A communication method, apparatus, and readable storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method, device and readable storage medium, the method comprising: sending capability information to a network device of a first network, the capability information being used to indicate a capability of whether the user equipment supports MUSIM measurement interval configuration in frequency or frequency range FR unit. In the method of the present disclosure, the user equipment supporting MUSIM sends the capability information to the network device, and reports whether it supports MUSIM measurement interval configuration in frequency or FR unit. Therefore, compared with MUSIM measurement interval configuration in user equipment unit, the network device can know whether the user equipment supports smaller granularity MUSIM measurement interval configuration, which is conducive to the network device to adapt to the user equipment capability for more reasonable configuration, so as to improve the measurement efficiency.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and particularly relates to a communication method, an apparatus and a readable storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] A user equipment (UE) supporting multi-universal subscriber identity module (Multi-SIM or MUSIM) supports multiple card slots and can be connected to multiple networks simultaneously. It is indicated in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) that a MUSIM user equipment can support multiple networks simultaneously, for example, a user equipment supporting MUSIM can support network A (NW A) and network B (NW B) simultaneously.

[0003] In the 3GPP, a measurement gap (MG) for MUSIM measurement purposes is also introduced to realize measurement on NW B, which can be referred to as MUSIM gap hereinafter. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides a communication method, an apparatus and a readable storage medium.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication method, executed by a user equipment supporting multi-universal subscriber identity module (MUSIM), comprising:

[0006] sending, to a network device of a first network, capability information, the capability information being used to indicate a capability of whether the user equipment supports a MUSIM measurement gap configuration in a frequency or frequency range (FR) unit.

[0007] In the method of the present disclosure, the user equipment supporting MUSIM sends capability information to the network device, to report whether the user equipment supports the MUSIM measurement gap configuration in the frequency or FR unit. Thus, compared with the MUSIM measurement gap configuration in the user equipment unit, the network device can learn whether the user equipment supports the MUSIM measurement gap configuration in a smaller granularity, which is beneficial for the network device to adapt to the user equipment capability to make more reasonable configuration, so as to improve the measurement efficiency.

[0008] In some possible implementation manners, the sending, to the network device of the first network, of the capability information comprises:

[0009] sending, to the network device, a first radio resource control (RRC) message, the first RRC message being used to indicate the capability information.

[0010] In some possible implementation manners, the method further includes:

[0011] sending, to the network device, indication information, the indication information being used to indicate a frequency or a frequency range supported by the second network.

[0012] In some possible implementation manners, the sending, to the network device, indication information includes:

[0013] sending, to the network device, a second RRC message, the second RRC message being used to indicate the indication information.

[0014] In some possible implementation manners, the capability information includes at least one of:

[0015] a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of FR1;

[0016] a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of FR2;

[0017] a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of a set frequency range;

[0018] a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of a set frequency point or a set carrier.

[0019] In some possible implementation manners, the method further includes:

[0020] receiving measurement configuration information sent by the network device, the measurement configuration information including a MUSIM measurement interval;

[0021] performing measurement of the second network according to the measurement configuration information.

[0022] In some possible implementation manners, the measurement configuration information includes at least one of:

[0023] a first MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR1;

[0024] a second MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR2;

[0025] a third MUSIM measurement interval applicable to the user equipment;

[0026] a fourth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to a set frequency range;

[0027] a fifth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to a set carrier or a set frequency point.

[0028] In some possible implementation, the performing the measurement of the second network according to the measurement configuration information comprises:

[0029] performing the measurement of the second network according to the measurement configuration information and a frequency or a frequency range supported by the second network.

[0030] In some possible implementation, the measurement configuration information comprises at least one of:

[0031] a measurement mode identifier;

[0032] a measurement interval duration;

[0033] a measurement interval repetition period.

[0034] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication method, performed by a network device of a first network, the method comprising:

[0035] receiving capability information sent by a user equipment supporting MUSIM, the capability information being used to indicate a capability of the user equipment supporting a MUSIM measurement interval configuration in a frequency or a frequency range (FR) unit.

[0036] In the method of the present disclosure, the network device receives the capability information of the user equipment to learn whether the user equipment supports the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the frequency or FR unit, that is, the network device can learn whether the user equipment supports the MUSIM measurement interval configuration with smaller granularity compared with the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the user equipment unit. Therefore, the network device can adapt to the capability of the user equipment for more reasonable configuration to improve the measurement efficiency.

[0037] In some possible implementation, the method further comprises:

[0038] receiving indication information sent by the user equipment, the indication information being used to indicate a frequency range supported by the second network.

[0039] In some possible implementation, the capability information comprises at least one of:

[0040] a capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in a FR1 unit;

[0041] a capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in a FR2 unit;

[0042] a capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in a set frequency range unit;

[0043] a capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in a set frequency point or set carrier unit.

[0044] In some possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0045] determining measurement configuration information according to the capability information;

[0046] sending the measurement configuration information to the user equipment, the measurement configuration information comprising MUSIM measurement interval.

[0047] In some possible implementation, the measurement configuration information comprises at least one of:

[0048] a first MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR1;

[0049] a second MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR2;

[0050] a third MUSIM measurement interval applicable to the user equipment;

[0051] a fourth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to a set frequency range;

[0052] a fifth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to a set carrier or a set frequency point.

[0053] In some possible implementation, the measurement configuration information comprises at least one of:

[0054] measurement mode identification;

[0055] measurement interval duration;

[0056] measurement interval repetition period.

[0057] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication apparatus, which can be used to execute the steps performed by the user equipment in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The user equipment can implement the functions in the above methods through a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of the hardware structure and the software module.

[0058] When the apparatus in the third aspect is implemented through a software module, the apparatus can include a transceiver module, wherein the transceiver module can be used to support the communication apparatus to communicate.

[0059] When the steps in the first aspect are executed, the transceiver module is configured to send capability information to a network device of a first network, the capability information being used to indicate a capability of whether the user equipment supports MUSIM measurement interval configuration in a frequency or frequency range FR unit.

[0060] In the fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication device, which can be used to execute the steps performed by the network device in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect. The network device can implement the functions in the above methods through a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of the hardware structure and the software module.

[0061] When the device in the fourth aspect is implemented through a software module, the device can include a transceiver module, where the transceiver module can be used to support the communication device to communicate.

