Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and communication device for cell search and camping in hybrid networking, and relates to the field of communication, which comprises: performing cell search on a current frequency to obtain a first cell, the first cell being a cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid networking; judging whether the first cell is a target cell; when the first cell is not the target cell, continuing to perform cell search on the current frequency to obtain a second cell, the second cell being a cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid networking except the first cell; judging whether the second cell is the target cell; and camping in the second cell when the second cell is the target cell. The scheme can effectively solve the problems of camping failure, too long camping time and the like caused by the energy of the target cell being lower than that of the non-target cell.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more particularly, to a communication method and communication apparatus for cell search and camping in a hybrid network. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the current communication protocol, for each frequency (i.e. frequency point), only the terminal is required to attempt to camp on the cell with the strongest signal at the frequency. That is, the existing search network method is that the terminal performs a cell search process on the current frequency, discovers all cell signals at the frequency, attempts to acquire the information of master information block (MIB) and system information block (SIB) of the strongest cell signal, and after successfully acquiring the MIB / SIB information, performs camping judgment according to camping criteria. If the acquisition of MIB / SIB information fails or the MIB / SIB information of the strongest cell does not meet the camping condition, the terminal gives up the strongest cell and the frequency at which the cell is located, and directly attempts to camp on the next frequency in the search frequency band. However, in a hybrid network scenario, the cell with the strongest signal in the target network may not be the cell with the strongest signal at a certain frequency. Therefore, according to the implementation of the prior art, the terminal cannot quickly camp on the cell of the target network in the cell camping process, which results in a slow camping speed and even a missed target network cell signal, leading to camping failure. If there is no target network cell in the subsequent frequency, the terminal cannot camp on the target network, and even if the terminal camps on the target network cell, the terminal misses the first cell that can be camped on, resulting in a slow camping speed.

[0003] That is, the current cell search technical solution has the problems of cell search and camping failure and slow search speed in a hybrid network scenario. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and communication apparatus for cell search and camping in a hybrid network, which can improve the success rate of cell search and camping and improve the search and camping speed in a hybrid network scenario.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which includes: performing cell search on a current frequency to obtain a first cell, the first cell being a cell with the strongest signal in a hybrid network; determining whether the first cell is a target cell, when the first cell is not the target cell, continuing to perform cell search on the current frequency to obtain a second cell, the second cell being a cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid network except the first cell; determining whether the second cell is the target cell, and camping on the second cell when the second cell is the target cell.

[0006] In the technical solution of the present application, whether the first cell is the target cell is determined, so that when the first cell is not the target cell, invalid camping attempts are avoided, and failure and long time are avoided, that is, camping failure and long camping time caused by the energy of the target cell being lower than the energy of the non-target cell are effectively solved.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, when the second cell is not the target cell, cell search can be performed on the next frequency. In this way, the time length of the terminal device attempting to access the network can be further avoided.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, when the second cell is not the target cell, cell search can be continued to be performed on the current frequency to obtain a third cell, the third cell being a cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid networking except the first cell and the second cell; and whether the third cell is the target cell is determined, and when the third cell is the target cell, camping is performed on the third cell.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, when whether the first cell is the target cell in the hybrid networking is determined, the following operation can be performed: SIB1 (Synchronization Signal System Information Block) information of the first cell is obtained; whether the first cell belongs to a target network is determined according to the SIB1 information of the first cell, when the first cell belongs to the target network, the first cell is the target cell, and when the first cell does not belong to the target network, the first cell is not the target cell.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, when whether the second cell is the target cell is determined, the following operation can be performed: SIB1 information of the second cell is obtained; whether the second cell belongs to a target network is determined according to the SIB1 information of the second cell, when the second cell belongs to the target network, the second cell is the target cell, and when the second cell does not belong to the target network, the second cell is not the target cell.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, when whether the third cell is the target cell is determined, the following operation can be performed: SIB1 information of the third cell is obtained; whether the third cell belongs to a target network is determined according to the SIB1 information of the third cell, when the third cell belongs to the target network, the third cell is the target cell, and when the third cell does not belong to the target network, the third cell is not the target cell.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the hybrid networking can be any one of the following hybrid manners: hybrid of a public land mobile network and a non-public network, hybrid of independent networking and non-independent networking, or hybrid of multiple operator networks.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication apparatus, which has the function of implementing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner thereof. Specifically, the communication apparatus comprises units for implementing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner thereof.

