A cell switching method and apparatus, a network device, and a storage medium

Abstract

This application provides a cell handover method, apparatus, network device, and storage medium, relating to the field of communication technology. It solves the technical problem that a terminal may be unable to conduct voice calls based on the visited network, leading to voice call interruption and reducing the effectiveness of voice services. The method includes: if the network quality of a second cell meets preset conditions, determining whether the terminal has voice functionality; if the terminal has voice functionality but does not have the preset voice functionality, determining whether the network quality of a third cell meets the preset conditions, wherein the third cell is a cell in the neighboring cell set other than the second cell, and the terminal's home network includes the third cell; if the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions, handing over the terminal's serving cell to the third cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a cell handover method, apparatus, network device and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, when a terminal is located in an area where its home network is not covered, the terminal can make voice calls based on the visited network.

[0003] However, in the above method, the visited network may only support a certain type of voice service. When the terminal does not have the ability to make voice calls based on that type of voice service, the terminal may not be able to make voice calls based on the visited network, resulting in voice call interruption and reducing the effectiveness of the terminal in making voice services. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a cell handover method, apparatus, network device, and storage medium, which solves the technical problem that the terminal may be unable to make voice calls based on the visited network, resulting in voice call interruption and reducing the effectiveness of the terminal in carrying out voice services.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a cell handover method, comprising: when the network quality of a second cell meets preset conditions, determining whether a terminal has a voice function and whether the terminal has a preset voice function, wherein the second cell is a cell included in a set of neighboring cells, the set of neighboring cells includes multiple cells adjacent to a first cell, the first cell is the serving cell of the terminal, the terminal's home network includes the first cell, the terminal's visited network includes the second cell, the voice function is used to represent conducting voice services, the preset voice function is used to represent conducting voice services based on a target network standard, the network standard of the second cell is the same as the target network standard, wherein the network quality of a cell includes the signal strength and / or the load of the cell; when the terminal has a voice function and the terminal does not have the preset voice function, determining whether the network quality of a third cell meets the preset conditions, wherein the third cell is a cell in the set of neighboring cells other than the second cell, the terminal's home network includes the third cell; when the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions, handing over the terminal's serving cell to the third cell.

[0006] Optionally, the above cell handover method further includes: if the network quality of the third cell does not meet the preset condition, switching the serving cell of the terminal to the second cell.

[0007] Optionally, determining whether a terminal has voice functionality specifically includes: acquiring terminal information of the terminal, the terminal information including the terminal identifier of the terminal; determining the terminal type of the terminal based on the terminal identifier of the terminal and a preset correspondence, the preset correspondence including terminal identifiers of multiple terminals and the terminal type corresponding to the terminal identifier of each of the multiple terminals, the terminal type being used to characterize the functions possessed by the terminal; and determining that the terminal does not have voice functionality if the terminal type is not included in the preset terminal type set, the preset terminal type being a terminal type without voice functionality.

[0008] Optionally, determining whether a terminal has a preset voice function further includes: sending a capability information acquisition request to the terminal, the capability information acquisition request including the terminal's terminal identifier, the capability information acquisition request being used to request the acquisition of the terminal's capability information; receiving a capability information acquisition response sent by the terminal, the capability information acquisition response including the terminal's capability information; and, if the terminal's capability information includes a target field, determining that the terminal has the preset voice function, the target field being the field corresponding to the target network standard.

[0009] Optionally, the above cell handover method further includes: if the terminal has the preset voice function, switching the serving cell of the terminal to the second cell.

[0010] Secondly, this application provides a cell handover apparatus, comprising: a determining module and a processing module; the determining module is configured to determine whether a terminal has a voice function, and whether the terminal has a preset voice function, provided that the network quality of the second cell meets preset conditions; the second cell is a cell included in a set of neighboring cells, the set of neighboring cells includes multiple cells adjacent to a first cell, the first cell is the serving cell of the terminal, the terminal's home network includes the first cell, the terminal's visited network includes the second cell, the voice function is used to represent conducting voice services, and the preset voice function is used to represent based on the target network. The network standard for voice services is the same as that of the target network. The network quality of a cell includes the signal strength and / or load of the cell. The determining module is further configured to determine whether the network quality of a third cell meets the preset condition when the terminal has voice function but does not have the preset voice function. The third cell is a cell other than the second cell in the set of adjacent cells, and the terminal's home network includes the third cell. The processing module is configured to switch the terminal's serving cell to the third cell when the network quality of the third cell meets the preset condition.

[0011] Optionally, the above-mentioned processing module is further configured to switch the serving cell of the terminal to the second cell if the network quality of the third cell does not meet the preset condition.

[0012] Optionally, the cell handover device further includes an acquisition module, which is used to acquire terminal information of the terminal, including a terminal identifier of the terminal; the determination module is specifically used to determine the terminal type of the terminal based on the terminal identifier of the terminal and a preset correspondence, wherein the preset correspondence includes terminal identifiers of multiple terminals and the terminal type corresponding to the terminal identifier of each of the multiple terminals, and the terminal type of the terminal is used to characterize the functions possessed by the terminal; the determination module is also specifically used to determine that the terminal does not have the voice function if the terminal type of the terminal is not included in the preset terminal type set, wherein the preset terminal type is a terminal type that does not have the voice function.