[0062] When the steps in the second aspect are executed, the transceiver module is configured to receive capability information sent by the user equipment supporting MUSIM, where the capability information is used to indicate whether the user equipment supports the capability of MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of frequency or frequency range FR.

[0063] In the fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment, including a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store a computer program; and the processor is used to execute the computer program to implement the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0064] In the sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a network device, including a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store a computer program; and the processor is used to execute the computer program to implement the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0065] In the seventh aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores instructions (or computer program, program) that, when invoked and executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0066] In the eighth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores instructions (or computer program, program) that, when invoked and executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0067] In the ninth aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication system, including a user equipment and a network device, where the user equipment is configured to implement the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0068] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0069] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0070] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0071] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] Figure 2 is an interaction flow diagram of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0073] Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0074] Figure 4 is a flow diagram of another communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0075] Figure 5 is a flow diagram of another communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0076] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a measurement gap according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0077] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0078] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a communication apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0079] Figure 9 is a block diagram of user equipment according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0080] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a communication apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0081] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a communication apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0083] The exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawings. The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views. The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views. The following exemplary embodiments described therein represent implementations consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. Rather than using the same reference numbers in all the drawings to identify similar components, reference numbers with the same last two digits in all figures can be used to identify identical or similar components. The following exemplary embodiments described therein represent implementations consistent with the aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0084] The terminology used in the description of the embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments of the present disclosure. As used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It also will be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0085] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various information, the information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one piece of information from another. For example, a first information can also be termed a second information, and, similarly, a second information can also be termed a first information, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Depending on the context, the word "if' and "when' as used herein can be interpreted to mean "upon determining" or "in response to determining."

[0086] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, of which examples are shown. The embodiments described below are exemplary and are intended to be illustrative of the present disclosure, and are not to be understood as limiting the present disclosure.

[0087] As Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1, a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a wireless communication system 100, which can include a user equipment 101 and a network equipment 102. The user equipment 101 is configured to support carrier aggregation and can be connected to multiple carrier units of the network equipment 102, including a primary carrier unit and one or more secondary carrier units.

[0088] It should be understood that the above wireless communication system 100 can be applied to both low frequency scenarios and high frequency scenarios. The application scenarios of the wireless communication system 100 include, but are not limited to, a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a cloud radio access network (CRAN) system, a future 5th-Generation (5G) system, a new radio (NR) communication system, or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) system, and the like.

[0089] The user equipment 101 shown above can be a terminal, an access terminal, a terminal unit, a terminal station, a mobile station (MS), a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless communication device, a terminal agent, or a terminal device, and the like. The user equipment 101 can have a wireless transceiving function, and can communicate (e.g., wirelessly communicate) with one or more network devices of one or more communication systems and receive network services provided by the network devices, where the network devices include, but are not limited to, the network device 102.

[0090] The user equipment (UE) 101 can be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a future 5G network, or a terminal device in a future evolved PLMN network, and the like.

[0091] The network device 102 can be an access network device (or an access network site). The access network device refers to a device that provides network access functions, such as a radio access network (RAN) base station and the like. The network device 102 can specifically include a base station (BS), or include a base station and a radio resource management device for controlling the base station, and the like. The network device 102 can also include a relay station (relay device), an access point, and a base station in a future 5G network, a base station in a future evolved PLMN network, or an NR base station, and the like. The network device 102 can be a wearable device or a vehicle-mounted device. The network device 102 can also be a communication chip with a communication module.

[0092] For example, the network device 102 includes, but is not limited to, a next-generation base station (gnodeB, gNB) in 5G, an evolved node B (eNB) in an LTE system, a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB) in a WCDMA system, a radio controller under a CRAN system, a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS) in a GSM system or a CDMA system, a home base station (for example, a home evolved node B, or a home node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), or a mobile switching center, and the like.

[0093] In 3GPP, the network device 102 configures a MUSIM measurement interval for the MUSIM-enabled user equipment 101 on a per-UE basis, that is, the MUSIM measurement interval configured by the network device 102 can be applicable to all measurement scenarios of the user equipment 101, such as carrier aggregation (CA) or dual connectivity (DC) measurement scenarios.

[0094] For example, in the CA or DC measurement scenario, when the per-UE MUSIM measurement interval is applied, the user equipment 101 needs to interrupt all working frequency bands of the service network within the MUSIM measurement interval length (MGL). However, in this scenario, there can be some user equipment 101 with strong capabilities that do not need to interrupt all working frequency bands.

[0095] A communication method is provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an example embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 , the method comprises steps S201-S202, in particular:

[0096] In step S201, the user equipment 101 sends capability information to the network device 102 of the first network, and the capability information is used to indicate the capability of whether the user equipment 101 supports the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of frequency or frequency range FR.

[0097] In some possible implementation manners, the user equipment 101 is a MUSIM-capable user equipment.

[0098] For example, the first network is network A (NW A), and the user equipment 101 currently accesses a cell under the first network, that is, the network device 102 corresponds to a serving cell currently accessed by the user equipment 101.

[0099] In some possible implementation manners, the user equipment 101 can actively report the capability information, or report the capability information according to the request or indication of the network device 102.

[0100] In some possible implementation manners, the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of frequency, for example, means that the MUSIM measurement interval configuration is applicable to one or more frequencies; or the MUSIM measurement interval configuration is applicable to one or more carriers; or for multiple frequencies or carriers, a suitable MUSIM measurement interval is configured for each frequency or carrier.

[0101] In some possible implementation manners, the MUSIM measurement interval (per FR) configuration in the unit of frequency range (Frequency Range, FR) means that the MUSIM measurement interval configuration is applicable to one or more frequency ranges; or for multiple frequency ranges supported by the user equipment 101, a suitable MUSIM measurement interval is configured for each frequency range

[0102] In an example, the frequency range includes FR1, FR2 or other frequency ranges, for example. The FR1, for example, refers to a sub-6G frequency band, which can cover a frequency band between 400 MHz and 6 GHz. The FR2, for example, refers to a 5G millimeter wave frequency band, which can cover a frequency band between 24.25 GHz and 52.6 GHz.

[0103] In step S202, the network device 102 receives the capability information.

