or more of the service scenario and the expected movement trajectory.

[0067] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0068] The first terminal device receives path switching information from the access network device;

[0069] The first terminal device switches the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device according to the path switching information;

[0070] Among them, the path switching information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0071] the path switching information includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0072] the path switching information includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0073] the path switching information includes fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0074] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a connection device, which may be an access network device or deployed in an access network device. The connection device includes a receiving unit and a sending unit;

[0075] The receiving unit is used to obtain connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, and the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device;

[0076] The sending unit is used to send path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, and the path switching information is used to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0077] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the connection device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, and the first terminal device switches the path according to the path switching information. In this way, the connection mode switched by the first terminal device can better meet the connection requirements of the first terminal device.

[0078] In some embodiments, the connection mode preference includes: dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface; or, single connection of Uu interface; or single connection of PC5 interface.

[0079] In some embodiments, when sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit 802 is specifically configured to: when the connection mode preference is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection of PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, determine to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface; and

[0080] send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0081] In some embodiments, the connection device further includes a processor, and the processor is configured to determine that the first terminal device supports dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface according to the path support capability information of the first terminal device.

[0082] In some embodiments, when sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit is specifically configured to:

[0083] when the connection mode preference is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, determine to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single connection of PC5 interface; and

[0084] send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0085] In some embodiments, when sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit is specifically configured to:

[0086] When the connection mode preference is a single connection via the Uu interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single connection via the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, it is determined to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to a single connection via the Uu interface; and

[0087] Send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes a third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0088] In some embodiments, in terms of sending path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit is specifically configured to:

[0089] When the connection mode preference is a single connection via the Uu interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single connection via the Uu interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, it is determined to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to a single connection via the PC5 interface; and

[0090] Send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes a fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0091] In some embodiments, in terms of obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, the receiving unit is specifically configured to: receive the connection mode preference information from a first network device, where the first network device is an access and mobility management function device or a session management device.

[0092] In some embodiments, in terms of obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, the receiving unit is specifically configured to: receive the connection mode preference information from the first terminal device.

[0093] Optionally, the connection mode preference information is carried in a measurement report.

[0094] It should be understood that the relevant supplementary explanations and beneficial effects in the connection method of the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to the connection device of the embodiments of the present application. To avoid redundancy, they are not elaborated here.

[0095] Fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a connection device. The connection device may be a first network device or deployed in a first network device. The first network device may be, but is not limited to, an access and mobility management device or a session management device. The connection device includes: a receiving unit and a sending unit;

[0096] The receiving unit is configured to obtain connection mode preference information of a first terminal device, where the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device;

[0097] The sending unit is configured to send the connection mode preference information to an access network device.

[0098] In this way, the access network device can, according to the connection mode preference information, instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection mode, so that the connection mode switched by the first terminal device better meets the connection requirements of the first terminal.

[0099] In some embodiments, in terms of obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, the receiving unit 901 is specifically configured to:

[0100] Obtain the subscription data of the first terminal device, and obtain the connection mode preference information according to the subscription data of the first terminal device.

[0101] In some embodiments, the receiving unit is further configured to:

[0102] Receive a registration request from the first terminal device, where the registration request includes path support capability information of the first terminal device;

[0103] Wherein, the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports one or more of the following: dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, single connection of the Uu interface, or single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0104] It should be understood that the relevant supplementary descriptions and beneficial effects in the connection method of the embodiment of the present application also apply to the connection device of the embodiment of the present application. To avoid redundancy, they are not elaborated here.

[0105] Sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a connection device. The connection device may be a first terminal device or deployed in a first terminal device. The connection device includes a processing unit and a sending unit,

[0106] The processing unit is configured to determine the connection mode preference;

[0107] The sending unit is configured to send the connection mode preference information to an access network device, where the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device.

[0108] In this way, the first terminal device determines its own connection mode preference and sends connection mode preference information indicating this connection mode preference to the access network device, enabling the access network device to instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection mode according to the connection mode preference determined by the first terminal device itself, so that the connection mode of the first terminal device can better meet its own connection requirements.

[0109] Optionally, the connection mode preference information is carried in a measurement report or a registration request.

[0110] In some embodiments, the sending unit is further configured to:

[0111] Send a registration request to an access and mobility management function device, where the registration request includes path support capability information of the first terminal device;

[0112] Wherein, the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports one or more of the following: dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, single connection of the Uu interface, or single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0113] In some embodiments, in determining the connection mode preference information, the processing unit 1001 is specifically configured to: determine the connection mode preference information according to one or more of a service scenario and an expected movement trajectory.

[0114] In some embodiments, the connection device further includes:

[0115] A receiving unit, configured to receive path switching information from the access network device;

[0116] The processing unit is further configured to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device according to the path switching information;

[0117] The path switching information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate: the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0118] The path switching information includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate: the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0119] The path switching information includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate: the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0120] The path switching information includes fourth indication information for indicating that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0121] It should be understood that the relevant supplementary descriptions and beneficial effects in the connection method of the embodiments of the present application also apply to the connection device of the embodiments of the present application. To avoid redundancy, they are not described herein again.

[0122] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor coupled to a memory. When the processor executes the computer program or instructions in the memory, the method according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect is executed.

[0123] Optionally, the device further includes a memory.

[0124] Optionally, the device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0125] Optionally, there is one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0126] Optionally, the memory can be integrated with the processor or separately provided from the processor.

[0127] Optionally, the transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver.

[0128] In one implementation, the communication device is a first terminal device, an access network device, or a first network device. When the communication device is a first terminal device, an access network device, or a first network device, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0129] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. When the device is a chip or a chip system, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or a related circuit, etc. on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0130] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes the connection device of the fourth aspect, the connection device of the fifth aspect, and the connection device of the sixth aspect; or, the communication system includes the above-mentioned first terminal device, access network device, and first network device.

[0131] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program (which may also be referred to as code or instructions). When the computer program is run, it causes the computer to execute the method in any one of the possible implementation manners of the above first aspect, the above second aspect, or the above third aspect.

[0132] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program (which may also be referred to as code or instructions). When it runs on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the method in any one of the possible implementation manners of the above first aspect, the above second aspect, or the above third aspect.

[0133] In an eleventh aspect, the present application further provides a chip, including a processor and an interface, which is used to execute the computer program or instructions stored in a memory and execute the method in any one of the possible implementation manners of the above first aspect to the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0134] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments.

[0135] Figure 1A It is a schematic diagram of a network architecture;

[0136] Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram of another network architecture;

[0137] Figure 2A It is an architecture diagram of a communication system;

[0138] Figure 2B It is an architecture diagram of another communication system;

[0139] Figure 3A It is a schematic flowchart of the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0140] Figure 3B It is another schematic flowchart of the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0141] Figure 3C It is another schematic flowchart of the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0142] Figure 3D It is another schematic flowchart of the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0143] Figure 3E It is another schematic flowchart of the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0144] Figure 3F It is another schematic flowchart of the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0145] Figure 3G Another process schematic diagram of the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0146] Figure 4A Scenario schematic diagram related to the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0147] Figure 4B Another scenario schematic diagram related to the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0148] Figure 4C Another scenario schematic diagram related to the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0149] Figure 4D Another scenario schematic diagram related to the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0150] Figure 4E Another scenario schematic diagram related to the connection method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0151] Figure 5A Process schematic diagram of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0152] Figure 5B Process schematic diagram of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0153] Figure 5C Process schematic diagram of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0154] Figure 6A Process schematic diagram of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0155] Figure 6B Process schematic diagram of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0156] Figure 6C Process schematic diagram of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0157] Figure 6D Process schematic diagram of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0158] Figure 6E Process schematic diagram of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0159] Figure 6F Process schematic diagram of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0160] Figure 6G Process schematic diagram of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0161] Figure 7ASchematic flowchart of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0162] Figure 7B Schematic flowchart of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0163] Figure 7C Schematic flowchart of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0164] Figure 7D Schematic flowchart of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0165] Figure 7E Schematic flowchart of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0166] Figure 8 Schematic flowchart of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0167] Figure 9 Schematic flowchart of the connection method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0168] Figure 10 Schematic structural diagram of the connection device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0169] Figure 11 Schematic structural diagram of another connection device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0170] Figure 12 Schematic structural diagram of another connection device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0171] Figure 13 Schematic structural diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0172] Figure 14 Schematic structural diagram of the chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0173] Figure 15 Schematic architecture diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0174] Figure 16 Schematic architecture diagram of another communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0175] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and elaborately described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Among them, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or". For example, A / B may mean A or B; "and / or" in the text is only a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B may mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, "a plurality of" means two or more than two.

[0176] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as implying or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more.

[0177] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems. For example: enhanced-long term evolution (eLTE) systems, fifth-generation (5th generation, 5G) systems, new radio (NR), etc. The 5G mobile communication systems involved in the present application include non-standalone (NSA) 5G mobile communication systems or standalone (SA) 5G mobile communication systems. The technical solutions provided by the present application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as sixth-generation mobile communication systems. The communication system can also be a public land mobile network (PLMN) network, a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, an Internet of Things (IoT) communication system, or other communication systems.