[0013] Optionally, the cell handover device further includes a sending module and a receiving module; the sending module is used to send a capability information acquisition request to the terminal, the capability information acquisition request including the terminal identifier, the capability information acquisition request being used to request the acquisition of the terminal's capability information; the receiving module is used to receive a capability information acquisition response sent by the terminal, the capability information acquisition response including the terminal's capability information; the determining module is further specifically used to determine that the terminal possesses the preset voice function when the terminal's capability information includes a target field, the target field being the field corresponding to the target network standard.

[0014] Optionally, the above-mentioned processing module is further configured to switch the serving cell of the terminal to the second cell when the terminal has the preset voice function.

[0015] Thirdly, this application provides a network device, including: a processor and a memory configured to store processor-executable instructions; wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to implement any of the optional cell handover methods in the first aspect described above.

[0016] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a network device, enable the network device to perform any of the optional cell handover methods described in the first aspect.

[0017] The cell handover method, apparatus, network device, and storage medium provided in this application, when the network quality of the second cell meets preset conditions, indicate that the network quality of the second cell is superior. At this time, the network device can determine whether the terminal has voice functionality and whether it has preset voice capability (i.e., the ability to perform voice services under the network standard of the second cell). If the terminal has voice functionality but does not have preset voice capability, it indicates that the terminal cannot perform voice services based on the second cell. At this time, the network device determines the network quality of the third cell. If the network quality of the third cell meets preset conditions, it indicates that the network quality of the third cell is superior. At this time, the network device can switch the terminal's serving cell to the third cell, enabling the terminal to perform voice services based on the third cell. In this application, when the network device determines that the terminal cannot perform voice services based on the second cell, it switches the terminal's serving cell to the third cell with superior network quality, which improves the terminal's communication quality. Furthermore, since the third cell is a cell included in the home network, the terminal can perform voice services based on cells included in the home network, improving the effectiveness of voice service delivery. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the core network roaming architecture provided in this application embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of the cell handover system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 A hardware schematic diagram of a base station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a cell handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating a cell coverage scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another cell handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another cell handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 8A flowchart illustrating another cell handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating another cell handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating another cell handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating another cell handover method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cell handover device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another cell handover device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The cell handover method, apparatus, network equipment, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] The terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order of objects. For example, "first cell" and "second cell," etc., are used to distinguish different cells, rather than to describe a specific order of cells.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, used in the description of this application 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 steps or units listed, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0035] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0036] The term "and / or" as used in this application includes using either one of two methods or using both methods simultaneously.

[0037] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0038] The following explains some concepts involved in a cell handover method, apparatus, network device, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0039] The core network inter-network roaming scheme refers to a 5G network being built and operated by one operator, with users of other operators accessing the 5G network in a manner similar to "international roaming," thus achieving network sharing. Similar to international roaming, the services conducted by users in core network inter-network roaming should also be controlled and processed within the network of the original operator. This means the sharing operator needs to build some core network elements, such as user plane functions (UPF), session management functions (SMF), unified data management (UDM), policy control functions (PCF), and security edge protection proxy (SEPP), to gain complete control over policy control, billing, and proprietary services.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a core network roaming architecture. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the core network roaming architecture includes a 5G core network 101 of operator A, a 5G core network 102 of operator B, a terminal 103, and a terminal 104. Terminal 103 is the terminal corresponding to operator A, and terminal 104 is the terminal corresponding to operator B. When both terminal 103 and terminal 104 are provided by 5G core network 101, the data generated by terminal 103 is processed by 5G core network 101, and the data generated by terminal 104 is sent by 5G core network 101 to 5G core network 102 for processing.

[0041] It should be noted that the biggest difference between 5G core network inter-network roaming schemes and international roaming schemes is that, under international roaming, the roaming area has no coverage from the local network, but the 5G core network inter-network roaming area usually shares the operator's 2G / 3G / 4G local network coverage. Therefore, the interoperability issue at the shared boundary needs to be considered. To ensure the realization of core network roaming, the following principles apply:

[0042] Principle 1: Only 5G networks support core network roaming; other networks such as 4G do not support core network roaming.

[0043] Principle 2: The visited network broadcasts a new network number to each shared operator and configures it as an equivalent public land mobile network (EPLMN) with its home public land mobile network (HPLMN) for access by its roaming users.

[0044] Principle 3: When 5G users roam under a visited network, they should give priority to accessing the other party's 5G network.

[0045] Principle 4: The visited 5G network has an N14 interoperability interface with the home 5G network, but no N26 interoperability interface with the home 4G network.

[0046] Principle 5: Voice can only be carried over new radio (VoNR). From a technical perspective, although voice solutions under 5G SA networks can include both VoNR and EPS fallback, in core network roaming, if the visited party only provides 5G roaming, then considering the lack of an N26 interoperability interface between the visited 5G network and the home 4G network, EPS fallback voice cannot be implemented. Therefore, core network roaming users under the 5G visited network can only use the VoNR voice solution if they need to conduct voice services. If the terminal does not support VoNR, voice services cannot be conducted.