[0014] In a third aspect, a computer readable medium is provided, which stores program codes for execution by an apparatus, and the program codes comprise codes for executing the method in any implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method in any implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, a chip is provided, which comprises a processor and a data interface, and the processor reads instructions stored on a memory through the data interface and executes the method in any implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0017] Optionally, as an implementation manner, the chip can further comprise a memory, and the memory stores instructions, and the processor is configured to execute the instructions stored on the memory, and when the instructions are executed, the processor is configured to execute the method in any implementation manner of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of one example of the communication method shown in Figure 2

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of another example of the communication method shown in Figure 2

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of yet another example of the communication method shown in Figure 2

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0024] Figure 7 ​​​FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a hardware structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0026] The technical solutions provided by the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, a 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, and the like. The technical solutions provided by the present application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as a 6th generation mobile communication system. The technical solutions provided by the present application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and an internet of things (IoT) communication system or other communication systems.

[0027] The communication system of the present application can comply with a wireless communication standard of the third generation partnership project (3GPP), or can comply with other wireless communication standards, for example, a wireless communication standard of the 802 series (such as 802.11, 802.15, or 802.20) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

[0028] In the embodiments of the present application, the mainstream cell in the mixed networking scenario is mainly addressed. The mixed networking can be understood as a mixture of multiple different types of networks, for example, a mixture of a public land mobile network (PLMN) and a non-public network (NPN), a mixture of a standalone (SA) network and a non-standalone (NSA) network, a mixture of a subscribed operator network and a non-subscribed operator network, and a mixture of any multiple networks, i.e., a mixture of at least two networks in the above networks. The operator network can include the networks of mobile, telecommunication, and Unicom operators.

[0029] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device mainly accesses the network and obtains services through a wireless air interface, for example, the terminal device accesses the wireless network by connecting a network device. The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as a user equipment (UE), a user, an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user apparatus. The user equipment can be a cellular phone, a smart watch, a wireless data card, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a wireless modem, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a computer with wireless transceiver function, an internet of things terminal, a virtual reality terminal device, an augmented reality terminal device, a wearable device, a vehicle, a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication, a terminal in vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, a terminal in machine type communication (MTC), a terminal in internet of things (IOT), a terminal in smart office, a terminal in industrial control, a terminal in unmanned driving, a terminal in remote surgery, a terminal in smart power grid, a terminal in transportation safety, a terminal in smart city, a terminal in smart home, a terminal in satellite communication (for example, a satellite phone or a satellite terminal). The user equipment can also be a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a telephone, a router, a network switch, a residential gateway (RG), a set-top box, a fixed mobile convergence product, a home network adapter, and an internet access gateway.

[0030] Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly defined, wearable smart devices include those with comprehensive functions, large sizes, and the ability to perform complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses. They also include devices focused on a specific application function that require the use of other devices, such as smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring. Furthermore, terminal devices can also be terminal devices in Internet of Things (IoT) systems. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, its main technical characteristic being the connection of objects to networks through communication technology, thereby achieving intelligent networks for human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection. This application does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal devices.

[0031] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device can be any device with wireless transceiving function. The network device includes but is not limited to: a macro base station, a micro base station (also referred to as a small station), a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (for example, a home evolved NodeB or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an AP in a WiFi system, a base station (BS) in WiMAX, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission and reception point (TRP), and the like, and can also be a next generation base station node (gNB) or a transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G (for example, NR) system, one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a distributed unit (DU), or a base station in a next generation communication 6G system, and the like. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network device.

