A secondary cell group configuration method, device, chip and module equipment

Abstract

The application discloses a secondary cell group configuration method, device, chip and module equipment. The method comprises the following steps: receiving configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs sent from a network side; storing the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; in the case that a terminal device finds that the first target SCG meets an updating condition, switching connection from a source SCG to a first target SCG, the first target SCG being one of the multiple candidate SCGs; or switching connection from the source SCG to a second target SCG, the second target SCG being specified by the network side, the second target SCG being one of the multiple candidate SCGs or not being included in the multiple candidate SCGs; and after the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG or the second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs. Through the method, signaling overheads can be reduced and communication resources can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a method, apparatus, chip, and module for configuring secondary cell groups. Background Technology

[0002] Dual connectivity enables terminal devices to simultaneously utilize the resources of two base stations (i.e., a primary base station and a secondary base station) for data transmission, improving both data throughput and mobility. The primary base station is associated with a primary cell group, which includes at least one primary cell and optionally other secondary cells. The secondary base station is associated with a secondary cell group, which includes at least one primary / secondary cell (PSCell) and optionally other secondary cells. When a dual-connectivity terminal device moves, the process of switching from the source secondary base station to the target secondary base station (i.e., switching from the source primary / secondary cell group to the target primary / secondary cell group) can be simply described as follows: the terminal device obtains multiple candidate secondary cell groups from the source primary base station; the terminal device determines the target secondary cell group from these candidates and switches from the source secondary cell group to the target secondary cell group.

[0003] Typically, when the parameter configuration of multiple candidate secondary cell groups is based on incremental signaling (also known as Delta Signaling), after the terminal device switches to the target secondary cell group, the other secondary cell groups (i.e., the secondary cell groups other than the target secondary cell group among the multiple candidate secondary cell groups) will no longer be usable, and the terminal device will release the other secondary cell groups (i.e., the secondary cell groups other than the target secondary cell group among the multiple candidate secondary cell groups). When the terminal device performs the next secondary base station handover, it will reacquire multiple candidate secondary cell groups to select the target secondary cell group to complete the secondary base station handover.

[0004] However, when the terminal device performs a secondary base station handover, there may be overlapping secondary cell groups among the multiple candidate secondary cell groups. Obtaining candidate secondary cell groups in this way will result in a certain waste of communication transmission resources. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a secondary cell group configuration method, apparatus, chip, and module device. After a terminal device performing dual connections switches from a source secondary cell group (SCG) to a target SCG, the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs stored in the terminal device is not released and is used as a candidate SCG for the next SCG handover, which helps to save communication transmission resources.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a secondary cell group configuration method, the method comprising: receiving configuration information of a plurality of candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from a network side; storing the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs, each of the plurality of candidate SCGs having corresponding update conditions; when a terminal device discovers that a first target SCG meets the update conditions, switching from a source SCG to a first target SCG, the first target SCG being one of the plurality of candidate SCGs; or, switching from a source SCG to a second target SCG, the second target SCG being specified by the network side, the second target SCG being one of the plurality of candidate SCGs, or the second target SCG not being included in the plurality of candidate SCGs; wherein, after the terminal device switches from a source SCG to a first target SCG or a second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0007] Based on the secondary cell group configuration method provided in the first aspect, after the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the target SCG, the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs stored in the terminal device is not released. This allows the terminal device to directly obtain the configuration information of the candidate SCGs from the storage space during the next SCG switch, which helps to save communication transmission resources.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured using either incremental signaling configuration or full configuration.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured using an incremental signaling configuration method. The terminal device receives a first indication message sent from the network side. The first indication message is used to indicate that the configuration parameters of the source SCG at a first moment are reference configuration parameters. The first moment is the moment when the first indication message is received. Further, the terminal device associates and stores the reference configuration parameters and the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0010] In one possible implementation, when the network side determines that the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is configured as incremental signaling based on the handover request confirmation signaling from the candidate secondary base station, the terminal device receives a first indication message sent from the network side.

[0011] In one possible implementation, when the primary cell of the terminal device is switched over, the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is released.

[0012] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device performs Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction, the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is released.

[0013] In one possible implementation, a second indication message is received from the network side, which is used to indicate the release of configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among a plurality of candidate SCGs; the configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among a plurality of candidate SCGs is released.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the terminal device stores one or more reference configuration parameters in its storage space, each reference configuration parameter being associated with the configuration information of at least one candidate SCG among the plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first reference configuration parameter, which is one of the aforementioned one or more reference configuration parameters, is released when all candidate SCG configurations associated with the first reference configuration parameter in the storage space have been released.

[0016] In one possible implementation, a third indication message is received from the network side, which indicates that the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs should continue to be stored after the primary and secondary cells are updated.