[0178] Please refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2A which is an architecture diagram of a communication system. As Figure 2A , the communication system includes an access network device, a first terminal device (which can be called a remote device), and a relay device. Optionally, the communication system may further include an access and mobility management function (AMF) device and a session management (SMF) device.

[0179] In this application, the AMF device is abbreviated as AMF, and the SMF device is abbreviated as SMF.

[0180] Please refer to Figure 2B , Figure 2B which is an architecture diagram of another communication system, and this communication system can be a reference point-based non-roaming architecture of the fifth-generation mobile communication network. The communication system of the embodiments of this application can be used for but not limited to the reference point-based non-roaming architecture of the fifth-generation mobile communication network as shown in Figure 2B . This communication network mainly includes an AMF, an SMF, a user plane function (UPF) device, and a unified data management (UDM) device. Optionally, this communication network may further include a policy control function (PCF) device and a data network (DN).

[0181] In this application, the UPF device is abbreviated as UPF, the PCF device is abbreviated as PCF, and the UDM device is abbreviated as UDM.

[0182] Direct communication can be carried out between the above-mentioned devices and network elements, or communication can be carried out through the forwarding of other devices or network elements. The embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations in this regard. Although not shown, this communication system may further include other network elements, and the embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0183] Optionally, the first terminal device and / or relay device in the embodiments of this application is a terminal device. The first terminal device and / or relay device in the embodiments of this application may refer to an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile platform, a relay station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a user equipment (UE), a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, a user device, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal in the future 5G network or a terminal in the future evolved PLMN or a terminal in the future vehicle-to-everything network, etc. The embodiments of this application do not make limitations in this regard.

[0184] The first terminal device and / or the relay device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality terminal, an augmented reality terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in driverless driving, a wireless terminal in remote surgery, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The first terminal device and the relay device can be the same type of terminal device or different terminal devices. For example, the first terminal device can be a mobile phone and the relay device can be a wireless terminal in driverless driving. Another example is that both the first terminal device and / or the relay device can be wireless terminals in driverless driving.

[0185] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, a wearable device can also be referred to as a wearable intelligent device, which is a general term for devices developed by applying wearable technology to the intelligent design of daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, shoes, etc. A wearable device is a portable device that is directly worn on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. A wearable device is not just a hardware device, but also realizes powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable intelligent devices include those with complete functions and large sizes that can realize complete or partial functions without relying on a smart phone, such as smart watches or smart glasses, etc., and those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to cooperate with other devices such as smart phones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for physical sign monitoring.

[0186] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the first terminal device and / or the relay device can also be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. The IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, so as to realize an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-object interconnection. In the embodiments of the present application, IoT technology can achieve massive connection, deep coverage, and power saving of terminals through, for example, narrow band (NB) technology.

[0187] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the first terminal device and / or the relay device can also include sensors such as intelligent printers, train detectors, gas stations, etc. The main functions include collecting data (for some terminals), receiving control information and downlink data from the access network device, and sending electromagnetic waves to transmit uplink data to the access network device.

[0188] The relay device is a terminal device within the service range of the access network device, and the relay device can be connected to the access network device through the Uu interface. The first terminal device can be a terminal device within the service range of the access network device or a terminal device outside the service range of the access network device.

[0189] Optionally, the access network device in the embodiments of the present application is any communication device with wireless transceiver functions for communicating with a terminal. The access network device includes but is not limited to: evolved node B (eNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission reception point (TRP), etc. The access network device may also be a gNB or TRP or TP in a 5G system, or one or a group (including multiple antenna panels) of antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system. In addition, the access network device may also be a network node constituting a gNB or TP, such as a BBU, or a distributed unit (DU), etc.

[0190] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU. In addition, a gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some functions of the gNB, and the DU implements some functions of the gNB. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services, implementing radio resource control (RRC), and the functions of the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and physical layer (PHY). The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and related functions of active antennas. Since the information in the RRC layer will ultimately become the information in the PHY layer, or is transformed from the information in the PHY layer, thus, in this architecture, high-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or sent by the DU + AAU. It can be understood that the access network device may be a device including one or more of the CU node, DU node, and AAU node.

[0191] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the access network device and the terminal device may communicate through licensed spectrum, or through unlicensed spectrum, or through both licensed spectrum and unlicensed spectrum at the same time. The access network device and the terminal may communicate through spectrum below 6 gigahertz (GHz), or through spectrum above 6 GHz, or through both spectrum below 6 GHz and spectrum above 6 GHz at the same time. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the spectrum resources used between the access network device and the terminal device.

[0192] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the first terminal device, the relay device, or the access network device mentioned in the present application may be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; may also be deployed on the water surface; may also be deployed on airplanes, balloons, and artificial satellites in the air. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the application scenarios of the first terminal device, the relay device, or the access network device.

[0193] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the first terminal device, the relay device, or the access network device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and a memory (also called main memory). The operating system may be any one or more computer operating systems that implement service processing through processes. For example, the Linux operating system, the Unix operating system, the Android operating system, the iOS operating system, or the Windows operating system, etc. The application layer includes applications such as a browser, an address book, a word processing software, and an instant messaging software. Moreover, the embodiments of the present application do not particularly limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application. As long as it can communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application by running a program recording the code of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application may be the first terminal device, the relay device, or the access network device, or a functional module in the first terminal device, the relay device, or the access network device that can call and execute the program.

[0194] In other words, the relevant functions of the first terminal device, relay device, or access network device in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by one device, can be jointly implemented by multiple devices, or can also be implemented by one or more functional modules within one device. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations in this regard. It can be understood that the above functions can be either network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or a combination of hardware and software, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform).

[0195] In the present application, the AMF is mainly responsible for signaling processing, such as functions like access control, mobility management, attachment and detachment, and gateway selection. When the AMF entity provides services for a session in a terminal, it will provide control plane storage resources for the session to store session identifiers, SMF entity identifiers associated with the session identifiers, and so on.

[0196] The SMF is mainly responsible for session management, selection of user plane function entities, redirection of user plane function entities, allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, establishment, modification, and release of bearers, and control of quality of service (QoS), etc.

[0197] The UDM is mainly used to manage user subscription data.

[0198] The UPF is used to process user packets, such as forwarding, charging, etc.

[0199] The PCF is used to provide policies to the AMF and SMF, such as QoS policies, slice selection policies, etc.

[0200] The DN is the operator network that provides data transmission services for users.

[0201] The technical solution of the present application will be elaborated in detail below in combination with embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0202] As Figure 3A shown in the flowchart, the present application provides a connection method as described below.

[0203] 301. The access network device obtains the connection method preference information of the first terminal device.

[0204] Among them, the first terminal device can be called a remote device, that is, a device that can communicate with the access network device through a relay device. The relay device can be but is not limited to a relay terminal device. The relay device is connected to the access network device.

[0205] Among them, the connection method preference information can indicate the connection method preference of the first terminal device.

[0206] Among them, the connection mode preference can also be referred to as the connection path preference. The connection mode preference can be understood as the preference or liking of the connection mode or connection path for the first terminal device to connect to the access network; or it can be understood as the preferred connection mode for the first terminal device to connect to the access network device; or it can also be understood as the connection mode that the first terminal device allows to connect to the access network device.

[0207] Specifically, the connection mode preference may include one or more of the following: dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, single connection of the Uu interface, or single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0208] The single connection of the Uu interface may mean that the first terminal device connects to the access network device only through the connection mode of the Uu interface.

[0209] The single connection of the PC5 interface may mean that the first terminal device connects to the access network device only through the relay device in the connection mode of the PC5 interface. That is, the first terminal device connects to the relay device in the connection mode of the PC5 interface, and the relay device is connected to the access network device, thereby realizing the connection between the first terminal device and the access network device. The relay device and the access network device may establish a Uu interface connection.

[0210] The dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface may mean that the first terminal device connects to the access network device in the connection mode of the Uu interface, and the first terminal device also connects to the access network device in the connection mode of the PC5 interface.

[0211] For example, the connection mode preference being the dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface may mean that when the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the first terminal device prefers to: connect to the access network device through the Uu interface and maintain the PC5 interface with the relay device, where the relay device is connected to the access network device. Furthermore, it realizes that the first terminal device connects to the access network device both through the relay device and through the Uu interface.

[0212] For example, the connection mode preference being the single connection of the Uu interface may mean that when the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the first terminal device prefers to: connect to the access network device in the connection mode of the single connection of the Uu interface.

[0213] For example, the connection mode preference being the single connection of the PC5 interface may mean that regardless of whether the signal strength of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the signal strength requirement of the Uu interface, the first terminal device prefers to (or maintains, or preferentially uses): connect to the relay device only through the PC5 interface, where the relay device is connected to the access network device. Furthermore, it realizes that the first terminal device connects to the access network device through the relay device.

[0214] In the embodiments of the present application, the first preset condition may be based on at least one of the following: signal strength, signal quality, or signal-to-noise ratio.

[0215] For example, the first preset condition may be one of the following:

[0216] The signal strength of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to the first strength threshold; or the signal strength of the Uu interface is greater than the first strength threshold; or the signal quality of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to the first quality threshold; or the signal quality of the Uu interface is greater than the first quality threshold, or the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold; or the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is greater than the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold.