[0032] The network device provides services for a cell, and a terminal device communicates with the cell through transmission resources (for example, frequency domain resources or spectrum resources) allocated by the network device. The cell can belong to a macro base station (for example, a macro eNB or a macro gNB, etc.), or a base station corresponding to a small cell. The small cell here can include: a metro cell, a micro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, etc. These small cells have the characteristics of small coverage and low transmission power, and are suitable for providing high-speed data transmission services.

[0033] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, first, the communication system suitable for the embodiments of the present application will be described in combination with Figure 1 The communication system suitable for the embodiments of the present application will be described in combination with Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of the communication system suitable for the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 1 indicated, the communication system 100 can include at least one network device, for example Figure 1The network device 110 shown; the communication system 100 can also include at least one terminal device, for example Figure 1 The terminal device 120 shown. The network device 110 and the terminal device 120 can communicate through a wireless link.

[0034] It should be understood that the network device 110 in the wireless communication system can be any of the above-mentioned devices with wireless transceiver functions. For example, it can be a base station. The terminal device 120 can also be any of the above-mentioned terminal devices.

[0035] As Figure 1 In the wireless communication system, the network device 110 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area through an integrated or externally connected antenna device. One or more terminal devices 120 located within the communication coverage of the network device 110 can access the network device 110. One network device 110 can manage one or more cells. Each cell has an identification (ID), which is also called a cell identity (cell ID). From the perspective of wireless resources, a cell is a combination of downlink wireless resources and paired uplink wireless resources (not necessarily required).

[0036] The terminal device 120 and the network device 110 should be aware of the pre-defined configuration of the wireless communication system, including the radio access technology (RAT) supported by the system and the wireless resource configuration specified by the system, such as the basic configuration of the radio frequency band and the carrier. A carrier is a frequency range that meets the system specification. This frequency range can be determined by the center frequency (denoted as the carrier frequency) and the bandwidth of the carrier. These system pre-defined configurations can be part of the standard protocol of the wireless communication system, or determined through interaction between the terminal device 120 and the network device 110. The content of the relevant standard protocol can be pre-stored in the memory of the terminal device 120 and the network device 110, or embodied as hardware circuitry or software code of the terminal device 120 and the network device 110.

[0037] In the wireless communication system, the terminal device 120 and the network device 110 support one or more same RATs, such as 5G NR, 4G LTE, or the RAT of a future evolved system. Specifically, the terminal device 120 and the network device 110 use the same air interface parameters, coding schemes, and modulation schemes, and communicate with each other based on the system-specified wireless resources.

[0038] In order to facilitate the understanding of the scheme of the embodiments of the present application, the following will be combined with Figure 1The illustrated scenario is exemplified. It is assumed that the current hybrid networking includes cell A and cell B, wherein cell A and cell B are different networks, for example, cell A is a PLMN network and cell B is an NPN network, and cell B is the target network that the terminal device 120 hopes to access. The terminal device 120 searches for cell A and cell B through network search, and the signal of cell A is the strongest and the signal of cell B is the second strongest (i.e., the strongest cell except cell A). According to the prior art, the terminal device 120 will attempt to camp on cell A, and since cell A is not the target network that the terminal device 120 hopes to access, the camping condition of cell A is not met, and the camping fails.

[0039] To solve the above problem, in the embodiment of the present application, after the terminal device 120 searches for cell A and cell B, it is determined whether cell A is the target cell. If yes, it directly camps; if not, it searches for the cell signal again. When searching again, the terminal device will attempt to camp on cell B, at this time the terminal device 120 meets the camping condition of cell B, so that it can camp successfully.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. The following describes each step of Figure 2 .

[0041] 201. The terminal device performs cell search on the current frequency to obtain a first cell.

[0042] It should be noted that the "current frequency" can be understood as the frequency point / frequency / frequency at which the terminal device starts to search for the cell signal, which can also be referred to as "current frequency". Correspondingly, the "next frequency" can be understood as a frequency point / frequency / frequency after the "current frequency".

[0043] The above-mentioned first cell is the cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid networking. That is, the first cell is the cell with the strongest signal (the strongest energy) among all the searched cells.