[0017] Secondly, this application provides a secondary cell group configuration apparatus, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving configuration information of a plurality of candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from a network side, wherein each candidate SCG corresponds to an update condition; a storage unit for storing the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs; and a processing unit for switching from a source SCG to a first target SCG, wherein the first target SCG is one of the plurality of candidate SCGs, when a terminal device discovers that a first target SCG meets the update condition; or switching from the source SCG to a second target SCG, wherein the second target SCG is specified by the network side and is one of the plurality of candidate SCGs, or the second target SCG is not included in the plurality of candidate SCGs; wherein, after the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG or the second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured using either incremental signaling configuration or full configuration.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured using an incremental signaling configuration method. The receiving unit is further configured to receive a first indication message sent from the network side. The first indication message is used to indicate that the configuration parameters of the source SCG at a first moment are reference configuration parameters. The first moment is the moment when the first indication message is received. The storage unit is further configured to associate and store the reference configuration parameters and the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0020] In one possible implementation, when the network side determines that the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is configured as incremental signaling based on the handover request confirmation signaling from the candidate secondary base station, the receiving unit is used to receive a first indication message sent from the network side.

[0021] In one possible implementation, in the event of a handover of the primary cell of the terminal device, the storage unit is also used to release the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs.

[0022] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device performs Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction, the storage unit is also used to release the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second indication message sent from the network side, the second indication message being used to indicate the release of configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among the multiple candidate SCGs; the storage unit is further configured to release the configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the terminal device stores one or more reference configuration parameters in its storage space, each reference configuration parameter being associated with the configuration information of at least one candidate SCG among the plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0025] In one possible implementation, if all candidate SCG configurations associated with the first reference configuration parameter in the storage space have been released, the storage unit is further configured to release the first reference configuration parameter, which is one of the aforementioned one or more reference configuration parameters.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a third indication message sent from the network side, the third indication message being used to instruct that the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs continue to be stored after the primary and secondary cells are updated.

[0027] Thirdly, this application provides a chip including a processor and a communication interface. The processor is configured to perform the following operations: receiving configuration information of multiple candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from the network side, each of the multiple candidate SCGs having corresponding update conditions; storing the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; and, when a terminal device discovers that a first target SCG meets the update conditions, switching from a source SCG to a first target SCG, which is one of the multiple candidate SCGs; or, switching from a source SCG to a second target SCG, which is specified by the network side and is one of the multiple candidate SCGs, or the second target SCG is not included in the multiple candidate SCGs; wherein, after the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG or the second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0028] Fourthly, this application provides a chip including a processor and a communication interface. The processor is configured to perform the following operations: receiving configuration information of multiple candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from the network side, each of the multiple candidate SCGs having corresponding update conditions; storing the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; and, when a terminal device discovers that a first target SCG meets the update conditions, switching from a source SCG to a first target SCG, which is one of the multiple candidate SCGs; or, switching from a source SCG to a second target SCG, which is specified by the network side and is one of the multiple candidate SCGs, or the second target SCG is not included in the multiple candidate SCGs; wherein, after the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG or the second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0029] Fifthly, this application provides a module device, which includes a communication module, a power module, a storage module, and a chip, wherein: the power module provides power to the module device; the storage module stores data and instructions; the communication module performs internal communication within the module device or communication between the module device and external devices; the chip is used to: receive configuration information of multiple candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from the network side, each of the multiple candidate SCGs having corresponding update conditions; store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; and, when a terminal device discovers that a first target SCG meets the update conditions, switch from a source SCG to a first target SCG, which is one of the multiple candidate SCGs; or, switch from a source SCG to a second target SCG, which is specified by the network side and is one of the multiple candidate SCGs, or the second target SCG is not included in the multiple candidate SCGs; wherein, after the terminal device switches from a source SCG to a first target SCG or a second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0030] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present invention disclose a terminal device, the terminal device including a memory and a processor, the memory being used to store a computer program, the computer program including program instructions, and the processor being configured to invoke the program instructions to execute the methods in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0031] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0032] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program or computer program product, including code or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a condition switching process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a secondary cell group configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a secondary cell group configuration device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a module device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The specific embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0042] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0043] In this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than one" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0044] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the communication system involved in the embodiments of this application will be described below:

[0045] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) system, 5th Generation (5G) system, or New Radio (NR) and future communication systems, etc.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The solution in this application can be applied to this communication system. The communication system may include network devices and terminal devices. Figure 1Take a communication system that includes two network devices (a main base station and a secondary base station) and one terminal device as an example.

[0047] I. Terminal Equipment

[0048] Terminal devices include devices that provide voice and / or data connectivity to users. For example, a terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal can be a mobile phone, vehicle, roadside unit, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, vehicle-mounted terminal device, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, wearable terminal device, etc. The embodiments in this application do not limit the application scenarios. Terminal equipment may also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, UE terminal equipment, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, UE agent, or UE device, etc. A terminal can be fixed or mobile. In the embodiments of this application, the device used to implement the functions of the terminal equipment can be the terminal equipment itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal equipment in implementing those functions, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components capable of implementing the functions of the terminal equipment. This device can be installed in the terminal equipment.

[0049] II. Network Equipment

[0050] Network equipment refers to nodes or devices that connect terminal devices to a wireless network. The network side (i.e., network equipment) mentioned in this application includes, but is not limited to: base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, next-generation base stations in 6G mobile communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems. The base station mentioned in this application can also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station. For example, it can be a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the radio resource control protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); the DU performs the functions of the radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For detailed descriptions of the various protocol layers mentioned above, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The base station mentioned in this application can be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, or a donor node, etc.

[0051] In the embodiments of this application, the device used to implement network-side functions can be the network device itself, or a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components capable of implementing network device functions. This device can be installed in the network device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device.

