A network switching method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a network switching method and device, relates to the technical field of communication, and can help a user terminal to return to a ground network in time after switching to a non-ground network. The method comprises the following steps: in response to that a current network is switched from a ground network to a non-ground network, performing a current service and performing an inter-system switching measurement; and if a target ground network meeting a network switching condition is measured, switching from the non-ground network to the target ground network. The embodiment of the application is used in a network switching process of a ground network and a non-ground network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a network switching method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] When a user terminal switches to a non-terrestrial network due to weak coverage or unavailability of the terrestrial network, the existing communication process requires the user terminal to complete the current service on the non-terrestrial network before it can switch back to the terrestrial network through redirection, cell reselection, and reconnection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a network switching method and apparatus that can help user terminals return to the terrestrial network in a timely manner after switching to a non-terrestrial network.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a network switching method, the method comprising:

[0006] In response to a network switch from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, the current service is performed, and inter-system handover measurements are executed; the current service is the service currently being performed by the user terminal.

[0007] If a target ground network that meets the network switching conditions is measured, then switch from the non-ground network to the target ground network.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, this application provides a network handover method in which a user terminal responds to a network switch from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, performs its current service, and executes inter-system handover measurement. If a target terrestrial network that meets the network handover conditions is detected, the user terminal switches from the non-terrestrial network to the target terrestrial network. The current service is the service currently being performed by the user terminal. Through this method, after switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, the user terminal can perform inter-system handover measurement while performing its current service, thus enabling timely handover to a target terrestrial network that meets the network handover conditions.

[0009] Optionally, in response to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, inter-system handover measurements are initiated, including:

[0010] In response to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, the current service is performed, and a measurement timer is started;

[0011] If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then an inter-system switching measurement is performed; the first duration is used to characterize the time between the start of the measurement timer and the current time.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, the user terminal can start a measurement timer in response to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network. If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then inter-system handover measurement is performed. That is, the user terminal can perform inter-system handover measurement within the timing range of the measurement timer. Therefore, the user terminal can not only switch to the target terrestrial network that meets the network handover conditions in a timely manner, but also help the user terminal save terminal power consumption.

[0013] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0014] If the first duration exceeds the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement will be stopped.

[0015] Optionally, if the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then an inter-system handover measurement is performed, including:

[0016] If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement is performed periodically according to the following steps, with the first preset duration as the period:

[0017] If the second duration is less than the second preset duration, then an inter-system handover measurement is performed; the second duration is used to characterize the duration between the start time of the current cycle and the current time.

[0018] If the second duration equals the second preset duration, then the inter-system handover measurement will be suspended within the third preset duration; the third preset duration is used to characterize the duration during which the user terminal suspends the inter-system handover measurement within the current period; the first preset duration is the sum of the second preset duration and the third preset duration.

[0019] Based on the above technical solution, the user terminal can periodically perform inter-system handover measurements within the timing range of the measurement timer. Furthermore, within each cycle, the user terminal can be further controlled to perform or pause inter-system handover measurements based on the relationship between the duration the user terminal pauses inter-system handover measurements (i.e., the second duration) and the second preset duration. Therefore, this can further help the user terminal save power consumption.

[0020] Optionally, if the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, the inter-system switching measurement is performed, including:

[0021] If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement will be performed periodically according to the following steps, with the first preset duration as the period:

[0022] Get the current state of the user terminal;

[0023] If the user terminal is currently in an active state, then perform inter-system handover measurement;

[0024] If the user terminal is currently inactive, the inter-system handover measurement will be paused.

[0025] Optionally, the target terrestrial network that meets the network handover conditions refers to the target terrestrial network whose signal strength is greater than or equal to a preset signal strength threshold.

[0026] Secondly, this application provides a network switching device, the device comprising:

[0027] The execution unit is used to respond to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, perform current services, and execute inter-system handover measurements; the current service is the service currently being performed by the user terminal;

[0028] The switching unit is used to switch from a non-terrestrial network to the target terrestrial network if a target terrestrial network that meets the network switching conditions is measured.

[0029] Optionally, the execution unit includes:

[0030] The startup unit is used to respond to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, perform the current service, and start the measurement timer;

[0031] The processing unit is used to perform inter-system switching measurement if the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer; the first duration is used to characterize the duration between the start time of the measurement timer and the current time.