[0047] As described in the background art, in related technologies, terminals may be unable to conduct voice calls based on the visited network, leading to voice call interruptions and reducing the effectiveness of voice services. Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a cell handover method, apparatus, network device, and storage medium. When the network device determines that a terminal cannot conduct voice services based on a second cell, it switches the terminal's serving cell to a third cell with better network quality, thereby improving the terminal's communication quality. Furthermore, since the third cell is a cell included in the home network, the terminal can conduct voice services based on cells included in the home network, further improving the effectiveness of voice services.

[0048] The cell handover method, apparatus, network device, and storage medium provided in this application can be applied to cell handover systems, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the cell handover system includes a terminal 201 and a network device 202. Typically, in practical applications, the connection between these devices can be wireless. To easily and intuitively illustrate the connection relationships between the devices, Figure 2 Solid lines are used to represent the meaning.

[0049] Among them, network device 202 can be either a base station or a server.

[0050] For example, with Figure 2 Taking a commonly used base station as an example, the hardware structure of the network device 202 provided in this application embodiment is described. Figure 3 As shown, the base station provided in this application embodiment may include part 30 and part 31. Part 30 is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals to baseband signals; part 31 is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station. Part 30 can generally be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, etc. Part 31 is usually the control center of the base station and can generally be referred to as a processing unit.

[0051] The transceiver unit of section 30, also known as a transceiver or transceiver, includes an antenna and a radio frequency (RF) unit, or only an RF unit or a portion thereof. The RF unit is primarily used for RF processing. Optionally, the devices in section 30 that implement the receiving function can be considered as receiving units, and the devices that implement the transmitting function can be considered as transmitting units; that is, section 30 includes both receiving and transmitting units. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, receiver circuit, or receiving unit, and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0052] Part 31 may include one or more boards or chips. Each board or chip may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processors are used to read and execute programs in the memories to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple boards exist, they can be interconnected to increase processing power. As an optional implementation, multiple boards may share one or more processors, or multiple boards may share one or more memories. The memories and processors may be integrated or independently configured. In some embodiments, parts 30 and 31 may be integrated or independently configured. Furthermore, all functions in part 31 may be integrated into one chip, or some functions may be integrated into one chip while other functions may be integrated into one or more other chips. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0053] The cell handover method, apparatus, network device, and storage medium provided in this application are applied to cell handover scenarios (specifically, scenarios where the serving cell of a terminal is switched from one cell to another). Specifically, if the network quality of the second cell meets preset conditions, the network device can determine whether the terminal has voice functionality and whether it has a preset voice function. If the terminal has voice functionality but does not have the preset voice function, the network device determines whether the network quality of the third cell meets preset conditions. If the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions, the network device can switch the terminal's serving cell to the third cell.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the cell handover method provided in this application embodiment may include S101-S103.

[0055] S101. If the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions, the network device determines whether the terminal has voice function and whether the terminal has preset voice function.

[0056] The second cell is a cell included in the set of neighboring cells, which includes multiple cells adjacent to the first cell. The first cell is the serving cell of the terminal. The home network of the terminal includes the first cell, and the visited network of the terminal includes the second cell. The voice function is used to represent voice service. The preset voice function is used to represent voice service based on the target network standard. The network standard of the second cell is the same as the target network standard. The network quality of a cell includes the signal strength and / or the load of the cell.

[0057] It should be understood that when the set of neighboring cells includes a cell included in the visited network (i.e., the second cell), it means that the terminal is at the roaming boundary at this time, and the second cell can provide services to the terminal.

[0058] It is understandable that if the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions, it means that the network quality of the second cell is better, that the signal strength of the second cell is stronger or the load of the second cell is lower. In this case, the network device can choose to switch the serving cell of the terminal to the second cell so that the terminal can carry out voice services based on the second cell.

[0059] It should be understood that since the second cell is a cell included in the visited network, if the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions, it also indicates that the home network of the terminal's location may not include cells of the target network standard, or the network quality of cells of the target network standard included in the home network is poor. In this case, the network device can switch the terminal's serving cell to a cell included in the visited network, or switch the terminal's serving cell to a cell of another network standard included in the home network.

[0060] It should be noted that the voice services are different under each network standard. For example, the voice service under the 4G network standard is VoLTE, and the voice service under the 5G network standard is VoNR. The cells included in the visited network only support the voice services under the target network standard. In this case, the network device can determine whether the terminal has voice function and whether the terminal has the preset voice function based on the voice services under the target network standard.

[0061] In this embodiment of the application, the network device can determine that the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions when the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to the signal strength threshold, or when the load of the second cell is less than or equal to the load threshold.

[0062] In one implementation, the network device can determine whether the network quality of the second cell meets preset conditions based on the inter-frequency handover / redirection trigger event reported by the terminal for the second cell.