[0052] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, some of the terms involved in this application will be explained below.

[0053] 1. Dual Connectivity (DC)

[0054] Dual connectivity technology can provide terminal devices with higher data transmission rates and utilize macro / micro networking to improve spectrum efficiency and load balancing. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a terminal device supporting dual connectivity can simultaneously establish communication connections with two base stations, including a master node (MN) and a secondary node (SN). In this communication system, the terminal device supporting dual connectivity is configured with at least two cell groups: a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG). The MCG refers to the cell group associated with the master base station, which includes one primary cell (PCell) and one or more optional secondary cells (SCells). The PCell in the MCG is the cell that establishes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection with the terminal device, and it is configured with physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources. The SCells in the MCG typically do not have PUCCH resources configured. The SCG refers to the cell group associated with the secondary base station, which includes one primary secondary cell (PSCell) and one or more optional SCells. PSCell in this SCG is the only serving cell in this SCG that is configured with PUCCH resources.

[0055] 2. Conditional Handover (CHO)

[0056] The CHO mechanism is a robustness enhancement mechanism for handover or auxiliary node addition, which can improve the handover success rate of terminal devices. For a detailed flowchart of the conditional handover process for terminal devices, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 As shown, it includes S201-S205. Wherein:

[0057] S201. The source base station sends a condition handover request to the candidate target base station.

[0058] S202. The candidate target base station allocates the necessary radio resources to the terminal device and then sends a condition handover request confirmation message to the source base station.

[0059] S203. The source base station sends conditional handover configuration information to the terminal device. This configuration information includes information on one or more candidate cells configured by the network device for the terminal device, as well as the handover conditions (or handover execution conditions) corresponding to each candidate cell.

[0060] S204. After receiving the configuration information for the handover condition, the terminal device evaluates whether each candidate cell meets the handover condition based on the configuration information.

[0061] S205. The terminal device selects a candidate cell that meets the handover conditions as the target cell and hands over to the target cell.

[0062] exist Figure 2 In the conditional handover process shown, the source base station can send the configuration information for the conditional handover to the terminal device when the source link quality is good, thereby ensuring the success rate of sending the configuration information. Then, the terminal device can select the target cell and perform handover according to the configuration information, which can also improve the success rate of handover.

[0063] 3. Conditional Primary / Secondary Cell Change (CPC)

[0064] The CPC mechanism can be understood as a conditional handover mechanism on the secondary base station side. In the CPC mechanism, the MN or SN sends the configuration of candidate PSCells and the handover conditions for candidate PSCells to the terminal equipment in advance. When the terminal equipment measures that a candidate PSCell meets the PSCell handover conditions, it can automatically perform a PSCell handover process. PSCell handover is often also referred to as primary / secondary cell update.

[0065] Typically, when the parameters of multiple candidate SCGs are configured using incremental signaling (also known as Delta Signaling), after the terminal device switches to the target SCG, the other SCGs (i.e., the SCGs other than the target SCG among the multiple candidate SCGs) are released. When the terminal device performs a secondary base station handover next time, it will reacquire multiple candidate SCGs to evaluate the target SCG and complete the handover. However, there may be overlap between the multiple candidate SCGs acquired by the terminal device each time a secondary base station handover occurs. Therefore, if the terminal device needs to reacquire candidate SCGs from the network side every time a secondary base station handover occurs, it will result in a waste of communication transmission resources.

[0066] To save communication transmission resources, this application provides a secondary cell group configuration method, apparatus, chip, and module device. The secondary cell group configuration method, apparatus, chip, and module device provided in the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below.

[0067] Please see Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a secondary cell group configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3As shown, the configuration method for the auxiliary cell group includes the following steps S301 to S303. Figure 3 The method shown can be executed by a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device. Figure 3 The method will be explained using a terminal device as the executing entity.

[0068] S301. The terminal device receives configuration information for multiple candidate SCGs sent from the network side, and each candidate SCG has corresponding update conditions in its configuration information.

[0069] The network side sends configuration information for multiple candidate SCGs to the terminal device. Each candidate SCG (or its configuration information) has corresponding update conditions. The update conditions for a candidate SCG are the update conditions for the PSCell within that candidate SCG. It should be noted that the update conditions for each candidate SCG can be the same or different; this application does not impose specific limitations on this. Here, the network side can be either the primary base station accessed by the terminal device or the secondary base station accessed by the terminal device; this application also does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the way the terminal device receives configuration information for multiple candidate SCGs from the primary base station can be understood as follows: the primary base station receives configuration information for multiple candidate SCGs from at least one candidate secondary base station through a transmission container (also known as a transparent container). Further, the primary base station sends the configuration information for these multiple candidate SCGs to the terminal device.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured using either incremental signaling (DeltaSignaling) or full configuration. Incremental signaling configuration can be simply understood as using the configuration parameters of the source SCG as a reference, and configuring the configuration parameters of the candidate SCGs that differ from those of the source SCG using incremental signaling.