[0032] Optionally, the processing unit is also used for:

[0033] If the first duration exceeds the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement will be stopped.

[0034] Optionally, the processing unit is used for:

[0035] If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement will be performed periodically according to the following steps, with the first preset duration as the period:

[0036] If the second duration is less than the second preset duration, then an inter-system handover measurement is performed; the second duration is used to characterize the duration between the start time of the current cycle and the current time.

[0037] If the second duration equals the second preset duration, then the inter-system handover measurement will be suspended within the third preset duration; the third preset duration is used to characterize the duration during which the user terminal suspends the inter-system handover measurement within the current period; the first preset duration is the sum of the second preset duration and the third preset duration.

[0038] Optionally, the processing unit is used for:

[0039] If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement will be performed periodically according to the following steps, with the first preset duration as the period:

[0040] Get the current state of the user terminal;

[0041] If the user terminal is currently in an active state, then perform inter-system handover measurement;

[0042] If the user terminal is currently inactive, the inter-system handover measurement will be paused.

[0043] Optionally, the target terrestrial network that meets the network handover conditions refers to the target terrestrial network whose signal strength is greater than or equal to a preset signal strength threshold.

[0044] Thirdly, this application provides a network switching apparatus, which includes: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface and the processor are coupled, and the processor is used to run computer programs or instructions to implement the network switching method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0045] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a terminal, cause the terminal to perform the network switching method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0046] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a network switching device, cause the network switching device to perform the network switching method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0047] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to implement the network switching method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0048] Specifically, the chip provided in this application embodiment also includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This application scenario diagram illustrates a network switching method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a network switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 3 A measurement schematic diagram provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 4 Another measurement schematic diagram provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 5 Another measurement schematic diagram provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another network switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network switching device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another possible structure of a network switching device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a network switching method and apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0058] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0059] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects or to distinguish different treatments of the same object, rather than to describe a specific order of objects.

[0060] 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 process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The following explanations of some terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art:

[0063] 1. Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

[0064] Non-terrestrial networks generally refer to satellite networks or networks that transmit wireless frequencies via UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) platforms.

[0065] 2. Terrestrial Networks (TN)

[0066] Terrestrial networks typically refer to networks that can be accessed through a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) or an RNC (Radio Network Controller), such as 4G (4th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) networks and 5G networks.

[0067] Integrated terrestrial-space networks are gradually becoming an important direction for network development. Integrated terrestrial-space networks refer to using the same technology to cover non-terrestrial networks and terrestrial networks in different areas or layers, thereby expanding the network's service range. When a user terminal switches to a non-terrestrial network due to weak coverage or unavailability of the terrestrial network, the existing communication process requires the user terminal to complete its current service on the non-terrestrial network before it can switch back to the terrestrial network through redirection, cell reselection, and reconnection. However, terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks are two different layers of networks, and non-terrestrial networks differ significantly from terrestrial networks in terms of network speed, number of connected users, and network latency. Therefore, when a user terminal switches from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, the non-terrestrial network cannot provide capabilities (such as network speed and latency) comparable to the terrestrial network to support the current service, thus greatly affecting the user experience.

[0068] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a network handover method. In this method, a user terminal responds to a network switch from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, performs its current service, and executes inter-system handover measurements. If a target terrestrial network meeting the network handover conditions is detected, the user terminal switches from the non-terrestrial network to the target terrestrial network. The current service is the service the user terminal is currently performing. Through this method, after switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, the user terminal can perform inter-system handover measurements while performing its current service, thus enabling timely handover to a target terrestrial network that meets the network handover conditions.

[0069] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an application scenario of a network switching method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, this application scenario may include a user equipment (UE) 101 and an access network (AN) 102. The user equipment 101 can access the wireless network through the access network 102.

[0070] Access network 102 can also be called radio access network (RAN). Equipment on the access network side can be called access network equipment or radio access network equipment, or even a base station. Its name varies depending on the communication standard; for example, in Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, it can be called an evolved Node B (eNB); in 5G systems, it can be called a next-generation Node B (gNB). Optionally, access network equipment can be a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU), or access network equipment can include both centralized and distributed units.