[0063] Specifically, when the network standards of the first cell and the second cell are different, the network device can determine that the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions upon receiving a B1 event or a B2 event reported by the terminal; when the network standards of the first cell and the second cell are the same, the network device can determine that the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions upon receiving an A5 event reported by the terminal.

[0064] S102. When the terminal has voice function but does not have preset voice function, the network device determines whether the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions.

[0065] The third cell is any cell in the set of adjacent cells other than the second cell mentioned above, and the terminal's home network includes the third cell.

[0066] It should be understood that if the terminal has voice functionality, it means that the terminal needs to perform voice services. If the terminal does not have preset voice functionality, it means that the terminal cannot perform voice services based on the second cell. In this case, the network device can determine whether the network quality of other cells (such as the third cell) meets the preset conditions.

[0067] In one implementation, the network device, upon receiving an A5 event, B1 event, or B2 event reported by a terminal for a third cell, determines that the network quality of the third cell meets preset conditions.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, area 301 is the coverage area of ​​the first cell, and area 302 is the coverage area of ​​the second cell and the third cell. When terminal 303 moves from area 301 to area 302, the network device can receive a handover / redirection trigger event reported by the terminal for the third cell, or a handover / redirection trigger event reported by the terminal for the second cell. The network device can choose to switch the serving cell of the terminal to the second cell or the third cell.

[0069] S103. If the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions, the network device will switch the terminal's serving cell to the third cell.

[0070] It should be understood that if the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions, it means that the network quality of the third cell is better. This may be because the signal strength of the third cell is stronger or the load of the second cell is lower. In this case, the network device can choose to switch the serving cell of the terminal to the third cell so that the terminal can carry out voice services based on the third cell.

[0071] Specifically, the network device can send a cell handover instruction to the terminal, which includes the identifier of the third cell, so that the terminal can switch its serving cell to the third cell and conduct voice services based on the third cell.

[0072] It should be noted that there are interoperability interfaces between the cells included in the home network, and the terminal can perform voice services under the network standard of each cell in the multiple cells included in the home network.

[0073] In one optional implementation, the network device can set a storage identifier for the terminal, which can be identifier 1 or identifier 2, and then determine whether to switch the terminal's serving cell to the second cell based on the storage identifier. Specifically, when the terminal's storage identifier is identifier 1, the network device can switch the terminal's serving cell to the second cell.

[0074] Optionally, when the network device determines that the terminal does not have voice functionality, the network device can adjust the terminal's storage identifier to identifier 1.

[0075] Optionally, when the network device determines that the terminal has a preset voice function, the network device may also adjust the terminal's storage identifier to identifier 1.

[0076] Optionally, identifier 1 can be 1, and identifier 2 can be 0.

[0077] The technical solution provided by the above embodiments can bring at least the following beneficial effects: As shown in S101-S103, when the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions, it indicates that the network quality of the second cell is relatively good. At this time, the network device can determine whether the terminal has voice function and whether the terminal has preset voice capability (i.e., the ability to perform voice services under the network standard of the second cell). When the terminal has voice function but does not have preset voice function, it indicates that the terminal cannot perform voice services based on the second cell. At this time, the network device determines the network quality of the third cell. When the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions, it indicates that the network quality of the third cell is relatively good. At this time, the network device can switch the terminal's serving cell to the third cell so that the terminal can perform voice services based on the third cell. In this embodiment, when the network device determines that the terminal cannot perform voice services based on the second cell, it switches the terminal's serving cell to the third cell with better network quality, which can improve the communication quality of the terminal. Since the third cell is a cell included in the home network, the terminal can perform voice services based on the cell included in the home network, thus improving the effectiveness of voice services.

[0078] Combination Figure 4 ,like Figure 6 As shown, the above cell handover method also includes S104.

[0079] S104. If the network quality of the third cell does not meet the preset conditions, the network device will switch the terminal's serving cell to the second cell.

[0080] It should be understood that if the network quality of the third cell does not meet the preset conditions, it means that the network quality of the third cell is poor. The terminal may experience lag when using voice services based on the third cell, and it will also result in a low data transmission rate for the terminal. Therefore, the network device can switch the terminal's serving cell to the second cell with better network quality.

[0081] In one alternative implementation, the network device can determine that the network quality of the third cell does not meet preset conditions if the network device does not receive A5, B1, or B2 events reported by the terminal for the third cell.

[0082] Optionally, when the network device receives an A5 event, B1 event, or B2 event reported by the terminal for the second cell, it can set a timer, and then, if no A5 event, B1 event, or B2 event reported by the terminal for the third cell is received within a preset time period, the serving cell of the terminal can be switched to the second cell.

[0083] Optionally, after the network device switches the terminal's serving cell to a cell included in the visited network (e.g., a second cell), it can delete the terminal's stored identifier.

[0084] Understandably, when the network quality of the third cell is poor, the network device can switch the terminal's serving cell to the third cell with better network quality, thereby improving the terminal's data transmission rate.

[0085] Combination Figure 4 ,like Figure 7 As shown, in one implementation of this application embodiment, the network device determines whether the terminal has voice function, which may specifically include S1011-S1013.