[0072] In other words, when the configuration information of a candidate SCG corresponds to an incremental signaling configuration mode, the configuration information of the candidate SCG contains the necessary configuration parameters of the candidate SCG. In this case, all (complete) configuration parameters of the candidate SCG can only be obtained through the configuration information of the candidate SCG and the reference baseline (i.e., the configuration parameters of the source SCG). When the configuration information of a candidate SCG corresponds to a full configuration mode, the configuration information of the candidate SCG contains all the configuration parameters of the candidate SCG.

[0073] For example, the configuration parameters of the source SCG are a11, b12, c13, and d14, and the configuration parameters of the candidate SCG are a11, b12, c33, and d34. In this case, if the configuration information of the candidate SCG corresponds to the incremental signaling configuration method, then the configuration information of the candidate SCG is used to indicate that c13 in the configuration parameters of the source SCG should be replaced with c33, and d14 should be replaced with d34. That is, the configuration information of the candidate SCG only needs to indicate c33 and d34. If the configuration information of the candidate SCG corresponds to the full configuration method, then the configuration information of the candidate SCG is used to indicate that the configuration parameters of the candidate SCG are a11, b12, c33, and d34. It should be noted that the incremental signaling configuration method also follows some rules. For example, some parameters in the configuration parameters can be configured using incremental signaling, while some parameters cannot be configured using incremental signaling.

[0074] S302. The terminal device stores the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0075] After receiving the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs, the terminal device stores the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs. Based on the configuration method of the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs, the following two scenarios describe how the terminal device stores the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0076] Scenario 1: The configuration information for these multiple candidate SCGs is configured using the full configuration method.

[0077] In this scenario, since the terminal device can determine all configuration parameters of a candidate SCG based on its configuration information, it directly stores the configuration information of these multiple candidate SCGs. For example, the configuration method for each candidate SCG is full configuration. The terminal device receives the configuration information for four candidate SCGs: candidate SCG1 has configuration information a11, b12, c13, and d14; candidate SCG2 has configuration information a21, b22, c23, and d24; candidate SCG3 has configuration information a31, b32, c33, and d34; and candidate SCG4 has configuration information a41, b42, c43, and d44. The result of the terminal device storing the configuration information of the four candidate SCGs in this scenario is shown in Table 1.

[0078] Table 1

[0079] Identifier of candidate SCG Configuration information of candidate SCG Candidate SCG1 a11, b12, c13, d14 Candidate SCG2 a21, b22, c23, d24 Candidate SCG3 a31, b32, c33, d34 Candidate SCG4 a41, b42, c43, d44

[0080] Scenario 2: The configuration information of these multiple candidate SCGs is configured using incremental signaling.

[0081] In this scenario, the terminal device receives a first indication message from the network side. This first indication message indicates that the configuration parameters of the source SCG at a first moment are reference configuration parameters, where the first moment is the time the first indication message is received. Furthermore, the terminal device associates and stores the reference configuration parameters with the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0082] In other words, the first indication information can instruct the terminal device to save the current source SCG configuration parameters. Further, the terminal device saves the current source SCG configuration parameters as reference configuration parameters. It should be noted that the network side can update the source SCG configuration parameters while sending the first indication information. In other words, the network side can carry both the SCG configuration parameters (used to update the source SCG configuration parameters) and the first indication message in the same signaling message. In this case, if the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is set with the updated source SCG configuration parameters (i.e., the SCG configuration parameters in the signaling), the terminal device stores the updated source SCG configuration parameters (i.e., the SCG configuration parameters in the signaling) according to the first indication information; if the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is set with the source SCG configuration parameters before the update (i.e., the SCG configuration parameters before receiving the signaling), the terminal device stores the source SCG configuration parameters before the update according to the first indication information. In other words, as long as the network side and the terminal device use the same mechanism (such as both using the updated SCG configuration parameters as reference configuration parameters), there will be no problem of mismatched saved parameters (i.e., reference configuration parameters).

[0083] This can be understood as follows: because the configuration information of candidate SCGs is configured using incremental signaling, the terminal device cannot determine all the configuration parameters of a candidate SCG solely based on its configuration information. The terminal device needs to know the reference configuration parameters corresponding to the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs in order to determine all the configuration parameters of the candidate SCG. Therefore, when the network side sends the configuration information of at least one candidate SCG to the terminal device, it indicates to the terminal device the reference configuration parameters corresponding to the configuration information of that at least one candidate SCG (i.e., the configuration parameters of the source SCG at the first moment).

[0084] For example, the terminal device receives a first indication message and configuration messages for two candidate SCGs from the network side: the configuration information for candidate SCG5 is c53, d54; the configuration information for candidate SCG6 is a61, d64. The first indication message indicates that the configuration information for candidate SCG5 and candidate SCG6 is based on the configuration parameters of the source SCG at a first moment, which are a00, b00, c00, d00. In this case, the terminal device associates and stores the configuration parameters of the source SCG at the first moment with the configuration information of the two candidate SCGs (i.e., candidate SCG5 and candidate SCG6), and the storage result is shown in Table 2.