[0104] In some possible implementation, the network device 102 learns, according to the capability information, whether the user equipment 101 supports the capability of MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of frequency or frequency range FR. If yes, the network device 102 can configure the MUSIM measurement interval for the user equipment 101 in units of frequency or frequency range FR.

[0105] It is worth noting that the MUSIM measurement interval in units of frequency or frequency range has a smaller configuration granularity than the MUSIM measurement interval in units of user equipment 101. Therefore, the user equipment 101 supporting this capability can only be interrupted from the serving cell during the MGL in the applicable frequency or frequency range, so as to reduce the interruption time.

[0106] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the user equipment supporting MUSIM sends the capability information to the network device, to report whether the user equipment supports the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of frequency or FR. Therefore, compared with the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of user equipment, the network device can learn whether the user equipment supports the MUSIM measurement interval configuration with smaller granularity, which is beneficial for the network device to adapt to the user equipment capability for more reasonable configuration, so as to improve the measurement efficiency and ensure the data throughput.

[0107] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which is performed by the user equipment 101 supporting MUSIM. Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 3 is a flowchart of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 , the method comprises the following step S301, specifically:

[0108] In step S301, the user equipment 101 sends the capability information to the network device 102 of the first network, and the capability information is used to indicate whether the user equipment 101 supports the capability of MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of frequency or frequency range FR.

[0109] In some possible implementation, the first network is network A for example.

[0110] The MUSIM measurement interval configuration can be configured by the first network, and is used for the measurement of the second network such as network B.

[0111] In some possible implementation, the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of frequency range refers to, for example, that the MUSIM measurement interval configuration is applicable to one or more frequency ranges; or for a plurality of frequency ranges supported by the user equipment 101, the applicable MUSIM measurement interval is configured for each frequency range respectively.

[0112] In some possible implementation, the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in frequency unit, for example, means that: the MUSIM measurement interval configuration is applicable to one or more frequencies; or, the MUSIM measurement interval configuration is applicable to one or more carriers; or, for multiple frequencies or carriers, a MUSIM measurement interval applicable to each frequency or carrier is configured respectively.

[0113] In some possible implementation, the capability information comprises at least one of:

[0114] a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in FR1 unit (per FR1);

[0115] a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in FR2 unit (per FR2);

[0116] a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in set frequency range or set frequency band unit;

[0117] a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in set frequency point or set carrier unit.

[0118] wherein, for ease of description, the capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in FR1 unit is referred to as a first capability, the capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in FR2 unit is referred to as a second capability, the capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in set frequency range or set frequency band unit is referred to as a third capability, and the capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in set frequency point or set carrier unit is referred to as a fourth capability.

[0119] In some possible implementation, the network device 102 can configure a corresponding MUSIM measurement interval for the user equipment 101 according to the capability of the user equipment 101, such as a MUSIM measurement interval adapted to the capability of the user equipment 101 or a MUSIM measurement interval within the capability of the user equipment 101.

[0120] In an example, when the user equipment 101 supports a first capability of MUSIM measurement interval configuration in FR1 unit, the network device 102 can configure a MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR1 for the user equipment 101. Alternatively, a MUSIM measurement interval in user equipment unit is still configured. It can be understood that the capability of MUSIM measurement interval configuration in FR2 unit can refer to the description of the example.

[0121] In another example, the set frequency range can be within FR1, or within FR2, or outside of FR1 and FR2.

[0122] For example, when the set frequency range is within FR1, the network device 102 can configure the user equipment 101 with a MUSIM measurement interval applicable to the set frequency range, or configure the user equipment 101 with a MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR1.

[0123] It is worth noting that the MUSIM measurement interval in frequency or frequency range unit has a smaller configuration granularity than the MUSIM measurement interval in user equipment 101 unit. Therefore, the user equipment 101 supporting this capability can only be interrupted with the serving cell during the MGL in the applicable frequency or frequency range, so as to reduce the interruption time.

[0124] In some possible implementation manners, the user equipment 101 supporting the capability of MUSIM measurement interval configuration in FR unit can support independent FR1 radio frequency link and FR2 radio frequency link to independently measure the objects in FR1 and FR2.

[0125] In some possible implementation manners, the network device 102 can simultaneously configure the user equipment 101 with at most 3 periodic MUSIM measurement intervals and 1 aperiodic MUSIM measurement interval.

[0126] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the user equipment sends the capability information to the network device, and reports whether the user equipment supports the smaller granularity MUSIM measurement interval configuration, which is beneficial for the network device to adapt to the user equipment capability for more reasonable configuration, so as to improve the measurement efficiency and ensure the data throughput.

[0127] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which is performed by the user equipment 101 supporting MUSIM. The method comprises the following steps S301':

[0128] In step S301', the user equipment 101 sends a first radio resource control (RRC) message to the network device 102, and the first RRC message is used to indicate the capability information.

[0129] In some possible implementation manners, the first RRC message can adopt the UE Assistance Information (UAI), and the user equipment 101 sends the capability information by sending the UAI.

[0130] In some possible implementation manners, the first RRC message can adopt the MeasAndMobParameters message.

[0131] In some possible implementation, the user equipment 101 can report the capability information again when the user equipment 101 supports the capability of supporting the smaller granularity MUSIM configuration, such as the capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of frequency or frequency range FR. In this implementation, when the network device 102 receives the capability information, it can be learned that the user equipment 101 supports the capability of supporting the smaller granularity MUSIM configuration.

[0132] In some possible implementation, whether the user equipment 101 supports the capability of supporting the smaller granularity MUSIM configuration is indicated by 1 or several bits in the capability information.

[0133] In an example, whether the user equipment 101 supports the capability of supporting the smaller granularity MUSIM configuration is indicated by 1 bit in the capability information. When the value of the 1 bit is 1, it indicates that the user equipment 101 supports the capability of supporting the smaller granularity MUSIM configuration; when the value of the 1 bit is 0, it indicates that the user equipment 101 does not support the capability of supporting the smaller granularity MUSIM configuration, for example, only supports the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of user equipment.

[0134] In another example, whether the user equipment 101 supports the capability of supporting the smaller granularity MUSIM configuration is indicated by several bits, such as 2 bits, in the capability information. For example, referring to Table 1, when the value of the 2 bits is 00, it indicates that the user equipment 101 supports the first capability; when the value of the 2 bits is 01, it indicates that the user equipment 101 supports the second capability; when the value of the 2 bits is 10, it indicates that the user equipment 101 supports the third capability; and when the value of the 2 bits is 11, it indicates that the user equipment 101 supports the fourth capability.