[0086] S1011. The network device obtains the terminal information of the terminal.

[0087] The terminal information includes the terminal identifier of the terminal.

[0088] Optionally, the terminal identifier can be the IMEI or TAC corresponding to the terminal.

[0089] S1012. The network device determines the terminal type based on the terminal identifier and the preset correspondence.

[0090] The preset correspondence includes the terminal identifiers of multiple terminals and the terminal type corresponding to the terminal identifier of each of the multiple terminals.

[0091] For example, the terminal type can be Connected Computer, Dongle, e-Book, Handheld, Mobile Phone / Feature phone, Mobile Test Platform, Modem, Module, Portable (including PDA), Smartphone, Tablet, Vehicle, Wearable, WLAN Router, or IoT Device.

[0092] In one alternative implementation, the network device can obtain the preset correspondence from the GSMA terminal library. Specifically, the network device can match the corresponding "DeviceType" field in the GSMA terminal library based on the terminal's TAC. The "Device Type" field includes the terminal type of the terminal.

[0093] S1013. If the terminal type is not included in the preset terminal type set, the network device determines that the terminal has voice function.

[0094] The preset terminal type is a terminal type that does not have voice function.

[0095] It is understandable that if the terminal type is included in the preset terminal type set, the network device can determine that the terminal does not have voice functionality.

[0096] Optionally, the preset terminal type set may include Connected Computer, Dongle, e-Book, Mobile Test Platform, Modem, Module, Portable (including PDA), Tablet, and WLAN Router.

[0097] In an alternative implementation, the network device can also determine whether the terminal has voice functionality through signaling. Specifically, the network device can determine this by checking the "UE's usage setting" bit (specifically the 3rd bit) in the "Voice domain preference and UE's usage setting" information element of the "Attach Request" message. If the 3rd bit is 1, it is considered that the terminal has no voice requirement, i.e., it does not have voice functionality.

[0098] The following is an example of a "Voice domain preference and UE's usage setting" information element.

[0099] Table 1Table 10.5.166A / 3GPP TS 24.008: Voice domain preference and UE'susage settinginformation element.

[0100]

[0101] As shown in Table 1, if the third bit is 1, the network device can determine that the terminal does not have voice functionality.

[0102] In this embodiment, the network device can obtain terminal information of the terminal. Since the terminal information includes the terminal identifier of the terminal, the network device can determine the terminal type of the terminal based on the terminal identifier and a preset correspondence. Since the terminal type is used to characterize the functions of the terminal, and the preset terminal type set is a set of terminal types that do not have voice functions, if the terminal type of the terminal is not included in the preset terminal set, the network device can determine that the terminal does not have voice functions, thereby improving the accuracy of terminal function determination and accurately determining the cell that provides services to the terminal.

[0103] Combination Figure 4 ,like Figure 8 As shown, the network device determines whether the terminal has a preset voice function, and may further include S1014-S1016.

[0104] S1014. The network device sends a capability information acquisition request to the terminal.

[0105] The capability information acquisition request includes the terminal identifier of the terminal, and the capability information acquisition request is used to request the acquisition of the capability information of the terminal.

[0106] Specifically, the network device can send a UECapabilityEnquiry message to the terminal.

[0107] It should be understood that the terminal's capability information includes its voice functions.

[0108] Optionally, the voice function of the terminal can be the VoNR capability of the terminal.

[0109] S1015, Network device receives capability information from terminal and responds.

[0110] The capability information acquisition response includes the terminal's capability information.

[0111] Specifically, the terminal can send a UECapabilityInformation message to the base station, which includes the terminal's capability information.

[0112] S1016. If the terminal's capability information includes a target field, the network device determines that the terminal has a preset voice function.

[0113] The target field is the field corresponding to the target network standard.

[0114] It should be understood that the terminal's capability information includes multiple fields, and the target field is used to characterize whether the terminal has the preset voice function.

[0115] For example, the target field could be voiceOverNR supported.

[0116] In one optional implementation, assuming the preset voice function is VoNR capability, when the network device is a 5G base station, the 5G base station can identify whether the terminal has VoNR capability based on the VoiceOverNR information element in the UE-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList message included in the UECapabilityInformation message, the UE-NR-Capability message included in the UE-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList message, the ims-Parameters message included in the UE-NR-Capability message, and the ims-ParametersFRX-Diff message included in the ims-Parameters message.

[0117] Table 2 below is an example of a UECapabilityInformation message.

[0118] Table 2 UECapabilityInformation message

[0119]

[0120]

[0121] As shown in Table 2, the “ue-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList” field is the UE-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList message included in the UECapabilityInformation message.

[0122] Table 3 below is an example of a UE-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList message.

[0123] Table 3 UE-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList information element

[0124]

[0125]

[0126] As shown in Table 3, the field “For rat-Type set to nr: the encoding of UE capabilities is defined in UE-NR-Capability” is the UE-NR-Capability message included in the aforementioned UE-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList message.

[0127] Table 4 below is an example of a UE-NR-Capability message.