[0085] Table 2

[0086]

[0087] It is understandable that, based on the configuration information and reference configuration parameters of the candidate SCG, the terminal device can determine that the configuration parameters of candidate SCG5 are a00, b00, c53, d54; and the configuration parameters of candidate SCG6 are a61, b00, c00, d64.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the network side (the primary base station to which the terminal device is connected, or the secondary base station to which the terminal device is connected) receives a handover request confirmation signaling from a candidate secondary base station and determines (or understands) the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs based on the handover request confirmation signaling, specifying that the configuration method is incremental signaling configuration. In this case, the network side sends the first indication message to the terminal device. It should be noted that the handover request confirmation signaling may explicitly indicate that the candidate SCG adopts incremental signaling configuration, or indicate that the candidate adopts full configuration, or if the handover request confirmation signaling does not explicitly indicate the signaling configuration method, it defaults to incremental signaling configuration. The source network side (i.e., the primary base station to which the terminal device is connected, or the secondary base station to which the terminal device is connected) can determine whether the candidate SCG adopts incremental signaling configuration based on this.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the terminal device's storage space may store one or more reference configuration parameters, each reference configuration parameter being associated with the configuration information of at least one candidate SCG among the plurality of candidate SCGs. For example, as shown in Table 3, the terminal device's storage space stores the configuration information of 5 candidate SCGs.

[0090] Table 3

[0091]

[0092] S303, The terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG or the second target SCG.

[0093] Specifically, in one possible implementation, when the terminal device discovers that the first target SCG meets the update conditions, the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG, which is one of the multiple candidate SCGs. In other words, each of the multiple candidate SCGs corresponds to an update condition (which can be understood as the update condition of the candidate PSCells within that candidate SCG). In this implementation, the terminal device evaluates whether the candidate PSCells meet the update conditions. If the candidate PSCells corresponding to the first target SCG meet the update conditions, the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG. Furthermore, after switching from the source SCG to the first target SCG, the terminal device continues to store (or does not release) the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs stored in S302. It should be noted that after the terminal device switches to the first target SCG, such as SCG5 in Table 3, the terminal device continues to store (or understand as not releasing) the other four SCGs, namely SCG6, SCG7, SCG8 and SCG9, because the terminal device has already connected to SCG5. At this time, the terminal device will not have SCG5 as a candidate SCG configuration.

[0094] Alternatively, in another possible implementation, the terminal device switches from the source SCG to a second target SCG, which is specified by the network side. This second target SCG may be one of multiple candidate SCGs, or it may not be included among the multiple candidate SCGs. In other words, in this possible implementation, the terminal device receives an indication message from the network side, which instructs the terminal device to switch from the source SCG to a specific SCG (i.e., the second target SCG). This second target SCG may be one of the multiple candidate SCGs mentioned in S301, or it may not be included among the multiple candidate SCGs. The indication message includes the identification information and configuration information of the second target SCG. Further, the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the second target SCG.

[0095] After the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first or second target SCG, it continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs (or, in other words, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs stored by the terminal device is not released). The terminal device may continue to store the saved candidate SCG configurations by default after storing the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs, if the terminal device performs a PSCell update. In another possible implementation, the terminal device receives a third indication message from the network side, which indicates that after the primary and secondary cell update (i.e., after the terminal device stores the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs and then performs a PSCell update), the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs. In other words, in this implementation, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs it has stored according to the indication from the network side.

[0096] based on Figure 3 The provided secondary cell group configuration method does not release the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs stored in the terminal device. The terminal device can continue to evaluate the candidate SCGs and assess whether the PSCell in the candidate SCG meets the update conditions. In this way, during the next SCG handover, the terminal device can directly use the configuration information of the candidate SCGs obtained from the storage space, thereby saving the signaling overhead of network reconfiguration of candidate SCGs.

[0097] In this embodiment, step S301 involves receiving configuration information for multiple candidate SCGs sent by the network side; these multiple SCGs can be one or more. When there is only one candidate SCG configuration information, if the terminal device performs a PSCell condition update and accesses the PSCell indicated by this candidate SCG, meaning this candidate SCG is the terminal device's first target SCG, then the terminal device has no other candidate SCG configuration information besides this first target SCG, and the terminal device does not need to continue saving the candidate SCG configuration information. When there is only one candidate SCG configuration information, if the terminal device accesses the second target SCG according to the network side's instructions, and if the second target SCG is this candidate SCG, after accessing the second target SCG, the terminal device has no other candidate SCG configuration information besides this second target SCG, and the terminal device also does not need to continue saving the configuration information of other candidate SCGs.

[0098] Since terminal devices have limited storage space, in order to save storage space, terminal devices can also release the configuration information of candidate SCGs according to their own needs or instructions from the network side.

[0099] In one possible implementation, when the primary cell of the terminal device is switched over, the terminal device releases the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0100] For example, when the terminal device is in primary cell A, it receives configuration information for candidate SCGs 1 to 3. If the primary cell of the terminal device does not undergo handover, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information for candidate SCGs 1 to 3. When the terminal device hands over from primary cell A to the target primary cell B, it releases the configuration information of the candidate SCGs received in primary cell A, i.e., it releases the configuration information of candidate SCGs 1 to 3.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is released after the terminal device performs RRC reconstruction.