[0135] Table 1

[0136] 2-bit value Capability 00 First capability 01 Second capability 10 Third capability 11 Fourth capability

[0137] The descriptions of the first capability, the second capability, the third capability and the fourth capability can be referred to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0138] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the user equipment 101 can report the capability information to the network device 102 by sending the RRC message, and report whether the user equipment 101 can support the capability of supporting the smaller granularity MUSIM configuration, so that the network device 102 can make more reasonable configuration according to the capability information.

[0139] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which is performed by the user equipment 101 supporting MUSIM. Referring to Figure 4 , Figure 4 is a flowchart of a communication method according to an example embodiment, as shown in Figure 4As shown, the method includes steps S401-S402, in particular:

[0140] At step S401, the user equipment 101 sends capability information to the network device 102 of the first network, the capability information being used to indicate the capability of the user equipment 101 whether supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of frequency or frequency range FR.

[0141] The implementation of step S401 can refer to the description of the implementation of step S301 or S301’ as mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0142] At step S402, the user equipment 101 sends indication information to the network device 102, the indication information being used to indicate the frequency or frequency range supported by the second network.

[0143] For example, the first network is network A, and the second network is network B.

[0144] In some possible implementation, the order of step S401 and step S402 is only illustrative but not limited, for example, step S402 can be performed first and then step S401, or step S401 and S402 can be performed synchronously.

[0145] In an example, the user equipment 101 can send the capability information and the indication information synchronously by sending an RRC message.

[0146] In another example, the capability information includes the indication information, i.e., the user equipment 101 can indicate whether supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of frequency or frequency range FR and the supported frequency or frequency range by the same information.

[0147] In some possible implementation, the step S402 can include the following step S402’, in particular:

[0148] At step S402’, the user equipment 101 sends a second RRC message to the network device 102, the second RRC message being used to indicate the indication information.

[0149] In an example, the second RRC message can adopt UAI.

[0150] In some possible implementation, the indication information of the user equipment 101 can indicate the frequency supported by the second network, for example, one or more bits in the indication information correspond to different frequencies respectively, or the frequencies supported by the second network are listed in an enumerated manner in the indication message.

[0151] In some possible implementation, the indication information of the user equipment 101 can indicate the frequency range supported by the second network, for example, by indicating that one or more bits in the indication information correspond to different frequency ranges respectively, or by enumerating the frequency ranges supported by the second network in the indication information.

[0152] In an example, taking 1 bit as an example, when the value of the 1 bit is 1, it indicates that the frequency range supported by the second network is FR1; when the value of the 1 bit is 0, it indicates that the frequency range supported by the second network is FR2.

[0153] In some possible implementation, the network device 102 can configure the corresponding MUSIM measurement interval according to the capability information and the indication information of the user equipment 101. It can be understood that the embodiments herein can refer to the corresponding description in Table 3 and the implementation of the method performed by the network device 102, which is not described herein.

[0154] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, in addition to the capability of whether the user equipment 101 supports the smaller granularity of MUSIM measurement interval configuration, the user equipment 101 can also report the frequency or frequency range supported by the second network to the network device 102, so that the network device 102 can configure the MUSIM measurement interval more reasonably according to the capability information and the indication information.

[0155] The present disclosure provides a communication method, which is performed by the user equipment 101 supporting MUSIM. Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 5 is a flowchart of a communication method according to an example embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 , the method comprises steps S501-S503, specifically:

[0156] Step S501, the user equipment 101 sends capability information to the network device 102 of the first network, and the capability information is used to indicate the capability of whether the user equipment 101 supports the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of frequency or frequency range FR.

[0157] Wherein, the step S501 can refer to the description of steps S301, S301' or step S401, which is not described herein.

[0158] Step S502, the user equipment 101 receives the measurement configuration information sent by the network device 102, and the measurement configuration information comprises the MUSIM measurement interval.

[0159] In some possible implementation, the MUSIM measurement interval issued by the network device 102 can be used for the measurement scenario of the user equipment 101 on the second network.

[0160] In some possible implementation, the network device 102 can be measurement configuration information determined according to the capability information of the user equipment 101, or measurement configuration information determined according to the capability information and the indication information.

[0161] In some possible implementation, the measurement configuration information comprises at least one of the following:

[0162] a first MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR1;

[0163] a second MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR2;

[0164] a third MUSIM measurement interval applicable to the user equipment;

[0165] a fourth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to a set frequency range or a set frequency band;

[0166] a fifth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to a set carrier or a set frequency point.

[0167] In an example, each MUSIM measurement interval can be configured with a corresponding identifier. Wherein each MUSIM measurement interval can correspond to different parameters, such as measurement interval length MGL.

[0168] In an example, the MUSIM measurement interval configured by the network device 102 in the measurement configuration information can match the capability supported by the user equipment 101, or be within the capability supported by the user equipment 101.

[0169] For example, when the user equipment 101 supports a first capability, i.e., a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in FR1, the network device 102 can configure a first MUSIM measurement interval, or a third MUSIM measurement interval, or a fourth MUSIM measurement interval. Wherein, when the second MUSIM measurement interval is configured, the set frequency range can be within the FR1 range.

[0170] In some possible implementation, the measurement configuration information comprises at least one of the following:

[0171] measurement pattern identifier (MUSIM Gap Pattern Id);

[0172] measurement interval length MGL;

[0173] measurement interval repetition period (Measurement Gap Repetition Periodicity, MGRP).

[0174] The measurement mode identifier is used to identify different parameters corresponding to the MUSIM measurement interval, such as different MGLs or MGRPs corresponding to the MUSIM measurement interval.

[0175] In one example, referring to Table 2, the MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR2 is configured in the measurement configuration information using the following diagram.

[0176] Table 2

[0177] Measurement mode identification MGL (unit: ms) MGRP (unit: ms) 29 5.5 20 30 5.5 40 31 5.5 80 32 5.5 160 33 3.5 20 34 3.5 40 35 3.5 80 36 3.5 160 37 1.5 20 38 1.5 40 39 1.5 80 40 1.5 160

[0178] In step S503, user equipment 101 performs measurements on the second network according to the measurement configuration information.