[0044] Optionally, the hybrid networking can be any one of the following hybrid modes: hybrid of public land mobile network and non-public network, hybrid of independent networking and non-independent networking, or hybrid of multiple operator networks. The operator network may, for example, include the following common operators: mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom, etc.

[0045] 202. The terminal device determines whether the first cell is the target cell in the hybrid networking.

[0046] In some implementations, when the first cell is not the target cell, the first cell can be added to the forbidden cell list; then the first cell can be filtered out when performing cell search again. It should be noted that when the first cell is the target cell, the terminal device can directly camp on the first cell.

[0047] The target cell is used to represent a cell of a target network, i.e., a cell in a network that the terminal device expects to access. For example, assuming that the subscription operator network of the terminal device is a telecom network, the target cell can be a cell in the telecom network that the terminal device expects to access, or can be understood as a cell covered by the telecom network, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0048] In the embodiments of the present application, it is determined whether the first cell with the strongest signal is the target cell, and if not, cell search is performed. In the prior art, it is not determined whether the first cell is the target cell, and cell search is not performed again, because the prior art directly selects the cell with the strongest signal for camping.

[0049] Optionally, when determining whether the first cell is the target cell in the hybrid networking, the following operations can be performed: obtaining SIB1 information of the first cell; and determining, according to the SIB1 information of the first cell, whether the first cell belongs to the target network, when the first cell belongs to the target network, the first cell is the target cell, and when the first cell does not belong to the target network, the first cell is not the target cell.

[0050] 203、When the first cell is not the target cell, the terminal device continues to perform cell search on the current frequency, and obtains a second cell.

[0051] The second cell is a cell with the second strongest signal (second strongest energy) in the hybrid networking except the first cell. That is, the second cell is a cell with the second strongest signal (second strongest energy) in all the searched cells.

[0052] Optionally, it can be further determined whether the second cell is the target cell, and when the second cell is the target cell, camping on the second cell.

[0053] As described above, in some implementations, when it is found that the first cell is not the target cell, the first cell can be shielded, and then the first cell can be excluded (filtered out) when performing step 203, i.e., searching for a cell signal again.

[0054] In the searched cells again, the cell to be camped on can be determined from the cells other than the first cell. In this way, the failure and long time caused by the terminal device attempting to camp on the first cell when the first cell is not the target cell can be effectively avoided.

[0055] Optionally, when searching for a cell signal again at the current frequency, the cells in the forbidden cell list are filtered out.

[0056] 204. The terminal device determines whether the second cell is the target cell, and camps on the second cell when the second cell is the target cell.

[0057] The second cell is the cell with the strongest signal among all the cells except the first cell, which can also be understood as the second cell is the cell with the second strongest signal, or the second cell is the cell with the second strong signal.

[0058] Optionally, when determining whether the second cell is the target cell in the hybrid networking, the following operations can be performed: obtaining SIB1 information of the second cell; and determining whether the second cell belongs to the target network according to the SIB1 information of the second cell, the second cell being the target cell when the second cell belongs to the target network, and the second cell not being the target cell when the second cell does not belong to the target network.

[0059] In step 204, when the second cell is the target cell, the terminal device camps on the second cell. When the second cell is not the target cell, the following two implementation manners can be performed.

[0060] In the first implementation manner, when the second cell is not the target cell, cell search can be performed at the next frequency. In this way, the time length that the terminal device attempts to access the network can be avoided. That is, when the cell with the strongest signal (the first cell) and the cell with the second strong signal (the second cell) are not the target cell, cell search is performed again at the next frequency.

[0061] In the second implementation manner, when the second cell is not the target cell, cell search can be continued at the current frequency to obtain a third cell, the third cell being the cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid networking except the first cell and the second cell; and determining whether the third cell is the target cell, and camping on the third cell when the third cell is the target cell. That is, the third cell is the cell with the third strongest signal (the third strongest energy) among all the searched cells. In this implementation manner, three times of cell search are performed at the same frequency, and camping is performed on the third cell when the cell with the strongest signal (the first cell) and the cell with the second strong signal (the second cell) are not the target cell and the cell with the second second strong signal (the third cell) is the target cell.