[0102] For example, the terminal device receives configuration information for candidate SCG1 to candidate SCG3. After the terminal device performs RRC reconstruction (or senses that it needs to perform RRC reconstruction, or is in the process of performing RRC reconstruction), the terminal device releases the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs received before the RRC reconstruction, that is, it releases the configuration information of candidate SCG1 to candidate SCG3.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the terminal device receives a second indication message from the network side, which indicates the release of configuration information of some or all of the multiple candidate SCGs; further, the terminal device releases the configuration information of some or all of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0104] In other words, the network side sends a second instruction message to the terminal device. This second instruction message includes the identification information of candidate SCGs to be released. The candidate SCGs to be released may be the configuration information of some candidate SCGs in the terminal device's storage space, or the candidate SCGs to be released may be the configuration information of all candidate SCGs in the terminal device's storage space. Further, the terminal device releases the configuration information of some candidate SCGs or all candidate SCGs according to the instruction of the second instruction message.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the first reference configuration parameter is released when all candidate SCG configurations associated with it in the storage space have been released; the first reference configuration parameter is one of one or more reference configuration parameters. In other words, there are one or more reference configuration parameters in the storage space, and each reference configuration parameter is associated with the configuration information of at least one candidate SCG. When all the configuration information of the candidate SCGs associated with a certain reference configuration parameter is released, the terminal device releases that reference configuration parameter. Similarly, if the terminal device releases the first reference configuration parameter, the terminal device needs to release the candidate SCG configurations associated with that first reference configuration parameter.

[0106] For example, the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs in the storage space is shown in Table 3. When the terminal device releases the configuration information of candidate SCG5, candidate SCG6 and candidate SCG7, the reference configuration parameters associated with the configuration information of candidate SCG5 and candidate SCG6 are released, while the reference configuration parameters associated with the configuration information of candidate SCG7 are retained.

[0107] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a secondary cell group configuration device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The secondary cell group configuration device can be a source base station or a device with source base station functionality (e.g., a chip). Specifically, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the auxiliary cell group configuration device 400 may include:

[0108] The receiving unit 401 is configured to receive configuration information of multiple candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from the network side, each of the multiple candidate SCGs having corresponding update conditions; the storage unit 402 is configured to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; the processing unit 403 is configured to, when the terminal device discovers that a first target SCG meets the update conditions, switch from the source SCG to the first target SCG, which is one of the multiple candidate SCGs; or, switch from the source SCG to the second target SCG, which is specified by the network side and is one of the multiple candidate SCGs, or the second target SCG is not included in the multiple candidate SCGs; wherein, after the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG or the second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured using either incremental signaling configuration or full configuration.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured using an incremental signaling configuration method. The receiving unit 401 is further configured to receive a first indication message sent from the network side. The first indication message is used to indicate that the configuration parameters of the source SCG at a first moment are reference configuration parameters. The first moment is the moment when the first indication message is received. The storage unit 402 is configured to store the reference configuration parameters and the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs in association.

[0111] In one possible implementation, when the network side determines that the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is configured as incremental signaling based on the handover request confirmation signaling from the candidate secondary base station, the receiving unit 401 is further configured to receive a first indication message sent from the network side.

[0112] In one possible implementation, in the event of a handover of the primary cell of the terminal device, the storage unit 402 is used to release the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs.

[0113] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device performs Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction, the storage unit 402 is also used to release the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs.

[0114] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 401 is further configured to receive a second indication message sent from the network side, the second indication message being used to indicate the release of configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among the multiple candidate SCGs; the storage unit 402 is further configured to release the configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the terminal device stores one or more reference configuration parameters in its storage space, each reference configuration parameter being associated with the configuration information of at least one candidate SCG among the plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0116] In one possible implementation, if all candidate SCG configurations associated with the first reference configuration parameter in the storage space have been released, the storage unit 402 is further configured to release the first reference configuration parameter, which is one of the aforementioned one or more reference configuration parameters.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 401 is further configured to receive a third indication message sent from the network side, the third indication message being used to instruct that the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs continue to be stored after the primary and secondary cells are updated.

[0118] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The terminal device 500 may include a memory 501 and a processor 502. Optionally, it may also include a communication interface 503. The memory 501, processor 502, and communication interface 503 are connected through one or more communication buses. The communication interface 503 is controlled by the processor 502 to send and receive information. The memory 501 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides instructions and data to the processor 502. A portion of the memory 501 may also include non-volatile random access memory. The communication interface 503 is used to receive or send data. The processor 502 may be a central processing unit (CPU), or it may 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 can be a microprocessor, optionally, or it can be any conventional processor, etc. Wherein:

[0119] Memory 501 is used to store program instructions.

[0120] Processor 502 is used to call program instructions stored in memory 501.

[0121] The processor 502 calls program instructions stored in the memory 501 to cause the terminal device 500 to perform the following operations: receive configuration information of multiple candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from the network side, each of the multiple candidate SCGs having corresponding update conditions; store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; when the terminal device discovers that a first target SCG meets the update conditions, switch from the source SCG to the first target SCG, which is one of the multiple candidate SCGs; or, switch from the source SCG to a second target SCG, which is specified by the network side and is one of the multiple candidate SCGs, or the second target SCG is not included in the multiple candidate SCGs; wherein, after the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG or the second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured using either incremental signaling configuration or full configuration.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs is configured using an incremental signaling configuration method. The processor 502 is further configured to receive a first indication message sent from the network side, the first indication message being used to indicate that the configuration parameters of the source SCG at a first moment are reference configuration parameters, the first moment being the moment when the first indication message is received; and to associate and store the reference configuration parameters and the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0124] In one possible implementation, when the network side determines that the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is configured as incremental signaling based on the handover request confirmation signaling from the candidate secondary base station, the processor 502 is also used to receive a first indication message sent from the network side.