[0217] Obviously, the above first preset condition may be based on 2 or 3 of signal quality, signal strength, and signal-to-noise ratio at the same time, without limitation.

[0218] 302. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information.

[0219] Among them, the path switching information can be used to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0220] Specifically, the path switching information in the present application may be the target connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device, that is, the connection mode that the first terminal device is about to switch to with the access network device. The target connection mode may be, for example, one of the dual connections of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, the single connection of the Uu interface, or the single connection of the PC5 interface. The path switching information in the present application may also be indication information for instructing the first terminal device to perform a specific action. For example, releasing the connection, maintaining the connection, establishing the connection, etc. The connection may vary according to different connection modes, and specifically may be a PC5 interface connection or a Uu interface connection.

[0221] Optionally, in step 302, the access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference indicated by the connection mode preference information and the current connection mode of the first terminal device.

[0222] For example, when the connection mode preference is different from the current connection mode of the first terminal device, if the signal strength of the interface corresponding to the connection mode preference meets the corresponding signal strength requirement, the access network device may send path switching information to the first terminal device to instruct the first terminal device to connect to the access network device through the connection mode corresponding to the connection mode preference, or instruct the first terminal to switch the connection mode between it and the access network device to the connection mode corresponding to the connection mode preference. This can preferentially ensure that the first terminal device connects to the access network device through the connection mode corresponding to the connection mode preference.

[0223] For another example, when the connection method preference is the same as the current connection method of the first terminal device, if the signal strength of the interface corresponding to the connection method preference does not meet the corresponding signal strength requirement, the access network device may also send path switching information to the first terminal device to instruct the first terminal device to switch to connect to the access network device through another connection method. Specifically, the other connection method may refer to a connection method different from the connection method corresponding to the connection method preference. This can ensure the stability of the connection between the first terminal device and the access network device and the probability of successful data transmission.

[0224] For yet another example, if the connection method preference is the same as the current connection method of the first terminal device and the signal strength of the interface corresponding to the connection method preference meets the corresponding signal strength requirement, the access network device may not send path switching information to the first terminal device. Or, if the connection method preference is different from the current connection method of the first terminal device but the signal strength of the interface corresponding to the connection method preference does not meet the corresponding signal strength requirement, the access network device may also not send path switching information to the first terminal device. In this way, the connection method of the first terminal device remains unchanged, which can then ensure the continuity of data transmission between the first terminal device and the access network device, thus helping to ensure service continuity.

[0225] It should be noted that the connection method of the first terminal device mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be understood as the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0226] In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, the access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection method preference information of the first terminal device, and the first terminal device switches the path according to the path switching information. In this way, the connection method switched by the first terminal device can better meet the connection requirements of the first terminal device.

[0227] In some optional embodiments, in step 301, the access network device may obtain the connection method preference information of the first terminal device from the first network device or may also obtain the connection method preference information of the first terminal device from the first terminal device.

[0228] Among them, the first network device may be an AMF or an SMF.

[0229] In one possible implementation, as Figure 3B shown in the process schematic diagram, step 301 includes:

[0230] 3011. The access network device receives the connection method preference information of the first terminal device from the first network device.

[0231] Among them, the first network device may be an AMF, an SMF or other network devices.

[0232] Specifically, when the first network device is an AMF, the access network device can receive the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device from the AMF. For example, the AMF can obtain the subscription data of the first terminal device from the UDM, and obtain the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device from the subscription data of the first terminal device, and then the AMF sends the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device to the access network device.

[0233] Specifically, when the first network device is an SMF, the access network device can receive the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device from the SMF. For example, the SMF can obtain the subscription data of the first terminal device from the UDM, and obtain the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device from the subscription data of the first terminal device, and then the SMF sends the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device to the access network device.

[0234] It should be noted that the subscription data of the first terminal device may include a connectivity indicator for indicating the connection mode preference of the first terminal device. Further, the first network device can send the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device to the access network device according to the connectivity indicator in the subscription data of the first terminal device.

[0235] For example, the connectivity indicator in the subscription data of the first terminal device is a dual connectivity indicator. The dual connectivity indicator is used to indicate that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface. The first network device can send the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device to the access network device according to the dual connectivity indicator, and the connection mode preference information is used to indicate dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface.

[0236] For another example, the connectivity indicator in the subscription data of the first terminal device is a PC5 preference indicator. The PC5 preference indicator is used to indicate that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is single connection of the PC5 interface. The first network device can send the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device to the access network device according to the PC5 preference indicator, and the connection mode preference information indicates single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0237] For yet another example, the connectivity indicator in the subscription data of the first terminal device is a Uu preference indicator. The Uu preference indicator is used to indicate that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is single connection of the Uu interface. The first network device can send the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device to the access network device according to the Uu preference indicator, and the connection mode preference information indicates single connection of the Uu interface.

[0238] In some other alternative embodiments, in step 301, the access network device obtains connection mode preference information from the first terminal device.

[0239] Specifically, as Figure 3C shown in the flowchart, step 301 includes:

[0240] 3012. The access network device receives connection mode preference information from the first terminal device.

[0241] In this way, the first terminal device reports the connection mode preference information to the access network device, enabling the access network device to instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection mode according to the reported connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, so that the switched connection mode of the first terminal device better meets the connection requirements of the first terminal device.

[0242] Optionally, the connection mode preference information is carried in the measurement report. In this way, the first terminal device sends the connection mode preference information to the access network device by carrying the connection mode preference information in the measurement report, which can save signaling overhead.

[0243] For example, the first terminal device may send a measurement report to the access network device, and the measurement report includes connection mode preference information.

[0244] Regarding step 302, the embodiments of the present application provide the following several possible implementation manners.

[0245] Manner 1:

[0246] The connection mode preference indicated by the connection mode preference information is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface. As Figure 3D shown in the flowchart, step 302 may include:

[0247] 3021. When the connection mode preference is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection of the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface.

[0248] For the relevant supplementary description of the first preset condition, please refer to the above embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0249] 3022. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device.

[0250] Among them, the path switching information may include first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; alternatively, the path information may also be a target connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device, and the target connection mode is a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface.

[0251] It should be noted that the maintenance mentioned in this application may also refer to non-release, without limitation. For example, maintaining the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device can be understood as not releasing the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0252] For example, as Figure 4A In the scenario schematic diagram shown, assume that the first terminal device is located outside the coverage area of the wireless network, and the first terminal device is connected to the access network device through a relay device. Then, when the first terminal device moves from outside the coverage area of the wireless network to within the coverage area of the wireless network, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, if the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, the access network device may send the first indication information to the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device switches the connection mode to a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface according to the first indication information, so that the first terminal device can not only continue to transmit the unfinished service data through the PC5 interface, but also transmit data using the Uu interface, ensuring service continuity. Such a connection mode can meet the requirements of services with high continuity requirements.

[0253] It should be understood that in some alternative embodiments, the above steps 3021 and 3022 may also be combined into:

[0254] When the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, if the currently used connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single connection of the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device.

[0255] Optionally, please continue to refer to Figure 3D Before step 3022, step 302 further includes:

[0256] 3023. The access network device determines that the first terminal device supports a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface according to the path support capability information of the first terminal device.

[0257] Among them, the path support capability information of the first terminal device may indicate the connection mode supported by the first terminal device.

[0258] In this way, before the access network device instructs the first terminal device to switch to dual connectivity of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, it first determines whether the first terminal device supports dual connectivity of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, which can avoid the situation that after the access network device sends the first indication message to the first terminal device, the first terminal device cannot perform dual connectivity of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface according to the first indication message.

[0259] In a possible implementation manner, the connection mode preference information includes path support capability information, or the connection mode preference information and the path support capability information can be the same type of information. That is to say, the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device and also indicates the connection modes supported by the first terminal device. Or rather, the connection mode preference refers to the connection capabilities supported by the first terminal device.

[0260] In another possible implementation manner, the connection mode preference information does not include path support capability information. Before step 3023, the access network device can obtain the path support capability information of the first terminal device. The access network device can obtain this path support capability information from the first terminal device or the first network device.

[0261] Optionally, the access network device obtains the path support capability information from the first terminal device. This path support capability information can be carried in the measurement report sent by the first terminal device to the access network device. This can save signaling overhead.

[0262] Optionally, the access network device obtains the path support capability information from the first network device. The first terminal device can carry the path support capability information in the registration request, and this path support capability information is forwarded by the access network device to the database storing the user subscription data. Among them, the first network device can be a core network device, for example, an AMF or an SMF, etc., without limitation.

[0263] Specifically, the first network device can obtain this path support capability information from the subscription data of the first terminal device. For example, the first network device can obtain the subscription data of the first terminal device from the database storing the user subscription data. This subscription data includes the path support capability information of this first terminal device. The first network device obtains this path support capability information from the subscription data.

[0264] Among them, the database storing the user subscription data can be a UDM, or a home subscribe server (HSS), without limitation.

[0265] It should be understood that in some optional embodiments, the above steps 3021 - 3023 can also be combined as:

[0266] When the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, and the first terminal device supports dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, if the currently used connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection of PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the access network device sends the path switching information in step 3022 to the first terminal device.

[0267] Method 2:

[0268] The connection mode preference indicated by the connection mode preference information is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface. As Figure 3E shown in the process schematic diagram, step 302 may include:

[0269] 3024. When the connection mode preference is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, if the currently used connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single connection of PC5 interface.