[0062] In the third implementation, when the second cell is not the target cell, the operation is the same as in the second implementation: continue cell search on the current frequency to obtain the third cell, and determine whether the third cell is the target cell. Unlike the second implementation, in the third implementation, the third cell is not the target cell. When the third cell is not the target cell, similar to the first and second cells mentioned above, there are two possible operations: operation one is to continue cell search on the current frequency and determine whether the searched cell is the target cell; operation two is to perform cell search again on the next frequency.

[0063] In summary, in the first implementation, the terminal device performs only two cell searches and target cell determinations at the same frequency, effectively avoiding excessive time spent on cell searches and camping at the same frequency. In the second implementation, the terminal device performs three cell searches and target cell determinations at the same frequency. In the third implementation, the terminal device performs at least three cell searches and target cell determinations at the same frequency. Specifically, when performing operation one, four or more cell searches and target cell determinations are performed; when performing operation two, three cell searches and target cell determinations are performed. This embodiment does not limit the specific number of operations. However, it should be understood that performing too many cell searches and target cell determinations will, to some extent, prolong the time spent on cell searches and camping at the same frequency.

[0064] Optionally, when determining whether a third cell is a target cell in a hybrid network, the following operations can be performed: obtain the SIB1 information of the third cell; and determine whether the third cell belongs to the target network based on the SIB1 information of the third cell. If the third cell belongs to the target network, the third cell is the target cell; if the third cell does not belong to the target network, the third cell is not the target cell.

[0065] exist Figure 2 The method shown mainly adds a judgment on whether the first cell is the target cell, thereby avoiding failures and excessive time caused by invalid dwell attempts when the first cell is not the target cell.

[0066] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an example of a communication method. It should be understood that... Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A specific example of the method shown, Figure 3 This primarily targets scenarios involving hybrid networks composed of PLMN and NPN networks. Furthermore, in... Figure 3 The example shown uses a cell in an NPN network as the target cell for illustration.

[0067] 301、The terminal device scans the cell signals of the network device on frequency 1, and obtains cell A and cell B, and the signal of cell A is the strongest.

[0068] Cell A can be regarded as an example of the first cell, and cell B can be regarded as an example of the second cell.

[0069] 302、The terminal device reads the SIB1 information of cell A.

[0070] Steps 301 and 302 are an example of step 201.

[0071] 303、The terminal device determines whether cell A is a cell of an NPN network, and when the determination result is no, step 304 is performed.

[0072] Step 303 can be regarded as an example of step 202.

[0073] In some implementations, step 310 can also be included, and when the determination result is yes, the terminal device camps on cell A is performed.

[0074] 304、The terminal device adds cell A to the forbidden cell list.

[0075] 305、The terminal device scans the cell signals of the network device on frequency 1 again, and obtains cell A and cell B, and the signal of cell A is the strongest.

[0076] 306、The terminal device filters out cell A according to the forbidden cell list.

[0077] Steps 304-306 can be regarded as an example of step 203.

[0078] 307、The terminal device reads the SIB1 information of cell B.

[0079] 308、The terminal device determines whether cell B is a cell of an NPN network, and when the determination result is yes, step 309 is performed; and when the determination result is no, step 311 is performed.

[0080] 309、The terminal device camps on cell B.

[0081] 311、The terminal device performs cell search on frequency 2.

[0082] Frequency 2 can be the next frequency of frequency 1.

[0083] Steps 307-309, 311 can be regarded as an example of step 204.

[0084] It should be understood Figure 4Just an example, in actual application, there are other implementation manners, for example, step 311 can also be performing cell search again on frequency 1 to obtain cell C. But for simplicity, here is not listed one by one.

[0085] Figure 2 is Figure 4 the schematic flow chart of another example of the communication method shown in FIG. 11. It should be understood Figure 2 is Figure 4 one specific example of the method shown in FIG. 11, Figure 4 mainly for the scenario of hybrid networking composed of NSA network and SA network. And in Figure 4 the example shown in FIG. 11, the cell in the SA network is taken as the target cell for introduction.