[0125] In one possible implementation, when the primary cell of the terminal device is switched over, the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is released.

[0126] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device performs Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction, the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is released.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the processor 502 is further configured to receive a second indication message sent from the network side, the second indication message being used to indicate the release of configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among a plurality of candidate SCGs; and to release the configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among a plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0128] In one possible implementation, the terminal device stores one or more reference configuration parameters in its storage space, each reference configuration parameter being associated with the configuration information of at least one candidate SCG among the plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0129] In one possible implementation, the first reference configuration parameter, which is one of the aforementioned one or more reference configuration parameters, is released when all candidate SCG configurations associated with the first reference configuration parameter in the storage space have been released.

[0130] In one possible implementation, the processor 502 is further configured to receive a third indication message sent from the network side, the third indication message being used to instruct that the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs continue to be stored after the primary and secondary cells are updated.

[0131] It should be noted that, Figure 4 or Figure 5 For details not mentioned in the corresponding embodiments and the specific implementation methods of each step, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The embodiments shown and the foregoing content will not be repeated here.

[0132] This application embodiment also provides a chip that can execute the relevant steps of the electronic device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor is configured to invoke the communication interface to perform the following operations: receiving configuration information of multiple candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from the network side, each candidate SCG corresponding to update conditions; storing the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; and, when the terminal device discovers that a first target SCG meets the update conditions, switching from a source SCG to the first target SCG, which is one of the multiple candidate SCGs; or, switching from the source SCG to a second target SCG, which is specified by the network side and is one of the multiple candidate SCGs, or the second target SCG is not included in the multiple candidate SCGs; wherein, after the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first or second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0133] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured using either incremental signaling configuration or full configuration.

[0134] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs is configured using an incremental signaling configuration method. The processor is further configured to receive a first indication message sent from the network side, the first indication message being used to indicate that the configuration parameters of the source SCG at a first moment are reference configuration parameters, the first moment being the moment when the first indication message is received; and to associate and store the reference configuration parameters and the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0135] In one possible implementation, when the network side determines that the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is configured as incremental signaling based on the handover request confirmation signaling from the candidate secondary base station, the processor is also configured to receive a first indication message sent from the network side.

[0136] In one possible implementation, when the primary cell of the terminal device is switched over, the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is released.

[0137] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device performs Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction, the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is released.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to receive a second indication message sent from the network side, the second indication message being used to indicate the release of configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among the multiple candidate SCGs; and to release the configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0139] In one possible implementation, the terminal device stores one or more reference configuration parameters in its storage space, each reference configuration parameter being associated with the configuration information of at least one candidate SCG among the plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the first reference configuration parameter, which is one of the aforementioned one or more reference configuration parameters, is released when all candidate SCG configurations associated with the first reference configuration parameter in the storage space have been released.

[0141] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to receive a third indication message sent from the network side, the third indication message being used to instruct that the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs continue to be stored after the primary and secondary cells are updated.

[0142] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a module device provided in an embodiment of this application. The module device 600 can perform the relevant steps of the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The module device 600 includes: a communication module 601, a power module 602, a storage module 603, and a chip 604. The power supply module 602 provides power to the module device; the storage module 603 stores data and instructions; the communication module 601 performs internal communication within the module device or allows the module device to communicate with external devices; the chip 604 receives configuration information of multiple candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) from the network side, each candidate SCG having corresponding update conditions; stores the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; and, when the terminal device discovers that a first target SCG meets the update conditions, switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG, which is one of the multiple candidate SCGs; or, switches from the source SCG to a second target SCG, which is specified by the network side and is one of the multiple candidate SCGs, or the second target SCG is not included in the multiple candidate SCGs; wherein, after the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first or second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured using either incremental signaling configuration or full configuration.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs is configured in an incremental signaling configuration mode. The chip 604 is also used to receive a first indication message sent from the network side. The first indication message is used to indicate that the configuration parameters of the source SCG at a first moment are reference configuration parameters. The first moment is the moment when the first indication message is received. The reference configuration parameters and the configuration information of the plurality of candidate SCGs are associated and stored.

[0145] In one possible implementation, when the network side determines that the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is configured as incremental signaling based on the handover request confirmation signaling from the candidate secondary base station, the chip 604 is also used to receive a first indication message sent from the network side.

[0146] In one possible implementation, when the primary cell of the terminal device is switched over, the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is released.

[0147] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device performs Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction, the configuration information of multiple candidate SCGs is released.

[0148] In one possible implementation, chip 604 is further configured to receive a second indication message sent from the network side, the second indication message being configured to indicate the release of configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among a plurality of candidate SCGs; and to release the configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among a plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0149] In one possible implementation, the terminal device stores one or more reference configuration parameters in its storage space, each reference configuration parameter being associated with the configuration information of at least one candidate SCG among the plurality of candidate SCGs.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the first reference configuration parameter, which is one of the aforementioned one or more reference configuration parameters, is released when all candidate SCG configurations associated with the first reference configuration parameter in the storage space have been released.