[0270] The second preset condition may be based on at least one of the following: signal strength, signal quality, or signal-to-noise ratio.

[0271] For example, the second preset condition may be one of the following:

[0272] The signal strength of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first strength threshold; or the signal strength of the Uu interface is less than the first strength threshold; or the signal quality of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first quality threshold; or the signal quality of the Uu interface is less than the first quality threshold, or the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold; or the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is less than the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold.

[0273] Specifically, if the first preset condition is that the signal strength of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to the first strength threshold, then the second preset condition may be that the signal strength of the Uu interface is less than the first strength threshold; if the first preset condition is that the signal strength of the Uu interface is greater than the first strength threshold, then the second preset condition may be that the signal strength of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first strength threshold.

[0274] If the first preset condition is that the signal quality of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to the first quality threshold, then the second preset condition may be that the signal quality of the Uu interface is less than the first quality threshold; if the first preset condition is that the signal quality of the Uu interface is greater than the first quality threshold, then the second preset condition may be that the signal quality of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first quality threshold.

[0275] If the preset condition is that the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is greater than or equal to the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold, then the second preset condition may be that the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is less than the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold; if the preset condition is that the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is greater than the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold, then the second preset condition may be that the signal-to-noise ratio of the Uu interface is less than or equal to the first signal-to-noise ratio threshold.

[0276] Obviously, the above second preset condition may simultaneously depend on two or three of signal quality, signal strength, and signal-to-noise ratio, without limitation.

[0277] 3025. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device.

[0278] Among them, the path switching information may include second indication information. The second indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device. Alternatively, the path information may also be the target connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device, and the target connection mode is a single PC5 interface connection.

[0279] For example, as Figure 4B In the scenario schematic diagram, assume that the first terminal device is within the coverage area of the wireless network, and the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface. Then, when the first terminal device moves from within the coverage area of the wireless network to outside the coverage area of the wireless network, the signal strength of the Uu interface of the first terminal device may not meet the signal strength requirement of the Uu interface. In this scenario, if the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, the access network device may send the second indication information to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device switches to a single PC5 interface connection according to the second indication information (specifically, the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device), which can avoid data transmission interruption caused by weak Uu interface signal strength, thereby improving the probability of successful data transmission.

[0280] It should be understood that the above steps 3021-3023 and steps 3024-3025 may be implemented in the same embodiment, or only steps 3021-3023 may be implemented in one embodiment, or only steps 3024-3025 may be implemented in one embodiment.

[0281] Optionally, steps 3024 and 3035 may be combined into:

[0282] When the connection mode preference is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, the access network device sends the path switching information in step 3025 to the first terminal device.

[0283] Obviously, based on the above steps 3024 - 3025, the path support capability information of the first terminal device can also be combined, and reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in the above step 3023. For example, when the connection mode preference is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, and the first terminal device supports single connection of PC5 interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, the access network device sends the path switching information in step 3025 to the first terminal device.

[0284] Method 3:

[0285] The connection mode preference indicated by the connection mode preference information is single connection of Uu interface. As Figure 3F shown in the process schematic diagram, step 302 may include:

[0286] 3026. When the connection mode preference is single connection of Uu interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection of PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single connection of Uu interface.

[0287] For the relevant supplementary description of the first preset condition, please refer to the above embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0288] 3027. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device.

[0289] Among them, the path switching information may include third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or, the path information may also be the target connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device, and the target connection mode is single connection of Uu interface.

[0290] For example, as Figure 4CScenario schematic diagram. Assume that the first terminal device is located outside the coverage area of the wireless network, and the current connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single PC5 interface connection. Then, when the first terminal device moves from outside the coverage area of the wireless network to inside the coverage area of the wireless network, the signal strength of the Uu interface of the first terminal device may meet the signal strength requirements of the Uu interface. In this scenario, if the connection method preference of the first terminal device is a single Uu interface connection, the access network device sends the third indication information to the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device switches to a single Uu interface connection according to the third indication information (specifically, the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device), thereby improving the data transmission efficiency. Such a connection method can meet the requirements of services with high data transmission efficiency.

[0291] Optionally, steps 3026 and 3027 can be combined into:

[0292] When the connection method preference is a single Uu interface connection, if the current connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single PC5 interface connection and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the access network device sends the path switching information in step 3207 to the first terminal device.

[0293] Obviously, on the basis of the above steps 3026 - 3027, the path support capability information of the first terminal device can also be combined, and reference can be made to the relevant description of step 3023 above. For example, when the connection method preference is a single Uu interface connection and the first terminal device supports a single Uu interface connection, if the current connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single PC5 interface connection and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the access network device sends the path switching information in step 3027 to the first terminal device.

[0294] Method 4:

[0295] The connection method preference indicated by the connection method preference information is a single Uu interface connection. As Figure 3G shown in the flow schematic diagram, in some other possible implementation manners, step 302 may include:

[0296] 3028. When the connection method preference is a single Uu interface connection, if the current connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single Uu interface connection and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device to a single PC5 interface connection.

[0297] For the relevant supplementary description of the second preset condition, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0298] 3029. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device.

[0299] Among them, the path switching information may include fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device. Alternatively, the path switching information may also be the target connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device, and the target connection mode is a single PC5 interface connection.

[0300] For example, as Figure 4D In the scenario schematic diagram, assume that the first terminal device is located within the coverage area of the wireless network, and the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single PC5 interface connection. Then, when the first terminal device moves from within the coverage area of the wireless network to outside the coverage area of the wireless network, the signal strength of the Uu interface of the first terminal device may meet the signal strength requirements of the Uu interface. In this scenario, if the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is a single Uu interface connection, the access network device sends the fourth indication information to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device switches to a single PC5 interface connection according to the fourth indication information (specifically, the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device), so as to avoid data transmission interruption caused by weak Uu interface signal strength and improve the probability of successful data transmission.

[0301] Optionally, steps 3028 and 3029 can be combined as:

[0302] When the connection mode preference is a single Uu interface connection, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single Uu interface connection and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, the access network device sends the path switching information in step 3029 to the first terminal device.

[0303] Obviously, based on the above steps 3028 - 3029, the path support capability information of the first terminal device can also be combined, and reference can be made to the relevant description of step 3023 above. For example, when the first terminal device supports a single PC5 interface connection, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single Uu interface connection and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, the access network device sends the path switching information in step 3029 to the first terminal device.

[0304] It should be understood that in this application,Figures 3B - 3G The corresponding embodiments can be implemented separately; Figure 3B The corresponding embodiments or Figure 3C One of the corresponding embodiments can also be combined with Figures 3D - 3G any one of the corresponding embodiments in it for implementation.

[0305] If the connection mode preference indicated by the connection mode preference information is single connection of the PC5 interface, the access network device determines that the first terminal device maintains the PC5 interface connection and does not need to switch the connection mode, and the access network device does not send path switching information. For example Figure 4E As shown in the scenario schematic diagram, when the first terminal device is outside the coverage area of the wireless network, the connection mode between the first terminal device and the network device is single connection of the PC5 interface. When the first terminal device moves from outside the coverage area of the wireless network to inside the coverage area of the wireless network, it maintains the single connection of the PC5 interface, and can always transmit service data through the PC5 interface during the movement of the first terminal device, which can better ensure service continuity. Such a connection mode can meet the requirements of services with high continuity requirements.

[0306] For example Figure 5A As shown in the flow schematic diagram, an embodiment of the present application also provides a connection method as follows.

[0307] 501. The first network device obtains the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device.

[0308] Among them, the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device.

[0309] For example, the connection mode preference information indicates that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface; or indicates that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is single connection of the Uu interface, or indicates that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0310] The relevant descriptions about the connection mode preference in the above embodiments are also applicable to this embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0311] The first network device can be a core network device, for example, AMF or SMF, etc., without limitation.

[0312] The first network device can obtain the connection mode preference information from the subscription data of the first terminal device. The manner in which the first network device obtains the subscription data of the first terminal device can refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated here.

[0313] 502. The first network device sends the connection mode preference information to the access network device.

[0314] Optionally, the connection method preference information may be carried in a context transfer message. For example, the first network device may send a context transfer message to the access network device, and the context transfer message includes the connection method preference information. This helps to save signaling overhead.

[0315] In the embodiments of the present application, the access network device can instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection method according to the connection method preference information sent by the first network device, so that the connection method switched by the first terminal device better meets the connection requirements of the first terminal.

[0316] Optionally, as Figure 5B shown in the process schematic diagram, step 501 includes:

[0317] 5011. The first network device obtains the subscription data of the first terminal device.

[0318] 5012. The first network device obtains the connection method preference information according to the subscription data of the first terminal device.

[0319] For the specific implementation manner and examples of the first network device obtaining the connection method preference information according to the subscription data of the first terminal device, reference can be made to the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0320] In this way, the first network device can obtain the connection method preference information of the first terminal device and send the connection method preference information to the access network device, so that the access network device can send path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection method preference information.

[0321] As Figure 5C shown in the process schematic diagram, in an optional embodiment, the first network device is an AMF. Before step 501, the connection method may further include:

[0322] 503. The AMF receives a registration request from the first terminal device.