[0128] Table 4UE-NR-Capability information element

[0129]

[0130]

[0131] For example, as shown in Table 4, the "ims-Parameters" field is the message that includes ims-Parameters in the UE-NR-Capability message.

[0132] Table 5 below is an example of an ims-Parameters message.

[0133] Table 5IMS-Parameters information element

[0134]

[0135]

[0136] For example, assuming the target field is voiceOverNR ENUMERATED{supported}OPTIONAL, as shown in Table 5, the ims-Parameters message includes the IMS-ParametersFRX-Diff message, and the information element included in the IMS-ParametersFRX-Diff message is voiceOverNR ENUMERATED{supported}OPTIONAL. In this case, the 5G base station can determine that the terminal has VoNR capability.

[0137] In another alternative implementation, assuming the preset voice function is VoNR capability, when the network device is a 4G base station, the 4G base station can identify the terminal's VoNR capability based on the UE-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList message included in the UECapabilityInformation message, the UE-EUTRA-Capability-v1540-IEs message included in the UE-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList message, and the ims-VoiceOverNR-FR1-r15 information element in the IRAT-ParametersNR-v1540 message included in the UE-EUTRA-Capability-v1540-IEs message.

[0138] Table 6 below shows an example of a UECapabilityInformation message received by a 4G base station.

[0139] Table 6 UECapabilityInformation message

[0140]

[0141]

[0142] As shown in Table 6, the “ue-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList” field is the UE-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList message included in the UECapabilityInformation message.

[0143] Table 7 below is an example of a UE-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList message.

[0144] Table 7 UECapabilityRAT-ContainerList field descriptions

[0145]

[0146]

[0147] As shown in Table 7, the "irat-ParametersNR-v1540 IRAT-ParametersNR-v1540OPTIONAL" field is the UE-EUTRA-Capability-v1540-IEs message included in the UE-CapabilityRAT-ContainerList message.

[0148] Table 8 below is an example of a UE-EUTRA-Capability-v1540-IEs message.

[0149] Table 8 IRAT-Parameters NR-v1540

[0150]

[0151]

[0152] For example, assuming the target field is “{supported}”, as shown in Table 8, the UE-EUTRA-Capability-v1540-IEs message includes the ims-VoiceOverNR-FR1-r15 information element, which includes the “ENUMERATED{supported}” field. In this case, the 4G base station can determine that the terminal has VoNR capability.

[0153] In this embodiment of the application, since the capability information acquisition response includes the capability information of the terminal, the network device can accurately determine whether the terminal has a preset voice function based on the capability information acquisition response sent by the terminal.

[0154] Combination Figure 4 ,like Figure 9 As shown, the cell handover method provided in this application embodiment also includes S105.

[0155] S105. If the terminal has a preset voice function, the network device will switch the terminal's serving cell to the second cell.

[0156] It should be understood that if the terminal has a preset voice function, it means that the terminal can perform voice services based on the network standard of the second cell. At this time, the network device can switch the terminal's serving cell to the second cell so that the terminal can perform the preset voice service based on the second cell.

[0157] In this embodiment, since the network quality of the second cell meets the preset condition and the terminal can perform voice services based on the network standard of the second cell, the network device can switch the terminal's serving cell to the second cell, thereby improving the terminal's call quality and the effectiveness of the terminal's voice services.

[0158] The following example illustrates the cell handover method provided in this application.

[0159] like Figure 10 As shown, assume that the network standard of the first cell is 5G and the network standard of the second cell is 4G.

[0160] S201. When the serving cell of the terminal is the first cell, the network device sets the terminal's storage identifier to 0.

[0161] S202. If the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions, the network device determines whether the terminal has VoNR capability.

[0162] Specifically, network devices determine whether a terminal has VoNR capability based on the terminal's IMEI and a preset correspondence.

[0163] If the terminal has VoNR capability, execute S203.

[0164] S203, The network device adjusts the terminal's storage identifier to 1.

[0165] If the terminal does not have VoNR capability, execute S204.

[0166] S204. The network device determines whether the terminal has voice functionality.

[0167] Specifically, network devices determine whether a terminal has voice functionality based on the terminal's IMEI and a pre-defined correspondence.

[0168] If the terminal does not have voice functionality, execute S203; if the terminal has voice functionality, execute S205.

[0169] S205. The network device determines whether the terminal's storage identifier is 1.

[0170] If the terminal's storage identifier is 1, execute S206.

[0171] S206. The network device switches the terminal's serving cell to the second cell.

[0172] Specifically, the network device triggers the terminal to switch or redirect to the second cell.

[0173] If the terminal's storage identifier is 0, execute S207.

[0174] S207. Network device starts mobility delay timer.

[0175] If the terminal's storage identifier is 0, execute S208.

[0176] S208. The network equipment determines whether the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions.

[0177] Specifically, the network device determines whether it has received a handover / redirection trigger event for the third cell reported by the terminal.

[0178] If the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions, execute S209.

[0179] S209. The network device switches the terminal's serving cell to the third cell.

[0180] S210, The network device determines whether the timer has timed out.

[0181] If the timer times out and the network quality of the third cell does not meet the preset conditions, execute the above S206.