[0179] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the MUSIM measurement interval is provided. (Reference) Figure 6 As shown, during each MGL, user equipment 101 may need to interrupt its connection with the first network NWA. That is, user equipment 101 will not transmit or receive data with network device 102 during this MGL, but will instead tune its receiver from the frequency of network device 102 to the target frequency of the second network to perform measurements at the target frequency of the second network. Before or at the end of the MGL, user equipment 101 will tune its receiver back to the frequency corresponding to network device 102 to continue transmitting and receiving data.

[0180] In one example, for MUSIM measurement intervals per user equipment, user equipment 101 needs to interrupt its connection with NWA network equipment 102 each time it measures the second network.

[0181] In another example, for a more granular MUSIM measurement interval configuration, such as MUSIM measurement intervals in frequency ranges, user equipment 101 can, based on the operating frequency of the second network, only interrupt the connection of NWA network device 102 operating at the same frequency as the second network. See the description of the following embodiments.

[0182] In some possible implementations, step S503 may include the following step S503', specifically:

[0183] In step S503', user equipment 101 performs measurements on the second network based on the measurement configuration information and the frequency or frequency range supported by the second network.

[0184] The frequency or frequency range supported by the second network (NWB) can refer to the frequency or frequency range in which it operates.

[0185] In an example, referring to Table 3, when the capabilities of the user equipment 101 are different, the network device 102 can configure different MUSIM measurement intervals, and the user equipment 101 performs different measurement behaviors on the second network according to the MUSIM measurement interval configuration of the network device 102 and the frequency or frequency range supported by the second network.

[0186] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, some specific examples are listed as follows:

[0187] First example:

[0188] In the CA or DC scenario, the network device 102 of the first network currently accessed by the user equipment 101 includes: an LTE network device (working in the frequency range FR1) and an NR network device working in the frequency range FR2.

[0189] If the second network is an LTE network working in FR1 or an NR standalone networking (SA) network working in FR1, the user equipment 101 can perform measurement on the second network according to the first MUSIM measurement interval, and interrupt the connection with the first network LTE network device during the MGL of the first MUSIM measurement interval, while still maintaining data transmission and reception with the NR network device working in the frequency range FR2.

[0190] Thus, in this example, compared with the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of user equipment, the interruption time with the first network can be reduced, the measurement efficiency can be improved, and the data throughput can be guaranteed.

[0191] Second example:

[0192] Referring to Table 3, when the capability of the user equipment 101 is: supporting per UE MUSIM measurement interval, the network device 102 of the first network can configure a third MUSIM measurement interval suitable for the user equipment (per UE) for the user equipment 101. The user equipment 101 measures the second network according to the third MUSIM measurement interval.

[0193] Third example:

[0194] Referring to Table 3, when the capability of the user equipment 101 is: the capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of FR, such as the first capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of FR1, or the second capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of FR2, the network device 102 of the first network can configure the user equipment 101 with at least one of: the third MUSIM measurement interval applicable to the user equipment (per UE), the first MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR1 (per FR1), and the second MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR2 (per FR2).

[0195] In this example, the user equipment 101 can perform the measurement of the NWB based on the third MUSIM measurement interval.

[0196] Alternatively, in this example, the measurement is performed according to the frequency range supported by the second network.

[0197] If the frequency range in which the second network operates is on FR1, for example, the second network includes: an Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRA) network (E-UTRA network, LTE network), and / or an NR FR1 SA network, the user equipment 101 performs the measurement of the E-UTRA NW B and / or the NR FR1 SA NW B based on the first MUSIM measurement interval.

[0198] If the frequency range in which the second network operates is on FR2, for example, the second network includes an NR FR2 network, the user equipment 101 performs the measurement of the NR FR2 NWB based on the second MUSIM measurement interval.

[0199] Fourth example:

[0200] Referring to Table 3, when the capability of the user equipment 101 is: the third capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of a set frequency range or a set frequency band, the network device 102 of the first network can configure the user equipment 101 with at least one of: the third MUSIM measurement interval, the first MUSIM measurement interval, the second MUSIM measurement interval, and the fourth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to the set frequency range or the set frequency band.

[0201] In this example, the user equipment 101 can perform the measurement of the NWB based on the third MUSIM measurement interval.

[0202] Alternatively, in this example, the measurement is performed according to the frequency range supported by the second network.

[0203] If the set frequency range of the second network operation falls within FR1, the user equipment 101 performs measurement of the E-UTRA NW B and / or the NR FR1 SA NW B based on the first MUSIM measurement interval.

[0204] If the set frequency range of the second network operation falls within FR2, the user equipment 101 performs measurement of the NR FR2 NW B based on the second MUSIM measurement interval.

[0205] Alternatively, the user equipment 101 can perform measurement of the NW B of the set frequency range based on the fourth MUSIM measurement interval.

[0206] Fifth example:

[0207] Referring to Table 3, when the capability of the user equipment 101 is the fourth capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of set frequency point or set carrier, the network device 102 of the first network can configure the user equipment 101 with at least one of the third MUSIM measurement interval, the first MUSIM measurement interval, the second MUSIM measurement interval, the fourth MUSIM measurement interval, and the fifth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to the set carrier or the set frequency point.

[0208] In this example, the user equipment 101 can perform measurement of the NW B based on the third MUSIM measurement interval.

[0209] Alternatively, in this example, measurement is performed according to the frequency range supported by the second network.

[0210] If the set frequency or carrier of the second network operation falls within FR1, the user equipment 101 performs measurement of the E-UTRA NW B and / or the NR FR1 SA NW B based on the first MUSIM measurement interval.

[0211] If the set frequency or carrier of the second network operation falls within FR2, the user equipment 101 performs measurement of the NR FR2 NW B based on the second MUSIM measurement interval.

[0212] If the set frequency or carrier of the second network operation falls within the set frequency range, the user equipment 101 performs measurement of the NW B of the set frequency range based on the fourth MUSIM measurement interval. Alternatively, the user equipment 101 can perform measurement of the NW B of the set frequency or carrier based on the fifth MUSIM measurement interval.