[0323] Wherein, the registration request includes the path support capability information of the first terminal device, and the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports one or more of the following: dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, single connection of the Uu interface, or single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0324] For the relevant descriptions that can be referred to regarding the path support capability information in the above embodiments, they also apply to this embodiment and will not be elaborated here.

[0325] This registration request may be sent by the first terminal device to the access network device and then forwarded by the access network device to the AMF.

[0326] In this way, the first terminal device carries path support capability information in the registration request to report the path support capability information to the AMF, so that the access network device can obtain the path support capability information from the AMF.

[0327] It should be noted that the above Figure 5B corresponding embodiments and Figure 5C corresponding embodiments can be implemented in combination or separately, and this application does not make any restrictions.

[0328] As Figure 6A shown in the process schematic diagram, an embodiment of this application also provides a connection method as follows.

[0329] 601. The first terminal device determines the connection mode preference.

[0330] Specifically, the first terminal device can determine the connection mode preference according to one or more of the service scenario and the expected movement trajectory.

[0331] For example, if the service scenario of the first terminal device requires ensuring the reliability of data transmission and also requires ensuring a relatively fast transmission efficiency, then the first terminal device can determine the connection mode preference as a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface.

[0332] Also for example, if the service scenario places more emphasis on ensuring data transmission efficiency and the expected movement trajectory of the first terminal device is mostly within the coverage area of the wireless network, then the first terminal device can determine the connection mode preference as a single connection of the Uu interface.

[0333] Still for example, if the service scenario of the first terminal device needs to prioritize ensuring the reliability of data transmission, then the first terminal device can determine the connection mode preference as a single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0334] 602. The first terminal device sends connection mode preference information to the access network device, and the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device.

[0335] The connection mode preference information indicates that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface; or indicates that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is a single connection of the Uu interface, or indicates that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is a single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0336] The connection mode preference information can be carried in the measurement report. For example, the first terminal device sends a measurement report to the access network device, and the measurement report includes the connection mode preference information.

[0337] Optionally, the measurement report further includes the signal strength of the Uu interface of the first terminal device.

[0338] In this way, the first terminal device determines its own connection method preference and carries the connection method preference information in the measurement report, enabling the access network device to instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection method according to the connection method preference determined by the first terminal device itself, so that the connection method of the first terminal device can better meet its own connection requirements.

[0339] As Figure 6B shown in the process schematic diagram, in some alternative embodiments, the connection method further includes:

[0340] 603. The first terminal device receives path switching information from the access network device.

[0341] Among them, the path switching information can be used to switch the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0342] The relevant descriptions about the path switching information in the above embodiments also apply to this embodiment, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0343] 604. The first terminal device switches the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device according to the path switching information;

[0344] In some alternative embodiments, the path switching information includes indication information.

[0345] Specifically, the path switching information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0346] the path switching information includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0347] the path switching information includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0348] the path switching information includes fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0349] For the first indication information, the second indication information, the third indication information, and the fourth indication reference information, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0350] In some other alternative embodiments, the path switching information may be the target connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device, that is, the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to which the first terminal device is about to switch. The target connection mode may be, for example, one of dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, single connection of Uu interface, or single connection of PC5 interface.

[0351] In this way, the path switching information received by the first terminal device is determined by the access network device according to the preferred connection mode reported by the first terminal device. The first terminal device switches the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device according to the path switching information, which can better meet its own connection requirements.

[0352] Specifically, regarding step 604, several possible implementation manners are provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0353] Manner 1:

[0354] The path switching information includes a first indication information. As shown in the Figure 6C flow schematic diagram, step 604 may include:

[0355] 6041. The first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device according to the first indication information in the path switching information, and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0356] In this way, as shown in the Figure 4A scenario schematic diagram, assuming that the first terminal device is located outside the coverage area of the wireless network, and the first terminal device is connected to the access network device through a relay device, then when the first terminal device moves from outside the coverage area of the wireless network to inside the coverage area of the wireless network, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the first terminal device can switch the connection mode to dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface according to the first indication information in the path switching information, so that the first terminal device can not only continue to transmit the unfinished service data through the PC5 interface, but also transmit data using the Uu interface, ensuring service continuity. Such a connection mode can meet the requirements of services with high continuity requirements.

[0357] Manner 2:

[0358] The path switching information includes a second indication information. As shown in the Figure 6D scenario schematic diagram, step 604 may include:

[0359] 6042. The first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device according to the second indication information in the path switching information, and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0360] As Figure 4B shown in the scenario schematic diagram, assuming that the first terminal device is within the coverage area of the wireless network, and the current connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface. Then, when the first terminal device moves from within the coverage area of the wireless network to outside the coverage area of the wireless network, the signal strength of the Uu interface of the first terminal device may not meet the signal strength requirement of the Uu interface. In this scenario, if the connection method preference of the first terminal device is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, the access network device may send the second indication information to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device switches to single connection of the PC5 interface according to the second indication information (specifically, the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device), which can avoid data transmission interruption caused by weak signal strength of the Uu interface, thereby improving the probability of successful data transmission.

[0361] Method 3:

[0362] The path switching information includes a third indication information. As Figure 6E shown in the scenario schematic diagram, step 604 may include:

[0363] 6043. The first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device according to the third indication information in the path switching information and releases the PC5 interface connection with the relay device.

[0364] As Figure 4C shown in the scenario schematic diagram, assuming that the first terminal device is outside the coverage area of the wireless network, and the current connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection of the PC5 interface. Then, when the first terminal device moves from outside the coverage area of the wireless network to within the coverage area of the wireless network, the signal strength of the Uu interface of the first terminal device may meet the signal strength requirement of the Uu interface. In this scenario, if the connection method preference of the first terminal device is single connection of the Uu interface, the access network device sends the third indication information to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device switches to single connection of the Uu interface according to the third indication information (specifically, the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device), thereby improving the data transmission efficiency. Such a connection method can meet the requirements of services with high data transmission efficiency.

[0365] Method 4:

[0366] The path switching information includes a fourth indication information. As Figure 6F shown in the scenario schematic diagram, step 604 may include:

[0367] 6044. The first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection between access network devices and establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device according to the fourth indication information in the path switching information.

[0368] In this way, as Figure 4D shown in the scenario schematic diagram, assuming that the first terminal device is within the coverage area of the wireless network and the current connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single PC5 interface connection, then when the first terminal device moves from within the coverage area of the wireless network to outside the coverage area of the wireless network, the signal strength of the Uu interface of the first terminal device may meet the signal strength requirements of the Uu interface. In this scenario, if the connection method preference of the first terminal device is a single Uu interface connection, the access network device sends the fourth indication information to the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device switches to a single PC5 interface connection according to the fourth indication information (specifically, the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device), so as to avoid data transmission interruption caused by weak Uu interface signal strength and improve the probability of successful data transmission.

[0369] Optionally, the path switching information may be the target connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device. In step 604, the first terminal device may switch the connection method to the target connection method. For example, if the target connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, the first terminal device switches the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device to a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface according to the path switching information. Another example is that if the target connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single Uu interface connection, the first terminal device switches the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device to a single Uu interface connection according to the path switching information. Another example is that if the target connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single PC5 interface connection, the first terminal device switches the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device to a single PC5 interface connection according to the path switching information.

[0370] As Figure 6G shown in the flow schematic diagram, in some alternative embodiments, the connection method further includes:

[0371] 605. The first terminal device sends a registration request to the AMF.

[0372] The registration request includes the path support capability information of the first terminal device, where the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports one or more of the following: dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, Uu interface connection, or PC5 interface connection.

[0373] For example, the first terminal device may send a registration request to the access network device, and the access network device forwards the registration request to the AMF.

[0374] Step 605 is executed before step 602. Specifically, step 605 may be executed before step 601, may be executed after step 601 and before step 602, or may be executed simultaneously with step 601.

[0375] In this way, the AMF can obtain the path support capability information and send the path support capability information to the access network device, so that before the access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device, it first determines that the first terminal device has the ability of the target connection mode indicated by the path switching information, avoiding connection mode switching failure caused by the first terminal device not having the ability of the target connection mode indicated by the path switching information.

[0376] It can be understood that Figure 6G The corresponding embodiments can be implemented alone or in combination with any of the above Figures 6A - 6F corresponding embodiments.

[0377] To better illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, some more detailed embodiments are provided below.

[0378] Such as Figure 7A the flowchart shown in, in some embodiments, the connection method may include the following steps:

[0379] 701. The first terminal device sends a registration request to the access network device.

[0380] 702. The access network device sends the registration request to the AMF.

[0381] Specifically, the access network device may select a suitable AMF for the first terminal device and send the registration request to the AMF.

[0382] The access network device may not read or parse the registration request.

[0383] It should be understood that steps 701 and 702 are optional steps of the embodiments of the present application.

[0384] 703. The AMF obtains the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device.

[0385] Among them, the connection method preference information of the first terminal device can refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0386] Specifically, the AMF can obtain the subscription data of the first terminal device from the UDM through subscription retrieval, and obtain the connection method preference information from the subscription data. In this way, the AMF can obtain the connection method preference information of the first terminal device from the subscription data of the UDM, and send the connection method preference information to the access device, so that the access network device can send path switching information to the terminal device according to the connection method preference information of the first terminal device.