[0182] If the timer has not expired, execute S208 as described above.

[0183] The following example illustrates the cell handover method provided in this application embodiment.

[0184] like Figure 11 As shown, it is assumed that the network standard of the first cell is 4G and the network standard of the second cell is 4G.

[0185] S301. When the serving cell of the terminal is the first cell, the network device sets the terminal's storage identifier to 0.

[0186] S302. If the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions, the network device determines whether the terminal has VoNR capability.

[0187] If the terminal has VoNR capability, execute S303.

[0188] S303, The network device adjusts the terminal's storage identifier to 1.

[0189] If the terminal does not have VoNR capability, execute S304.

[0190] S304. The network device determines whether the terminal has voice functionality.

[0191] Specifically, network devices determine whether a terminal has voice functionality based on the "Attach Request" message reported by the terminal.

[0192] If the terminal does not have voice functionality, execute S303. If the terminal has voice functionality, execute S305.

[0193] S305. The network device determines whether the terminal's storage identifier is 1.

[0194] If the terminal's storage identifier is 1, execute S306.

[0195] S306. The network device redirects the terminal's serving cell to the second cell.

[0196] Specifically, the network device triggers the terminal to redirect to the second cell.

[0197] If the terminal's storage identifier is 0, execute S307.

[0198] S307. Network devices start mobility delay timers.

[0199] If the terminal's storage identifier is 0, execute S308.

[0200] S308. The network equipment determines whether the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions.

[0201] Specifically, the network device determines whether it has received a handover / redirection trigger event for the third cell reported by the terminal.

[0202] If the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions, execute S309.

[0203] S309. The network device switches the terminal's serving cell to the third cell.

[0204] S310, the network device determines whether the timer has timed out.

[0205] If the timer times out and the network quality of the third cell does not meet the preset conditions, execute S306.

[0206] If the timer has not expired, execute S308 as described above.

[0207] This application embodiment can divide network devices and the like into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0208] When dividing each function into modules according to its corresponding function. Figure 12 A possible structural schematic diagram of the cell handover device involved in the above embodiments is shown, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the cell handover device 40 may include a determination module 401 and a processing module 402.

[0209] The determining module 401 is used to determine whether the terminal has a voice function and whether the terminal has a preset voice function when the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions. The second cell is a cell included in the set of neighboring cells, which includes multiple cells adjacent to the first cell. The first cell is the serving cell of the terminal. The home network of the terminal includes the first cell, and the visited network of the terminal includes the second cell. The voice function is used to represent the performance of voice services, and the preset voice function is used to represent the performance of voice services based on the target network standard. The network standard of the second cell is the same as the target network standard. The network quality of a cell includes the signal strength and / or the load of the cell.

[0210] The determining module 401 is further configured to determine whether the network quality of the third cell meets the preset condition when the terminal has a voice function and the terminal does not have the preset voice function. The third cell is a cell other than the second cell in the set of adjacent cells, and the home network of the terminal includes the third cell.

[0211] The processing module 402 is used to switch the serving cell of the terminal to the third cell when the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions.

[0212] Optionally, the processing module 402 is further configured to switch the serving cell of the terminal to the second cell if the network quality of the third cell does not meet the preset condition.

[0213] Optionally, the cell handover device 40 may also include an acquisition module 403.

[0214] The acquisition module 403 is used to acquire terminal information of the terminal, including the terminal identifier of the terminal.

[0215] The determining module 401 is specifically used to determine the terminal type of the terminal based on the terminal identifier of the terminal and a preset correspondence. The preset correspondence includes the terminal identifiers of multiple terminals and the terminal type corresponding to the terminal identifier of each of the multiple terminals. The terminal type is used to characterize the functions of the terminal.

[0216] The determination module 401 is also specifically used to determine that the terminal does not have the voice function when the terminal type is not included in the preset terminal type set, and the preset terminal type is a terminal type that does not have the voice function.

[0217] Optionally, the cell handover device 40 may further include a transmitting module 404 and a receiving module 405.

[0218] The sending module 404 is used to send a capability information acquisition request to the terminal. The capability information acquisition request includes the terminal identifier of the terminal and is used to request the acquisition of the capability information of the terminal.

[0219] The receiving module 405 is used to receive the capability information acquisition response sent by the terminal, which includes the capability information of the terminal.

[0220] The determining module 401 is also specifically used to determine that the terminal has the preset voice function when the terminal's capability information includes a target field, wherein the target field is the field corresponding to the target network standard.

[0221] Optionally, the processing module 402 is further configured to switch the serving cell of the terminal to the second cell when the terminal has the preset voice function.

[0222] When using integrated units, Figure 13 A possible structural schematic diagram of the cell handover device involved in the above embodiments is shown. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the cell handover device 50 may include a processing module 501 and a communication module 502. The processing module 501 can be used to control and manage the operation of the cell handover device 50. The communication module 502 can be used to support communication between the cell handover device 50 and other entities. Optionally, as shown... Figure 13 As shown, the cell handover device 50 may also include a storage module 503 for storing the program code and data of the cell handover device 50.