[0213] It can be understood that the capabilities such as the first capability or the second capability and the measurement intervals such as the first MUSIM measurement interval involved in the table are all defined with reference to the description of the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0214] In some embodiments, the network device 102 does not configure the user equipment 101 with both the per-UE MUSIM measurement interval and the per-FR MUSIM measurement interval simultaneously.

[0215] Table 3

[0216]

[0217] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, based on the MUSIM measurement interval configuration of smaller granularity, when the user equipment 101 performs measurement on the second network by using the MUSIM measurement interval configuration, the interruption with the first network can be reduced, for example, the communication with the first network can be maintained in some frequency ranges during the measurement, so that the measurement efficiency can be improved and the data throughput can be ensured.

[0218] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which is performed by the network device 102. Referring to Figure 7 , Figure 7 is a flowchart of a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 7 , the method comprises the following steps S701, specifically:

[0219] In step S701, the network device 102 receives the capability information sent by the user equipment 101 supporting MUSIM, and the capability information is used to indicate the capability of the user equipment 101 supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of frequency or frequency range FR.

[0220] For example, the first network is network A, and the user equipment 101 currently accesses a cell in the first network, that is, the network device 102 corresponds to the serving cell currently accessed by the user equipment 101.

[0221] In some possible embodiments, the user equipment 101 can actively report the capability information, or report the capability information according to the request or indication of the network device 102.

[0222] In some possible embodiments, the capability information comprises at least one of the following:

[0223] a capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of FR1;

[0224] a capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of FR2;

[0225] a capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of set frequency range;

[0226] a capability of supporting the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in the unit of set frequency point or set carrier.

[0227] In some possible implementation, the network device 102 learns whether the user equipment 101 supports the capability of MUSIM measurement interval configuration in frequency or frequency range FR unit according to the capability information. If yes, the network device 102 can configure the MUSIM measurement interval for the user equipment 101 in frequency or frequency range FR unit.

[0228] It is worth noting that the MUSIM measurement interval in frequency or frequency range unit has smaller configuration granularity than the MUSIM measurement interval in user equipment 101 unit. Therefore, the user equipment 101 supporting the capability can only be interrupted with the serving cell during the MGL in the applicable frequency or frequency range, so as to reduce the interruption time.

[0229] It can be understood that the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure can refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments, which is not fully described here.

[0230] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device 102 receives the capability information of the user equipment 101 to learn whether the user equipment 101 supports the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in frequency or FR unit, that is, the network device 102 can learn whether the user equipment 101 supports the MUSIM measurement interval configuration with smaller granularity compared with the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in user equipment unit. Therefore, the network device 102 can make more reasonable configuration according to the capability of the user equipment, so as to improve the measurement efficiency.

[0231] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which is performed by the network device 102. The method includes steps S701-S702, specifically:

[0232] In step S701, the network device 102 receives the capability information sent by the user equipment 101 supporting MUSIM, and the capability information is used to indicate whether the user equipment 101 supports the capability of MUSIM measurement interval configuration in frequency or frequency range FR unit.

[0233] In step S702, the network device 102 receives the indication information sent by the user equipment 101, and the indication information is used to indicate the frequency range supported by the second network.

[0234] It is only illustrative but not limited that the real-time order of steps S701 and S702, for example, step S702 can be performed first, or steps S701 and S702 can be performed synchronously, and the implementation can refer to the implementation of the foregoing steps S401 and S402.

[0235] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the user equipment 101 can report to the network device 102 the frequency or frequency range supported by the second network in addition to reporting whether the user equipment 101 supports the capability of the smaller granularity MUSIM measurement interval configuration, so that the network device 102 can perform more reasonable MUSIM measurement interval configuration according to the capability information and the indication information.

[0236] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which is performed by the network device 102. The method includes steps S701, S703 and S704, or the method includes steps S701-S704, wherein:

[0237] In step S703, the network device 102 determines the measurement configuration information according to the capability information.

[0238] In some possible implementation manners, the network device 102 can determine the measurement configuration information according to the capability information of the user equipment 101, or determine the measurement configuration information according to the capability information and the indication information.

[0239] In some possible implementation manners, the measurement configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0240] a first MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR1;

[0241] a second MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR2;

[0242] a third MUSIM measurement interval applicable to the user equipment;

[0243] a fourth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to a set frequency range;

[0244] a fifth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to a set carrier or a set frequency point.

[0245] The description of this embodiment can refer to the related description of the method performed by the user equipment 101 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0246] In some possible implementation manners, the measurement configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0247] a measurement mode identifier;

[0248] a measurement interval duration;

[0249] a measurement interval repetition period.

[0250] In step S704, the network device 102 sends the measurement configuration information to the user equipment 101, and the measurement configuration information includes the MUSIM measurement interval.

[0251] In some possible implementation, the network device 102 can send the measurement configuration information through an RRC message.

[0252] In some possible implementation, the measurement configuration information sent by the network device 102 according to the capability information of the user equipment 101 can contain one or more MUSIM measurement intervals, which can be referred to the description of the foregoing Table 3 and the corresponding embodiments of Table 3.

[0253] In some possible implementation, after the network device 102 sends the measurement configuration information, the measurement behavior of the user equipment 101 can have multiple cases, which can be referred to the description of the foregoing Table 3 and the corresponding embodiments of Table 3, and will not be described here.

[0254] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device 102 can configure a smaller granularity MUSIM measurement interval according to the capability of the user equipment 101, so that when the user equipment 101 uses such MUSIM measurement interval configuration to perform measurement on the second network, the interruption with the first network can be reduced, for example, the user equipment 101 can still communicate with the first network in some frequency ranges during the measurement process, so that the measurement efficiency can be improved and the data throughput can be ensured.

[0255] Based on the same idea as the above method embodiments, the embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication apparatus, which can have the functions of the user equipment 101 in the above method embodiments, and can be used to execute the steps performed by the user equipment 101 provided by the above method embodiments. The functions can be implemented by hardware, or by software or hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0256] In one possible implementation, the apparatus 800 as shown in Figure 8 may be used as the user equipment 101 involved in the above method embodiments, and can execute the steps performed by the user equipment 101 in the above method embodiments. As shown in Figure 8 , the apparatus 800 can include a transceiver module 801, where the transceiver module 801 can be used to support the communication apparatus to communicate.