[0387] Among them, the connection method preference can refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0388] 704. The AMF sends the connection method preference information to the access network device;

[0389] Among them, the connection method preference information can be carried in a context transfer message. For example, the AMF can send a context transfer message to the access network device, and the context transfer message includes the connection method preference information. Carrying the connection method preference information in the context transfer message helps to save signaling overhead.

[0390] In this way, the access network device can instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection method according to the connection method preference information sent by the AMF, so that the connection method switched by the first terminal device more meets the connection requirements of the first terminal.

[0391] 705. The first terminal device sends a measurement report to the access network device.

[0392] Among them, the measurement report may include the signal strength of the PC5 interface and / or the signal strength of the Uu interface.

[0393] 706. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection method preference information and the measurement report.

[0394] Among them, the path switching information can be used to switch the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0395] Specifically, the path switching information can be the target connection method of the first terminal device. Refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments and will not be elaborated here. The path switching information can also be indication information for instructing the first terminal device to perform a specific action. For specific indication information, refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0396] 707. The first terminal device switches the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device according to the path switching information.

[0397] In some alternative embodiments, the measurement report includes the signal strength of the Uu interface.

[0398] Regarding steps 706 and 707, the present application provides the following several possible implementation manners.

[0399] Manner 1:

[0400] The connection mode preference is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface. Based on Figure 7A the embodiment corresponding to the process schematic diagram, as Figure 7B the process schematic diagram, in a possible implementation manner, step 706 may include:

[0401] 7061. When the connection mode preference is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection of the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface.

[0402] 7062. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device, and the path switching information includes first indication information.

[0403] The relevant supplementary explanations and technical effects of steps 3021 and 3022 in the above embodiments are also applicable to steps 7061 and 7062 in this embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0404] Step 707 may include:

[0405] 7071. The first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device according to the first indication information in the path switching information, and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0406] The relevant supplementary explanations and technical effects of step 6041 in the above embodiments are also applicable to step 7071 in this embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0407] Optionally, in the registration request, path support capability information is included. The path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface. As Figure 7B the process schematic diagram, before step 7062, step 706 may further include:

[0408] 7063. The access network device determines that the first terminal device supports dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface according to the path support capability information of the first terminal device.

[0409] The relevant supplementary descriptions and technical effects of step 3023 in the above embodiments are also applicable to step 7063 in this embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0410] Method 2:

[0411] The connection mode preference is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface. Based on Figure 7A the corresponding embodiment of the process schematic diagram, such as Figure 7C the process schematic diagram, in a possible implementation manner, step 706 may include:

[0412] 7064. When the connection mode preference is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0413] 7065. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device, and the path switching information may include second indication information.

[0414] The relevant supplementary descriptions and technical effects of step 3024 and step 3025 in the above embodiments are also applicable to step 7064 and step 7065 in this embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0415] Step 707 may include:

[0416] 7072. The first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device according to the second indication information in the path switching information, and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0417] The relevant supplementary descriptions and technical effects of step 6042 in the above embodiments are also applicable to step 7072 in this embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0418] Method 3:

[0419] The connection mode preference indicated by the connection mode preference information is single connection of the Uu interface. Based on Figure 7A the corresponding embodiment of the process schematic diagram, such as Figure 7D the process schematic diagram, in a possible implementation manner, step 706 may include:

[0420] 7066. When the connection mode preference is single connection via the Uu interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection via the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single connection via the Uu interface.

[0421] 7067. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information may include third indication information.

[0422] The relevant supplementary descriptions and technical effects of steps 3026 and 3027 in the above embodiments also apply to steps 7066 and 7067 in this embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0423] Step 707 may include:

[0424] 7073. The first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device according to the third indication information in the path switching information, and releases the PC5 interface connection with the relay device.

[0425] The relevant supplementary descriptions and technical effects of step 6043 in the above embodiments also apply to step 7073 in this embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0426] Mode 4:

[0427] The connection mode preference indicated by the connection mode preference information is single connection via the Uu interface. Based on Figure 7A the embodiment corresponding to the process schematic diagram, such as Figure 7E the process schematic diagram, in a possible implementation, step 706 may include:

[0428] 7068. When the connection mode preference is single connection via the Uu interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection via the Uu interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single connection via the PC5 interface.

[0429] 7069. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information may include fourth indication information.

[0430] The relevant supplementary descriptions and technical effects of steps 3028 and 3029 in the above embodiments also apply to steps 7068 and 7069 in this embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0431] Step 707 may include:

[0432] 7074. The first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection between access network devices and establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device according to the fourth indication information in the path switching information.

[0433] The relevant supplementary description and technical effects of step 6044 in the above embodiments are also applicable to step 7074 in this embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0434] Optionally, the path switching information may also be the target connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device. In step 707, the first terminal device may switch the connection method to the target connection method. For example, if the target connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, the first terminal device switches the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device to a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface according to the path switching information. Another example is that if the target connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single connection of the Uu interface, the first terminal device switches the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device to a single connection of the Uu interface according to the path switching information. Still another example is that if the target connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device is a single connection of the PC5 interface, the first terminal device switches the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device to a single connection of the PC5 interface according to the path switching information.

[0435] As Figure 8 the process schematic diagram, in some other embodiments, the connection method may include the following steps:

[0436] 801. The SMF obtains the connection method preference information of the first terminal device.

[0437] The SMF may obtain the connection method preference information of the first terminal device from the UDM.

[0438] During the process of the relay device establishing a Uu interface connection with the access network device, when the relay device establishes a PDU session with the SMF, the SMF identifies that the first terminal device is connecting to the access network device through the relay device. Then, the SMF may obtain the connection method preference information of the first terminal device from the UDM.

[0439] 802. The SMF sends the connection method preference information to the access network device.

[0440] The connection method preference information indicates that the connection method preference of the first terminal device is a dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface; or the connection method preference information indicates that the connection method of the first terminal device is a single connection of the Uu interface, or the connection method preference information indicates that the connection method of the first terminal device is a single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0441] Optionally, the connection method further includes:

[0442] 803. The first terminal device sends a measurement report to the access network device.

[0443] Wherein, the measurement report may include the signal strength of the PC5 interface and / or the signal strength of the Uu interface.

[0444] 804. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection preference information and the measurement report.

[0445] 805. The first terminal device switches the connection method between the first terminal device and the access network device according to the path switching information.

[0446] For the implementation manners of steps 804 and 805, reference may be made to the implementation manners of steps 706 and 707 in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0447] In the technical solution of this embodiment, the SMF can obtain the connection method preference information of the first terminal device from the UDM and send the connection method preference information to the access device, so that the access network device can send path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection method preference information of the first terminal device.

[0448] As Figure 9 shown in the flowchart, the connection method may include the following steps:

[0449] 901. The first terminal device determines the connection method preference.

[0450] The connection method preference is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, or single connection of the Uu interface, or single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0451] The first terminal device may determine the connection method preference according to one or more of the service scenario and the expected movement trajectory.

[0452] For example, if the service scenario of the first terminal device needs to ensure the reliability of data transmission and also needs to ensure a relatively fast transmission efficiency, then the first terminal device may determine the connection method preference to be dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface.

[0453] For another example, if the service scenario pays more attention to ensuring the data transmission efficiency and most of the expected movement trajectory of the first terminal device is within the coverage of the wireless network, then the first terminal device may determine the connection method preference to be single connection of the Uu interface.

[0454] For still another example, if the service scenario of the first terminal device needs to prioritize ensuring the reliability of data transmission, then the first terminal device may determine the connection method preference to be single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0455] 902. The first terminal device sends a measurement report to the access network device.

[0456] The measurement report includes connection mode preference information;

[0457] The connection mode preference information indicates that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface; or indicates that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is single connection of the Uu interface, or indicates that the connection mode preference of the first terminal device is single connection of the PC5 interface.

[0458] The measurement report further includes the signal strength of the Uu interface and / or the signal strength of the PC5 interface.

[0459] Optionally, the measurement report includes the signal strength of the Uu interface. The connection method may further include the steps:

[0460] 903. The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection preference information and the signal strength of the Uu interface in the measurement report.

[0461] 904. The first terminal device switches the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device according to the path switching information.

[0462] For possible implementation manners of steps 903 and 904, reference may be made to the possible implementation manners of steps 706 and 707 in the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0463] In this way, in the technical solution of this embodiment, the first terminal device determines the connection mode preference by itself and carries the connection mode preference information in the measurement report, which can enable the access network device to instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection mode according to the connection mode preference determined by the first terminal device by itself, so that the connection mode of the first terminal device can better meet its own connection requirements.

[0464] Some apparatus embodiments are provided below.

[0465] As Figure 10 shown in the structural schematic diagram of the connection apparatus, the present application embodiment further provides a connection apparatus 1000. The connection apparatus 1000 may be an access network device or deployed in an access network device. The connection apparatus 1000 includes a receiving unit 1001 and a sending unit 1002;

[0466] The receiving unit 1001 is configured to obtain the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, and the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device;

[0467] The sending unit 1002 is configured to send path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, where the path switching information is used to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0468] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the connection device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, and the first terminal device switches the path according to the path switching information. In this way, the connection mode switched by the first terminal device can better meet the connection requirements of the first terminal device.