[0086] 401, the terminal device scans the cell signals of the network device on frequency 1 to obtain cell A and cell B, and the signal of cell A is the strongest.

[0087] Cell A can be regarded as an example of the first cell, and cell B can be regarded as an example of the second cell.

[0088] 402, the terminal device reads the SIB1 information of cell A.

[0089] Steps 401 and 402 are an example of step 201.

[0090] 403, the terminal device judges whether cell A is a cell of the SA network, and when the judgment result is no, step 404 is executed.

[0091] Step 403 can be regarded as an example of step 202.

[0092] In some implementation manners, step 410 can also be included, that is, when the judgment result is yes, the terminal device camps on cell A.

[0093] In Figure 5 the method shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that cell A is an NSA network, and the terminal device can first attempt to camp on cell A (a cell in the NSA network), and when the camping fails, attempt to camp on cell B (a cell in the SA network).

[0094] 404, the terminal device adds cell A to the forbidden cell list.

[0095] 405, the terminal device searches the cell signal again on frequency 1 to obtain cell A and cell B, and the signal of cell A is the strongest.

[0096] 406, the terminal device filters out cell A according to the forbidden cell list.

[0097] Steps 404-406 can be seen as an example of step 203.

[0098] 407. The terminal device reads the SIB1 information of cell B.

[0099] 408. The terminal device determines whether cell B is a cell in the SA network. If the determination result is yes, proceed to step 409; if the determination result is no, proceed to step 411.

[0100] 409. The terminal device is stationed in community B.

[0101] 411. Perform cell search on frequency 2 on the terminal device.

[0102] Frequency 2 can be the next frequency after frequency 1.

[0103] Steps 407-409 and 411 can be seen as an example of step 204.

[0104] Figure 2 yes Figure 5 A schematic flowchart illustrating yet another example of the communication method shown. It should be understood that... Figure 2 yes Figure 5 A specific example of the method shown, Figure 5 This primarily targets hybrid networking scenarios consisting of contracted and uncontracted operator networks. Figures 2 to 5 The example shown uses a cell within a contracted operator's network as the target cell.

[0105] 501. The terminal device scans the cell signals of network devices on frequency 1 to obtain cell A and cell B, and cell A has the strongest signal.

[0106] Community A can be seen as an example of the first community, and community B can be seen as an example of the second community.

[0107] 502. The terminal device reads the SIB1 information of cell A.

[0108] Steps 501 and 502 are an example of step 201.

[0109] 503. The terminal device determines whether cell A is a cell of the contracted operator's network. If the determination result is no, proceed to step 504.

[0110] Step 503 can be seen as an example of step 202.

[0111] In some implementations, step 510 may also be included: when the judgment result is yes, execute "terminal device camps on cell A".

[0112] 504. The terminal device adds cell A to the list of prohibited cells.

[0113] 505. The terminal device searches for cell signals again on frequency 1 and obtains cell A and cell B, with cell A having the strongest signal.

[0114] 506. The terminal device filters out cell A based on the list of prohibited cells.

[0115] Steps 504-506 can be seen as an example of step 203.

[0116] 507. The terminal device reads the SIB1 information of cell B.

[0117] 508. The terminal device determines whether cell B is a cell of the contracted operator's network. If the determination result is yes, proceed to step 509; if the determination result is no, proceed to step 511.

[0118] 509. The terminal device is stationed in community B.

[0119] 511. Perform cell search on frequency 2 on the terminal device.

[0120] Frequency 2 can be the next frequency after frequency 1.

[0121] Steps 507-509 and 511 can be seen as an example of step 204.

[0122] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, the main purpose is to address the issue that in a hybrid network, when the cell with the strongest signal is not the target cell for which the terminal device is expected to camp, the terminal device will perform a cell search again and attempt to camp on the second strongest cell at the same frequency. This can effectively solve the problems of camping failure and excessively long camping time caused by the energy of the target cell being lower than that of the non-target cell in the prior art.