[0151] In one possible implementation, chip 604 is also configured to receive a third indication message sent from the network side, the third indication message being used to instruct that after the primary and secondary cells are updated, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs continue to be stored.

[0152] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a processor, enable the implementation of the method flow described in the above method embodiments.

[0153] This application also provides a computer program product, which, when run on a processor, enables the implementation of the method flow described in the above method embodiments.

[0154] Regarding the modules / units included in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments, they can be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or a combination of both. For example, for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip, all of their modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on the chip's integrated processor, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip module, all of their modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same part (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some modules / units... It can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the chip module. The remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For various devices and products applied to or integrated into the terminal, the modules / units they contain can all be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components within the terminal. Alternatively, at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the terminal, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0155] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some operations can be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0156] The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this application can be referenced mutually. Each embodiment has its own emphasis, and parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. For the sake of convenience and brevity, for example, the functions and operations of the various devices and equipment provided in the embodiments of this application can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments of this application. The method embodiments and the device embodiments can also be referenced, combined or cited from each other.

[0157] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for configuring a secondary cell group, characterized in that, The method is applied in a terminal device, and the method includes: Receive configuration information of multiple candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from the network side, wherein each candidate SCG has corresponding update conditions; Store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; If the terminal device discovers that the first target SCG meets the update conditions, it switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG, where the first target SCG is one of the multiple candidate SCGs; or, it switches from the source SCG to the second target SCG, where the second target SCG is specified by the network side, and the second target SCG is one of the multiple candidate SCGs, or, the second target SCG is not included in the multiple candidate SCGs. After the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG or the second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs can be configured using either incremental signaling or full configuration.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured using incremental signaling, and the method further includes: Receive a first indication message sent from the network side, the first indication message being used to indicate that the configuration parameters of the source SCG at a first moment are reference configuration parameters, the first moment being the moment when the first indication message is received; The storage of configuration information for the multiple candidate SCGs includes: The reference configuration parameters and the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs are associated and stored.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The receipt of the first indication message sent from the network side includes: When the network side determines that the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is configured as incremental signaling based on the handover request confirmation signaling from the candidate secondary base station, it receives a first indication message sent from the network side.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the method further comprises: In the event of a handover of the primary cell of the terminal device, the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs is released.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the method further comprises: After the terminal device performs Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconstruction, it releases the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second indication message sent from the network side, the second indication message being used to indicate the release of configuration information for some or all of the multiple candidate SCGs; Release the configuration information of some or all of the candidate SCGs among the multiple candidate SCGs.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The terminal device stores one or more reference configuration parameters in its storage space, and each reference configuration parameter is associated with the configuration information of at least one candidate SCG among the plurality of candidate SCGs.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: If all candidate SCG configurations associated with the first reference configuration parameter in the storage space have been released, the first reference configuration parameter is released; the first reference configuration parameter is one of the one or more reference configuration parameters.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a third indication message sent from the network side, the third indication message being used to indicate that the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs should continue to be stored after the primary and secondary cells are updated.

11. A secondary cell group configuration device, characterized in that, The device includes: The receiving unit is used to receive configuration information of multiple candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from the network side, wherein each candidate SCG has corresponding update conditions. A storage unit is used to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; The processing unit is configured to, when the terminal device discovers that the first target SCG meets the update conditions, switch from the source SCG to the first target SCG, wherein the first target SCG is one of the plurality of candidate SCGs; or, switch from the source SCG to the second target SCG, wherein the second target SCG is specified by the network side, wherein the second target SCG is one of the plurality of candidate SCGs, or, wherein the second target SCG is not included in the plurality of candidate SCGs. After the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG or the second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

12. A chip, characterized in that, Includes a processor and a communication interface, the processor being configured to perform the following operations: Receive configuration information of multiple candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from the network side, wherein each candidate SCG has corresponding update conditions; Store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; If the terminal device discovers that the first target SCG meets the update conditions, it switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG, which is one of the multiple candidate SCGs; or, it switches from the source SCG to the second target SCG, which is specified by the network side and is one of the multiple candidate SCGs, or, the second target SCG is not included in the multiple candidate SCGs. After the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG or the second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

13. A module device, characterized in that, The module device includes a communication module, a power module, a storage module, and a chip, wherein: The power module is used to provide electrical energy to the module device; The storage module is used to store data and instructions; The communication module is used for internal communication within the module device, or for communication between the module device and external devices; The chip is used to: receive configuration information of multiple candidate secondary cell groups (SCGs) sent from the network side, each of the multiple candidate SCGs having corresponding update conditions; store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs; and, when the terminal device discovers that a first target SCG meets the update conditions, switch from the source SCG to the first target SCG, the first target SCG being one of the multiple candidate SCGs; or, switch from the source SCG to a second target SCG, the second target SCG being specified by the network side, the second target SCG being one of the multiple candidate SCGs, or the second target SCG not being included in the multiple candidate SCGs; After the terminal device switches from the source SCG to the first target SCG or the second target SCG, the terminal device continues to store the configuration information of the multiple candidate SCGs.

14. A terminal device, characterized in that, The device includes a memory and a processor, the memory being used to store a computer program, the computer program including program instructions, and the processor being configured to invoke the program instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

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