[0469] In some embodiments, the connection mode preference includes: dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface; or, single connection of Uu interface; or single connection of PC5 interface.

[0470] In some embodiments, in terms of sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit 1002 is specifically configured to:

[0471] When the connection mode preference is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection of PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, it is determined to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface; and

[0472] Send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0473] In some embodiments, the connection device further includes a processing unit 1003, and the processing unit 1003 is configured to determine that the first terminal device supports dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface according to the path support capability information of the first terminal device.

[0474] In some embodiments, in terms of sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit 1002 is specifically configured to:

[0475] When the preferred connection mode is the dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is the dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, it is determined to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to the single connection of the PC5 interface; and

[0476] Send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes a second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0477] In some embodiments, in terms of sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit 1002 is specifically configured to:

[0478] When the preferred connection mode is the single connection of the Uu interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is the single connection of the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, it is determined to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to the single connection of the Uu interface; and

[0479] Send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes a third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

[0480] In some embodiments, in terms of sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit 1002 is specifically configured to:

[0481] When the preferred connection mode is the single connection of the Uu interface, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is the single connection of the Uu interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the second preset condition, it is determined to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to the single connection of the PC5 interface; and

[0482] Send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes a fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0483] In some embodiments, in terms of obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, the receiving unit 1001 is specifically configured to: receive the connection mode preference information from a first network device, where the first network device is an access and mobility management function device or a session management device.

[0484] In some embodiments, in terms of obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, the receiving unit 1001 is specifically configured to: receive the connection mode preference information from the first terminal device.

[0485] Optionally, the connection mode preference information is carried in a measurement report.

[0486] It should be understood that the relevant supplementary descriptions and beneficial effects in the connection method of the embodiments of the present application also apply to the connection device 1000 of the embodiments of the present application. To avoid redundancy, they will not be elaborated here.

[0487] As Figure 11 shown in the schematic structural diagram of the connection device, the embodiments of the present application further provide a connection device 1100. The connection device 1100 may be a first network device or deployed in a first network device. The first network device may be a core network device, for example, an AMF or an SMF, etc., without limitation. The connection device 1100 includes: a receiving unit 1101 and a sending unit 1102;

[0488] The receiving unit 1101 is configured to obtain the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, where the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device;

[0489] The sending unit 1102 is configured to send the connection mode preference information to an access network device.

[0490] In this way, the access network device can, according to the connection mode preference information, instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection mode, so that the connection mode switched by the first terminal device is more in line with the connection requirements of the first terminal.

[0491] In some embodiments, in terms of obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, the receiving unit 1101 is specifically configured to:

[0492] Obtain the subscription data of the first terminal device, and obtain the connection mode preference information according to the subscription data of the first terminal device.

[0493] In some embodiments, the receiving unit 1101 is further configured to:

[0494] Receive a registration request from the first terminal device, where the registration request includes path support capability information of the first terminal device;

[0495] Wherein, the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports one or more of the following: dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, single connection of Uu interface, or single connection of PC5 interface.

[0496] It should be understood that the relevant supplementary descriptions and beneficial effects in the connection method of the embodiments of the present application also apply to the connection device 1100 of the embodiments of the present application. To avoid redundancy, they will not be elaborated here.

[0497] As Figure 12 In the schematic structural diagram of the connection device shown, the embodiments of the present application further provide a connection device 1200. The connection device 1200 may be the first terminal device or deployed in the first terminal device. The connection device 1200 includes a processing unit 1201 and a sending unit 1202.

[0498] The processing unit 1201 is used to determine the connection method preference;

[0499] The sending unit 1202 is used to send the connection method preference information to the access network device, where the connection method preference information indicates the connection method preference of the first terminal device.

[0500] In this way, the first terminal device can determine the connection method preference by itself and send the connection method preference information indicating the connection method preference to the access network device, so that the access network device can instruct the first terminal device to switch the connection method according to the connection method preference determined by the first terminal device by itself, so that the connection method of the first terminal device can better meet its own connection requirements.

[0501] Optionally, the connection method preference information is carried in a measurement report or a registration request.

[0502] In some embodiments, the sending unit 1202 is further used for:

[0503] Sending a registration request to the access and mobility management function device, where the registration request includes the path support capability information of the first terminal device;

[0504] Wherein, the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports one or more of the following: dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, single connection of Uu interface, or single connection of PC5 interface.

[0505] In some embodiments, in terms of determining the connection method preference information, the processing unit 1201 is specifically used for: determining the connection method preference information according to one or more of a service scenario and an expected movement trajectory.

[0506] In some embodiments, the connection device 1200 further includes:

[0507] A receiving unit 1203, configured to receive path switching information from the access network device;

[0508] The processing unit 1201 is further configured to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device according to the path switching information;

[0509] The path switching information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0510] The path switching information includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0511] The path switching information includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or

[0512] The path switching information includes fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0513] It should be understood that the relevant supplementary descriptions and beneficial effects in the connection method of the embodiments of the present application also apply to the connection device 1200 of the embodiments of the present application. To avoid redundancy, they are not described herein again.

[0514] The relevant functions of the first terminal device, access network device, or first network device in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by Figure 13 the communication device 1300 therein. Figure 13 The structural schematic diagram of the communication device 1300 provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. As Figure 11 shown, the communication device 1300 may include: a processor 1301, a transceiver 1305, and optionally a memory 1302.

[0515] The transceiver 1305 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transceiver function. The transceiver 1305 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver, receiving circuit, or receiving unit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter, transmitting circuit, or transmitting unit, etc.

[0516] The computer program or software code or instruction 1304 may be stored in the memory 1302. The computer program or software code or instruction 1304 may also be referred to as firmware. The processor 1301 may control the MAC layer and the PHY layer by running the computer program or software code or instruction 1303 therein, or by calling the computer program or software code or instruction 1304 stored in the memory 1302, so as to implement the signal transmission method provided in the following embodiments of the present application. Among them, the processor 1301 may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the memory 1302 may be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM).

[0517] The processor 1301 and the transceiver 1305 described in the present application may be implemented on an integrated circuit (IC), analog IC, radio frequency integrated circuit RFIC, mixed-signal IC, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), printed circuit board (PCB), electronic device, etc.

[0518] The above communication device 1300 may further include an antenna 1306. The modules included in the communication device 1300 are only for illustrative purposes, and the present application does not limit this.

[0519] As described above, the communication device 1300 in the above embodiments may be a first terminal device, an access network device, or a first network device. However, the scope of the communication device described in the present application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may not be affected by Figure 11 restrictions. The communication device may be an independent device or may be a part of a larger device. For example, the implementation form of the communication device may be:

[0520] (1) An independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) A set having one or more ICs, optionally, the IC set may also include storage components for storing data and instructions; (3) A module that can be embedded in other devices; (4) A receiver, smart terminal, wireless device, handset, mobile unit, vehicle-mounted device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (5) Others, etc.

[0521] For the case where the implementation form of the communication device is a chip or chip system, reference can be made to Figure 14 The schematic structural diagram of the chip shown. Figure 14 The chip shown includes a processor and an interface. Among them, the number of processors can be one or more, and the number of interfaces can be multiple. The interface is used for receiving and sending signals. Optionally, the chip or chip system may include a memory. The memory is used to save the necessary program instructions and data of the chip or chip system.

[0522] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the protection scope and applicability of the claims. Those skilled in the art can make adaptive changes to the functions and deployments of the elements involved in the present application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present application, or omit, substitute or add various processes or components as appropriate.

[0523] In one implementation, the communication device 1300 is the access network device in the above method embodiments. The communication device 1300 can implement some or all of the steps of any method executed by the access network device in the embodiments of the present application through the processor and transceiver, for example:

[0524] The transceiver 1305 can be used to obtain the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, and the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device; and is used to send path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, and the path switching information is used to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device.

[0525] In another implementation, the communication device 1300 is the first terminal device in the above method embodiments. The communication device 1300 can implement some or all of the steps of any method executed by the first terminal device in the embodiments of the present application through the processor and transceiver, for example:

[0526] The processor 1301 is used to determine the connection mode preference;

[0527] The transceiver 1305 can be used to send the connection mode preference information to the access network device, and the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device.

[0528] In yet another implementation, the communication device 1300 is the first network device in the above method embodiments. The communication device 1300 can implement some or all of the steps of any method executed by the first network device in the embodiments of the present application through a processor and a transceiver. For example:

[0529] The transceiver 1305 is configured to obtain connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, where the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device, and is further configured to send the connection mode preference information to the access network device.

[0530] The present application further provides a communication system, as Figure 15 shown in the schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system. The communication system includes the first terminal device and the access network device in any of the above embodiments. Optionally, the communication system may further include the relay device in any of the above embodiments, and the relay device is connected to the access network device. The relay device may be, for example, a relay terminal device.

[0531] Optionally, as Figure 15 shown, the communication system may further include the first network device in any of the above embodiments. The first network device may be a core network device, for example, an AMF or an SMF, etc., without limitation.