[0257] In executing the steps performed by the user equipment 101, the transceiver module 801 is configured to send capability information to a network device of a first network, where the capability information is used to indicate whether the user equipment supports the capability of MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of frequency or frequency range FR.

[0258] When the apparatus receiving the configuration information is the user equipment 101, the structure thereof can also be as shown in Figure 9The device 900 can be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a messaging device, a game console, a tablet device, a medical device, a fitness device, a personal digital assistant, or the like.

[0259] Referring to Figure 9 The device 900 can include one or more components of the following: a processing component 902, a memory 904, a power supply component 906, a multimedia component 908, an audio component 910, an input / output (I / O) interface 912, a sensor component 914, and a communication component 916.

[0260] The processing component 902 usually controls overall operations of the device 900, such as operations associated with display, phone calls, data communications, camera operations, and recording operations. The processing component 902 can include one or more processors 920 to execute instructions to complete the steps of the above-described methods, all or part of which can be embodied in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, the processing component 902 can include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between the processing component 902 and other components. For example, the processing component 902 can include a multimedia module to facilitate the interaction between the multimedia component 908 and the processing component 902.

[0261] The memory 904 is configured to store various types of data to support operations of the device 900. Examples of these data include instructions for any application or method operating on the device 900, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, and so on. The memory 904 can be realized by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage devices or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk or optical disk.

[0262] The power supply component 906 supplies electrical power for the various components of the device 900. The power supply component 906 can include a power supply management system, one or more power sources, and other components associated with generating, managing and distributing power for the device 900.

[0263] The multimedia component 908 includes a screen providing an output interface between the device 900 and a user. In some embodiments, the screen can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen can be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from a user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touch, swiping, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensor can not only sense a boundary of a touching or swiping action, but also detect duration and pressure related to the touching or swiping action. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 908 includes a front camera and / or a rear camera. When the device 900 is in an operation mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera can receive external multimedia data. Each of the front and rear camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zooming capability.

[0264] The audio component 910 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 910 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when the device 900 is in an operation mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signals can be further stored in the memory 904 or transmitted via the communication component 916. In some embodiments, the audio component 910 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0265] The I / O interface 912 provides an interface between the processing component 902 and peripheral interface modules, which can be a keypad, a click wheel, buttons, and the like. The buttons can include, but are not limited to, a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

[0266] The sensor component 914 includes one or more sensors to provide various state assessments for the device 900. For example, the sensor component 914 can detect an open / closed state of the device 900, relative positioning of components, such as a display and a keypad of the device 900, a change in position of the device 900 or a component of the device 900, presence or absence of user contact with the device 900, a change in orientation of the device 900 or acceleration / deceleration of the device 900, and a temperature change of the device 900. The sensor component 914 can include a proximity sensor configured to detect presence of a nearby object without any physical touch. The sensor component 914 can further include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in an imaging application. In some embodiments, the sensor component 914 can further include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0267] The communication component 916 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the apparatus 900 and other devices. The apparatus 900 can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as WiFi, 2G, or 3G, or a combination thereof. In an example embodiment, the communication component 916 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an example embodiment, the communication component 916 further includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) techniques, infrared data association (IrDA) techniques, ultra-wideband (UWB) techniques, Bluetooth (BT) techniques, and other techniques.

[0268] In an example embodiment, the apparatus 900 can be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, or other electronic elements, for performing the above-described methods.

[0269] In an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as the memory 904 including instructions, is also provided. The instructions can be executed by the processor 920 of the apparatus 900 to complete the above-described methods. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, and an optical data storage device, etc.

[0270] Based on the same idea as the above method embodiments, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication apparatus, which can have the functions of the network device 102 in the above method embodiments, and can be used to execute the steps performed by the network device 102 in the above method embodiments. The functions can be implemented by hardware, or by software or hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0271] In a possible implementation, as shown in Figure 10 The apparatus 1000 can be used as the network device 102 in the above method embodiments, and execute the steps performed by the network device 102 in the above method embodiments. As shown in Figure 10 The apparatus 1000 can include a transceiver module 1001, which can be used to support the communication apparatus to communicate.

[0272] When performing the steps implemented by network device 102, transceiver module 1001 is configured to receive capability information sent by user equipment supporting MUSIM, the capability information being used to indicate whether the user equipment supports the capability of configuring MUSIM measurement intervals in units of frequency or frequency range FR.

[0273] When the communication device is a network device 102, its structure can also be as follows: Figure 11 As shown. The structure of a communication device is illustrated using a base station as an example. (As shown...) Figure 11 As shown, the device 1100 includes a memory 1101, a processor 1102, a transceiver component 1103, and a power supply component 1106. The memory 1101 is coupled to the processor 1102 and can be used to store the programs and data necessary for the communication device 1100 to implement its various functions. The processor 1102 is configured to support the communication device 1100 in performing the corresponding functions described above, which can be implemented by calling the programs stored in the memory 1101. The transceiver component 1103 can be a wireless transceiver, used to support the communication device 1100 in receiving signaling and / or data, and transmitting signaling and / or data via a wireless air interface. The transceiver component 1103 can also be referred to as a transceiver unit or communication unit. The transceiver component 1103 may include a radio frequency component 1104 and one or more antennas 1105. The radio frequency component 1104 can be a remote radio unit (RRU), specifically used for transmitting radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals to baseband signals. The one or more antennas 1105 are specifically used for radiating and receiving radio frequency signals.

[0274] When the communication device 1100 needs to send data, the processor 1102 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) unit. The RF unit then performs RF processing on the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal as electromagnetic waves through an antenna. When data is sent to the communication device 1100, the RF unit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1102. The processor 1102 converts the baseband signal back into data and processes the data.

[0275] Based on the same concept as the above method embodiments, this disclosure also provides a communication system, which includes user equipment and network equipment.

[0276] The user equipment is configured to execute the method performed by the MUSIM-enabled user equipment 101 in the above embodiments, for example, to execute the method described above. Figures 3 to 5 The method corresponding to the embodiment.

[0277] The network device is configured to perform the method executed by network device 102 in the above embodiments, for example, to perform the method described above.Figure 7 Methods of the corresponding embodiments.