[0123] The above text combined Figures 6 to 7 The method provided in this application is described in detail below, and will be combined with... Figure 6 The present application describes the device embodiments in detail. It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions described in the above embodiments, Figure 7 or Figure 6 The apparatus includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform various functions. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0124] Figure 7 and Figure 6A possible apparatus structure diagram is provided for the embodiments of the present application. The apparatus can be used to implement the functions in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects possessed by the above method embodiments.

[0125] As shown in Figure 7 , the apparatus 2000 includes a receiving unit 2001 and a processing unit 2002.

[0126] The apparatus 2000 can be used to implement the functions of the above method embodiments. For example, the receiving unit 2001 can be used to perform steps 201, 203, and the processing unit 2002 can be used to perform step 202. Alternatively, the processing unit 2002 can also be used to perform step 204. For another example, the receiving unit 2001 can be used to perform steps 301, 302, 305, 307, 311, and the processing unit 2002 can be used to perform steps 303, 304, 306, 308, 309, 310. For another example, the receiving unit 2001 can be used to perform steps 401, 402, 405, 407, 411, and the processing unit 2002 can be used to perform steps 403, 404, 406, 408, 409, 410. For another example, the receiving unit 2001 can be used to perform steps 501, 502, 505, 507, 511, and the processing unit 2002 can be used to perform steps 503, 504, 506, 508, 509, 510.

[0127] For more details about the above receiving unit 2001 and processing unit 2002, refer to the related description in the above method embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0128] As shown in ​ , the apparatus 3000 includes a processor 3001 and an interface circuit 3002. The processor 3001 and the interface circuit 3002 are coupled with each other. It can be understood that the interface circuit 3002 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Alternatively, the apparatus 3000 can further include a memory 3003 for storing instructions executed by the processor 3001 or storing input data required by the processor 3001 to run instructions or storing data generated after the processor 3001 runs instructions. When the apparatus 3000 is used to implement the above method, the processor 3001 is used to implement the functions of the above processing unit 2002, and the interface circuit 3002 is used to implement the functions of the above receiving unit 2001.

[0129] When the apparatus 3000 is a chip, the chip implements the functions in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by other devices to the chip; or the chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and the information is sent by the chip to other devices.

[0130] The application further provides a communication device, comprising a processor coupled with a memory, the memory being configured to store computer programs or instructions and / or data, and the processor being configured to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory or read the data stored in the memory to perform the method of any of the implementation manners of the above method embodiments. Optionally, the processor is one or more. Optionally, the communication device comprises the memory. Optionally, the memory is one or more. Optionally, the memory is integrated with the processor or is separately arranged.

[0131] The application further provides a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon computer instructions for implementing the method of any of the implementation manners of the above method embodiments.

[0132] The application further provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the method of any of the implementation manners of the above method embodiments.

[0133] The explanations and beneficial effects of the related contents in any of the above devices can refer to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0134] It can be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the application can be a central processing unit (CPU), and can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0135] The steps of the methods in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware, or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, so that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in the target session management function, the target access and mobility management function, the source session management function, or the source access and mobility management function. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the target session management function, the target access and mobility management function, the source session management function, or the source access and mobility management function.

[0136] In the above embodiments, all or some of the steps can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or some of the steps can be implemented by one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions are loaded into and executed by a computer, all or some of the procedures or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed. The computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable apparatuses. The computer programs or instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer programs or instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through a wired or wireless way. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium or a combination of one or more of the available media that is accessible by a computer. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy diskette, a hard disk, a magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a compact disk; a semiconductor medium, such as a solid disk.

[0137] In the various embodiments of the present application, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referred to each other if there is no special description and logical conflict. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0138] It can be understood that various digital numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only distinguished for the convenience of description, and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the serial number of the above processes does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of the processes should be determined according to its function and inherent logic.