[0223] The processing module 501 can be a processor or a controller. The communication module 502 can be a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or communication interface, etc. The storage module 503 can be a memory.

[0224] In this configuration, when the processing module 501 is a processor, the communication module 502 is a transceiver, and the storage module 503 is a memory, the processor, transceiver, and memory can be connected via a bus. The bus can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc.

[0225] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0226] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0227] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0228] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0229] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0230] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cell handover method, characterized by, include: If the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions, it is determined whether the terminal has voice function and whether the terminal has preset voice function. The second cell is a cell included in the set of neighboring cells, which includes multiple cells adjacent to the first cell. The first cell is the serving cell of the terminal. The home network of the terminal includes the first cell, and the visited network of the terminal includes the second cell. The voice function is used to represent voice service, and the preset voice function is used to represent voice service based on the target network standard. The network standard of the second cell is the same as the target network standard. The network quality of a cell includes the signal strength and / or the load of the cell. Specifically, when the network standards of the first cell and the second cell are different, the network device determines that the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions upon receiving a B1 event or a B2 event reported by the terminal; when the network standards of the first cell and the second cell are the same, the network device determines that the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions upon receiving an A5 event reported by the terminal. If the terminal has voice function but does not have the preset voice function, determine whether the network quality of the third cell meets the preset condition. The third cell is a cell in the set of neighboring cells other than the second cell. The home network of the terminal includes the third cell. If the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions, the serving cell of the terminal is switched to the third cell, so that the terminal can perform voice services based on the third cell in the home network. If the network quality of the third cell does not meet the preset conditions, the serving cell of the terminal will be switched to the second cell.

2. The cell handover method of claim 1, wherein, Determining whether the terminal has voice functionality includes: Obtain terminal information of the terminal, the terminal information including the terminal identifier of the terminal; The terminal type of the terminal is determined based on the terminal identifier of the terminal and a preset correspondence. The preset correspondence includes the terminal identifiers of multiple terminals and the terminal type corresponding to the terminal identifier of each of the multiple terminals. The terminal type is used to characterize the functions of the terminal. If the terminal type is not included in the preset terminal type set, it is determined that the terminal does not have the voice function, and the preset terminal type is a terminal type that does not have the voice function.

3. The cell handover method of claim 1, wherein, Determining whether the terminal has a preset voice function includes: Send a capability information acquisition request to the terminal, the capability information acquisition request including the terminal identifier of the terminal, the capability information acquisition request being used to request the acquisition of the capability information of the terminal; Receive capability information acquisition response sent by the terminal, wherein the capability information acquisition response includes the capability information of the terminal; If the terminal's capability information includes a target field, it is determined that the terminal possesses the preset voice function, and the target field is the field corresponding to the target network standard.

4. The cell handover method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the terminal has the preset voice function, the serving cell of the terminal will be switched to the second cell.

5. A cell handover device, characterized in that, Includes a determination module and a processing module: The determining module is used to determine whether the terminal has voice function and whether the terminal has preset voice function when the network quality of the second cell meets preset conditions. The second cell is a cell included in the set of neighboring cells, which includes multiple cells adjacent to the first cell. The first cell is the serving cell of the terminal. The home network of the terminal includes the first cell, and the visited network of the terminal includes the second cell. The voice function is used to represent voice service, and the preset voice function is used to represent voice service based on the target network standard. The network standard of the second cell is the same as the target network standard. The network quality of a cell includes the signal strength and / or the load of the cell. The determining module is further configured to, when the network standards of the first cell and the second cell are different, determine that the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions upon receiving a B1 event or a B2 event reported by the terminal; and when the network standards of the first cell and the second cell are the same, determine that the network quality of the second cell meets the preset conditions upon receiving an A5 event reported by the terminal. The determining module is further configured to determine whether the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions when the terminal has voice function and the terminal does not have the preset voice function, wherein the third cell is a cell other than the second cell in the set of adjacent cells and the home network of the terminal includes the third cell. The processing module is configured to switch the serving cell of the terminal to the third cell when the network quality of the third cell meets the preset conditions, so that the terminal can perform voice services based on the third cell in the home network. The processing module is further configured to switch the serving cell of the terminal to the second cell when the network quality of the third cell does not meet the preset conditions.

6. The cell handover device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an acquisition module; The acquisition module is used to acquire terminal information of the terminal, the terminal information including the terminal identifier of the terminal; The determining module is specifically used to determine the terminal type of the terminal based on the terminal identifier of the terminal and a preset correspondence. The preset correspondence includes the terminal identifiers of multiple terminals and the terminal type corresponding to the terminal identifier of each of the multiple terminals. The terminal type of the terminal is used to characterize the functions of the terminal. The determining module is further specifically used to determine that the terminal does not have the voice function when the terminal type is not included in the preset terminal type set, wherein the preset terminal type is a terminal type that does not have the voice function.

7. A network device, characterized in that, The network device includes: processor; A memory configured to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute the instructions to implement the cell handover method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

8. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon, characterized in that, When the instructions in the computer-readable storage medium are executed by the network device, the network device is able to perform the cell handover method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

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