[0278] It can be understood that the network device in the communication system can include an access network device, or the network device in the communication system can also be an access network device and a core network device, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0279] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the practice of the disclosed application. The present disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptive changes of the present disclosure embodiments that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or conventional technical means in the art that are not disclosed by the present disclosure. The specification and embodiments are only considered exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure embodiments are indicated by the following claims.

[0280] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the precise construction that has been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure is only limited by the appended claims.

[0281] Industrial applicability

[0282] In the method of the present disclosure, the user equipment supporting MUSIM sends capability information to the network device, and reports whether the user equipment supports MUSIM measurement interval configuration in frequency or FR unit. Therefore, compared with MUSIM measurement interval configuration in user equipment unit, the network device can know whether the user equipment supports smaller granularity MUSIM measurement interval configuration, which is conducive to the network device to adapt to the user equipment capability for more reasonable configuration to improve the measurement efficiency.

Claims

1. A communication method, performed by a user equipment (UE) supporting multiple universal subscriber identity module (MUSIM), the method comprising: sending, to a network device of a first network, capability information indicating a capability of whether the UE supports a MUSIM measurement gap configuration in a frequency or frequency range (FR) unit, the MUSIM measurement gap configuration in the frequency or FR unit having a smaller granularity than a MUSIM measurement gap configuration in a UE unit; sending, to the network device, indication information indicating a frequency or FR supported by a second network; receiving, from the network device, measurement configuration information including a MUSIM measurement gap; and performing a measurement of the second network according to the measurement configuration information and the frequency or FR supported by the second network, and only interrupting a connection with a network device of the first network operating in a same frequency as a frequency of the second network. The sending, to the network device of the first network, the capability information comprises: sending, to the network device, a first radio resource control (RRC) message indicating the capability information. The sending, to the network device, the indication information comprises: sending, to the network device, a second RRC message indicating the indication information. The capability information comprises at least one of: a capability of supporting a MUSIM measurement gap configuration in a FR1 unit; a capability of supporting a MUSIM measurement gap configuration in a FR2 unit; a capability of supporting a MUSIM measurement gap configuration in a set FR unit; or a capability of supporting a MUSIM measurement gap configuration in a set frequency or set carrier unit. The measurement configuration information comprises at least one of: a first MUSIM measurement gap applicable to a FR1; a second MUSIM measurement gap applicable to a FR2; a third MUSIM measurement gap applicable to the UE; a fourth MUSIM measurement gap applicable to a set FR; or a fifth MUSIM measurement gap applicable to a set carrier or set frequency. The performing, according to the measurement configuration information, the measurement of the second network comprises: performing, according to the measurement configuration information and the frequency or FR supported by the second network, the measurement of the second network. The measurement configuration information comprises at least one of: a measurement mode identifier; a measurement gap duration; or a measurement gap repetition period. 8.A communication method, performed by a network device of a first network, the method comprising: receiving, from a user equipment (UE) supporting multiple universal subscriber identity module (MUSIM), capability information indicating a capability of whether the UE supports a MUSIM measurement gap configuration in a frequency or frequency range (FR) unit, the MUSIM measurement gap configuration in the frequency or FR unit having a smaller granularity than a MUSIM measurement gap configuration in a UE unit; and receiving, from the UE, indication information indicating a frequency or FR supported by a second network. ​ ​ ​ ​ 2. The method of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ 3. The method of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 5. The method of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 6. The method of claim 5, wherein, ​ ​ 7. The method of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ determine measurement configuration information according to the capability information, the measurement configuration information comprising MUSIM measurement interval; send the measurement configuration information to the user equipment, the measurement configuration information being used for the user equipment to perform measurement of the second network according to the measurement configuration information and the frequency or frequency range supported by the second network, and only interrupt the connection with the network equipment of the first network which is co-frequency with the operating frequency of the second network.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, the capability information comprising at least one of: a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of FR1; a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of FR2; a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of a set frequency range; a capability of supporting MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of a set frequency point or a set carrier.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, the measurement configuration information comprising at least one of: a first MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR1; a second MUSIM measurement interval applicable to FR2; a third MUSIM measurement interval applicable to the user equipment; a fourth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to a set frequency range; a fifth MUSIM measurement interval applicable to a set carrier or a set frequency point.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein, the measurement configuration information comprising at least one of: a measurement mode identifier; a measurement interval duration; a measurement interval repetition period.

12. A communication apparatus configured to a user equipment supporting multiple universal subscriber identity module (MUSIM), the apparatus comprising: a transceiver configured to send capability information to a network equipment of a first network, the capability information being used to indicate whether the user equipment supports a capability of MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of frequency or frequency range (FR), the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of FR having a smaller granularity than MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of user equipment; the apparatus is further configured to: send indication information to the network equipment, the indication information being used to indicate a frequency or frequency range supported by a second network; receive measurement configuration information sent by the network equipment, the measurement configuration information comprising MUSIM measurement interval; perform measurement of the second network according to the measurement configuration information and the frequency or frequency range supported by the second network, and only interrupt the connection with the network equipment of the first network which is co-frequency with the operating frequency of the second network.

13. A communication apparatus configured to a network equipment of a first network, the apparatus comprising: a transceiver configured to receive capability information sent by a user equipment supporting MUSIM, the capability information being used to indicate whether the user equipment supports a capability of MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of frequency or frequency range (FR), the MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of FR having a smaller granularity than MUSIM measurement interval configuration in units of user equipment; the apparatus is further configured to: receiving indication information sent by the user equipment, the indication information being used to indicate a frequency range supported by the second network; determining measurement configuration information according to the capability information, the measurement configuration information comprising a MUSIM measurement interval; sending the measurement configuration information to the user equipment, the measurement configuration information being used for the user equipment to perform measurement of the second network according to the measurement configuration information and a frequency or frequency range supported by the second network, and only interrupting connection of network equipment of the first network which is co-frequency with a working frequency of the second network. 14.A user equipment, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein, the memory is used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-7. 15.A network equipment, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein, the memory is used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program to implement the method according to any one of claims 8-11. 16.A computer readable storage medium, having instructions stored therein, when the instructions are invoked to execute on a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-7. 17.A computer readable storage medium, having instructions stored therein, when the instructions are invoked to execute on a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 8-11.

18. A communication system comprising a user equipment and a network equipment, wherein, The user equipment is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1-7, and the network equipment is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 8-11.

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