[0139] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in the present application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. It should be understood that the above is illustrative, and the examples above are merely intended to help those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application to the specific values or specific scenarios shown. Those skilled in the art can obviously make various equivalent modifications or changes according to the examples given above, and such modifications and changes also fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0140] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any skilled person in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed by the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Perform a cell search at the current frequency to obtain the first cell, which is the cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid network. Determine whether the first cell is the target cell in the hybrid network, wherein the target cell is used to represent a cell in the target network; If the first cell is not the target cell, continue to perform cell search on the current frequency to obtain the second cell, which is the cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid network other than the first cell. Determine whether the second cell is the target cell. If the second cell is the target cell, stay in the second cell.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the second cell is not the target cell, a cell search is performed on the next frequency.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the second cell is not the target cell, cell search continues on the current frequency to obtain a third cell, which is the cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid network other than the first cell and the second cell. Determine whether the third cell is the target cell. If the third cell is the target cell, stay in the third cell.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the first cell is the target cell in the hybrid network includes: Obtain the Synchronization Signal System Information Block (SIB1) information of the first cell; Based on the SIB1 information of the first cell, it is determined whether the first cell belongs to the target network. When the first cell belongs to the target network, the first cell is the target cell; when the first cell does not belong to the target network, the first cell is not the target cell.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the second cell is the target cell includes: Obtain the SIB1 information of the second cell; Based on the SIB1 information of the second cell, it is determined whether the second cell belongs to the target network. When the second cell belongs to the target network, the second cell is the target cell; when the second cell does not belong to the target network, the second cell is not the target cell.

6. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the third cell is the target cell includes: Obtain the SIB1 information of the third cell; Based on the SIB1 information of the third cell, it is determined whether the third cell belongs to the target network. When the third cell belongs to the target network, the third cell is the target cell; when the third cell does not belong to the target network, the third cell is not the target cell.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or 6, characterized in that, The hybrid networking can be any of the following hybrid methods: a hybrid of public land mobile network (PLMN) and non-public network (NPN), a hybrid of standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) networks, or a hybrid of multiple operator networks.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The receiving unit is used to perform cell search on the current frequency to obtain the first cell, which is the cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid network. The processing unit is used to determine whether the first cell is a target cell in the hybrid network, wherein the target cell is used to represent a cell in the target network; The processing unit is further configured to, when the first cell is not the target cell, continue to perform cell search on the current frequency to obtain a second cell, wherein the second cell is the cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid network other than the first cell; The processing unit is further configured to determine whether the second cell is the target cell, and when the second cell is the target cell, to camp on the second cell.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The receiving unit is further configured to perform a cell search on the next frequency when the second cell is not the target cell.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The receiving unit is further configured to, when the second cell is not the target cell, continue to perform cell search on the current frequency to obtain a third cell, wherein the third cell is the cell with the strongest signal in the hybrid network other than the first cell and the second cell; The processing unit is further configured to determine whether the third cell is the target cell, and when the third cell is the target cell, to camp on the third cell.

11. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used for: Obtain the Synchronization Signal System Information Block (SIB1) information of the first cell; Based on the SIB1 information of the first cell, it is determined whether the first cell belongs to the target network. When the first cell belongs to the target network, the first cell is the target cell; when the first cell does not belong to the target network, the first cell is not the target cell.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used for: Obtain the SIB1 information of the second cell; Based on the SIB1 information of the second cell, it is determined whether the second cell belongs to the target network. When the second cell belongs to the target network, the second cell is the target cell; when the second cell does not belong to the target network, the second cell is not the target cell.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used for: Obtain the SIB1 information of the third cell; Based on the SIB1 information of the third cell, it is determined whether the third cell belongs to the target network. When the third cell belongs to the target network, the third cell is the target cell; when the third cell does not belong to the target network, the third cell is not the target cell.

14. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, or 13, characterized in that, The hybrid networking can be any of the following hybrid methods: a hybrid of public land mobile network (PLMN) and non-public network (NPN), a hybrid of standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) networks, or a hybrid of multiple operator networks.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor for executing a computer program stored in memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The device also includes the memory.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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