[0532] The present application further provides another communication system, as Figure 16 shown in the schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system. The communication system includes the connection device 1000 in the above embodiments and the connection device 1200 in the above embodiments. Optionally, the communication system may further include the relay device in any of the above embodiments, and the relay device is connected to the access network device or the connection device 1000. The relay device may be, for example, a relay terminal device.

[0533] Optionally, as Figure 16 shown, the communication system may further include the connection device 1100 in the above embodiments.

[0534] The present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer instructions are stored, and the computer instructions direct a user equipment to execute the connection method in any of the above embodiments.

[0535] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0536] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0537] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) is integrated in the processor.

[0538] It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0539] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the magnitude of the sequence numbers of the above processes does not indicate the sequence of execution, and the execution sequence of each process should be determined according to its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0540] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0541] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and conciseness of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0542] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be in an electrical, mechanical, or other form.

[0543] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or may be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0544] In addition, the functional units in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0545] If a function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of this technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in various embodiments of this application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memories (ROM), random access memories (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical discs.

[0546] The steps in the methods of the embodiments of this application can be adjusted, combined, and deleted according to actual needs.

[0547] The modules in the devices of the embodiments of this application can be combined, divided, and deleted according to actual needs.

[0548] As described above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, rather than to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A connection method, characterized in that, Including: The access network device obtains the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, and the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device; The connection mode preference includes: dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface; or, single connection of Uu interface; or single connection of PC5 interface; wherein, the access network device obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device includes: receiving the connection mode preference information from a first network device, or receiving the connection mode preference information from the first terminal device; The access network device sends path switching information to the first terminal device according to the currently used connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device, the signal condition of the first terminal device interface, and the connection mode preference information, and the path switching information is used to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The access network device sending path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information includes: When the connection mode preference is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, if the currently used connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection of PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets a first preset condition, then the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface; The access network device sends the path switching information to the first terminal device, and the path switching information includes a first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate: the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, the access network device sending path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information further includes: The access network device determines that the first terminal device supports dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface according to the path support capability information of the first terminal device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The access network device sending path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information includes: When the connection mode preference is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, if the currently used connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets a second preset condition, then the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single connection of PC5 interface; The access network device sends the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes second indication information for indicating that the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The access network device sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information includes: When the connection mode preference is single Uu interface connection, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single PC5 interface connection and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets the first preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single Uu interface connection; The access network device sends the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes third indication information for indicating that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The access network device sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information includes: When the connection mode preference is single Uu interface connection, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single Uu interface connection and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device does not meet the first preset condition, the access network device determines to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single PC5 interface connection; The access network device sends the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes fourth indication information for indicating that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The access network device obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device includes: The access network device receives the connection mode preference information from a first network device, where the first network device is an access and mobility management function device or a session management device; or, The access network device receives the connection mode preference information from the first terminal device.

8. A connection method, characterized in that, It includes: A first network device obtains the connection mode preference information of a first terminal device, where the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device; The connection mode preference includes: dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface; or, single Uu interface connection; or single PC5 interface connection; The first network device sends the connection mode preference information to the access network device, where the connection mode preference information is used to generate path switching information for switching the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first network device obtains the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, including: The first network device obtains the subscription data of the first terminal device; The first network device obtains the connection mode preference information according to the subscription data of the first terminal device.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first network device is an access and mobility management function device. Before the first network device obtains the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, the method further includes: The access and mobility management function device receives a registration request from the first terminal device, and the registration request includes the path support capability information of the first terminal device; Wherein, the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports one or more of the following: dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, single connection of Uu interface, or single connection of PC5 interface.

11. A connection method, characterized in that, Including: The first terminal device determines the connection mode preference, and the connection mode preference includes: dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface; or, single connection of Uu interface; or single connection of PC5 interface; The first terminal device sends the connection mode preference information to the access network device, and the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device. The connection mode preference information is used to generate path switching information, and the path switching information is used to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The connection mode preference information is carried in the measurement report.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first terminal device sends a registration request to the access and mobility management function device, and the registration request includes the path support capability information of the first terminal device; Wherein, the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports one or more of the following: dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface, connection of Uu interface, or connection of PC5 interface.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first terminal device determines the connection mode preference, including: The first terminal device determines the connection mode preference according to one or more of the service scenario and the expected movement trajectory.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein The method further includes: The first terminal device receives path switching information from the access network device; The first terminal device switches the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device according to the path switching information; Wherein, the path switching information includes a first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate: the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or The path switching information includes a second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate: the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or The path switching information includes a third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate: the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or The path switching information includes fourth indication information for indicating that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device.

16. A connecting device, characterized in that, including: a receiving unit, configured to obtain connection mode preference information of a first terminal device, where the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device; The connection mode preference includes: dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface; or, single connection of the Uu interface; or single connection of the PC5 interface. Wherein, obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device includes: receiving the connection mode preference information from a first network device, or receiving the connection mode preference information from the first terminal device; a sending unit, configured to send path switching information to the first terminal device according to the currently used connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device, the signal condition of the first terminal device interface, and the connection mode preference information, where the path switching information is used to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein in terms of sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit is specifically configured to: when the connection mode preference is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, if the currently used connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single connection of the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets a first preset condition, determine to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface; and send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes first indication information for indicating that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein, The connection device further includes a processor, configured to determine that the first terminal device supports dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface according to the path support capability information of the first terminal device.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein in terms of sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit is specifically configured to: when the connection mode preference is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, if the currently used connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device does not meet the first preset condition, determine to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single connection of the PC5 interface; and Send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes second indication information for indicating that the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

20. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein In terms of sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit is specifically configured to: When the connection mode preference is single Uu interface connection, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single PC5 interface connection and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device meets a first preset condition, determine to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single Uu interface connection; And Send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes third indication information for indicating that the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device.

21. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein In terms of sending the path switching information to the first terminal device according to the connection mode preference information, the sending unit is specifically configured to: When the connection mode preference is single Uu interface connection, if the current connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device is single Uu interface connection and the signal of the Uu interface of the first terminal device does not meet the first preset condition, determine to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device to single PC5 interface connection; And Send the path switching information to the first terminal device, where the path switching information includes fourth indication information for indicating that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device.

22. The device according to any one of claims 16-21, characterized in that, In terms of obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, the receiving unit is specifically configured to: Receive the connection mode preference information from a first network device, where the first network device is an access and mobility management function device or a session management device; or Receive the connection mode preference information from the first terminal device.

23. A connecting device, characterized in that, Comprising: A receiving unit, configured to obtain connection mode preference information of a first terminal device, where the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device; The connection mode preference includes: dual connection of Uu interface and PC5 interface; or, single Uu interface connection; or single PC5 interface connection; A sending unit, configured to send the connection mode preference information to an access network device, where the connection mode preference information is used to generate path switching information, and the path switching information is used to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein In terms of obtaining the connection mode preference information of the first terminal device, the receiving unit is specifically configured to: Obtain the subscription data of the first terminal device; and Obtain the connection mode preference information according to the subscription data of the first terminal device.

25. The device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The receiving unit is further configured to: Receive a registration request from the first terminal device, where the registration request includes the path support capability information of the first terminal device, and the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, or indicates that the first terminal device supports single connection of the Uu interface or single connection of the PC5 interface.

26. A connecting device, characterized in that, It includes: A processing unit, configured to determine the connection mode preference; The connection mode preference includes: dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface; or, single connection of the Uu interface; or single connection of the PC5 interface; A sending unit, configured to send the connection mode preference information to the access network device, where the connection mode preference information indicates the connection mode preference of the first terminal device, and the connection mode preference information is used to generate path switching information, and the path switching information is used to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device.

27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that, The connection mode preference information is carried in a measurement report or a registration request.

28. The device according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that, The sending unit is further configured to: Send a registration request to the access and mobility management function device, where the registration request includes the path support capability information of the first terminal device; Wherein, the path support capability information indicates that the first terminal device supports one or more of the following: dual connection of the Uu interface and the PC5 interface, single connection of the Uu interface, or single connection of the PC5 interface.

29. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that, In terms of determining the connection mode preference information, the processing unit is specifically configured to: Determine the connection mode preference information according to one or more of the service scenario and the expected movement trajectory.

30. The device according to claim 26, wherein, The device further includes: A receiving unit, configured to receive path switching information from the access network device; The processing unit is further configured to switch the connection mode between the first terminal device and the access network device according to the path switching information; The path switching information includes a first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate: the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or The path switching information includes a second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate: the first terminal device releases the Uu interface connection with the access network device and maintains a PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or The path switching information includes a third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate: the first terminal device establishes a Uu interface connection with the access network device and releases the PC5 interface connection between the first terminal device and the relay device; or The path switching information includes a fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a PC5 interface connection with the relay device and releases the Uu interface connection between the first terminal device and the access network device.

31. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, the processor is coupled with a memory, the memory is used to store computer instructions, and the processor executes the computer instructions to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-15.

32. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes the connection device according to any one of claims 16-22, the connection device according to any one of claims 23-25, and the connection device according to any one of claims 26-30.

33. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Computer instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and the computer instructions instruct the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-15.

34. A chip, characterized in that, It includes: A processor and an interface for executing the computer program or instructions stored in the memory and executing the method according to any one of claims 1-15.

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