[0071] like Figure 1 In the application scenario shown, the access network 102 includes a terrestrial network 103 and a non-terrestrial network 104. The access network equipment in the terrestrial network 103 is deployed on the ground, while the access network equipment in the non-terrestrial network 104 is deployed on satellites. The terrestrial network 103 and the non-terrestrial network 104 are jointly networked using the same technical system.

[0072] In this embodiment, after the user terminal 101 switches from the terrestrial network 103 to the non-terrestrial network 104, it can perform inter-system handover measurement while carrying out the current service. After measuring the target terrestrial network that meets the network handover conditions, the user terminal 101 can switch from the non-terrestrial network 104 to the target terrestrial network.

[0073] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a network handover method provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0074] In step S201, in response to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, the current service is performed, and inter-system handover measurement is executed.

[0075] The current service refers to the service that the user terminal is currently performing.

[0076] In one alternative implementation, the user terminal may respond to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, perform the current service, and start a measurement timer; if the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then perform inter-system handover measurement.

[0077] The first duration is used to characterize the duration between the start time of the measurement timer and the current time. For example, if the user terminal starts the measurement timer (i.e., the time when the user terminal switches to the non-terrestrial network) at 12:00:00 and the current time is 12:01:30, then the first duration is 1 minute and 30 seconds.

[0078] Specifically, in response to a network switch from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, the user terminal can start a measurement timer while performing its current service. After starting the measurement timer, the user terminal can determine a first duration (i.e., the duration between the start of the measurement timer and the current time) based on the time between the timer's start and the current time. Once the first duration is determined, it can be compared with the measurement timer's duration. If the first duration is less than or equal to the measurement timer's duration, it indicates that the current time is within the measurement timer's duration, and the user terminal can perform inter-system handover measurements. If the first duration is greater than the measurement timer's duration, it indicates that the current time is outside the measurement timer's duration, and the user terminal can stop performing inter-system handover measurements.

[0079] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a measurement schematic diagram provided in an embodiment of this application. T1 represents the timing duration of the measurement timer. Time m is the moment of switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, and also the moment the measurement timer is started. The user terminal can determine the first duration by the duration between time m and the current time. After determining the first duration, if the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration T1 of the measurement timer, it indicates that the current time is within the timing duration T1 of the measurement timer, and the user terminal can perform inter-system handover measurement; if the first duration is greater than the timing duration T1 of the measurement timer, it indicates that the current time is outside the timing duration T1 of the measurement timer, and the user terminal can stop performing inter-system handover measurement and reside on the non-terrestrial network.

[0080] Based on the above technical solution, the user terminal can perform inter-system handover measurements when switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network within the timing range of the measurement timer. In other words, the above solution further limits the duration of inter-system handover measurements performed by the user terminal, enabling the user terminal to not only perform inter-system handover measurements in a timely manner but also to save terminal power and avoid excessive energy loss.

[0081] In an optional implementation, the user terminal can periodically perform inter-system handover measurements. Accordingly, step S201 above can be replaced by: the user terminal can respond to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, perform the current service, and start a measurement timer; if the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system handover measurement is periodically performed according to the following steps with the first preset duration as the period: if the second duration is less than the second preset duration, then the inter-system handover measurement is performed; if the second duration is equal to the second preset duration, then the inter-system handover measurement is paused within a third preset duration.

[0082] The third preset duration characterizes the duration during which the user terminal suspends inter-system handover measurements within the current period. The first preset duration is the sum of the second and third preset durations. The second duration characterizes the time between the start time and the current time of the current period; for example, assuming there are three periods, the start time of the first period is time n, the start time of the second period is time n+T, and the start time of the third period is time n+2T. If the current period is the first period, then the second duration is the time between time n and the current time; if the current period is the second period, then the second duration is the time between time n+T and the current time; if the current period is the third period, then the second duration is the time between time n+2T and the current time.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first preset duration can be greater than or equal to the second preset duration; when the first preset duration is equal to the second preset duration, the third preset duration is 0 seconds. This application does not limit the first, second, and third preset durations.

[0084] Specifically, in response to a network switch from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, the user terminal starts a measurement timer while performing its current service. It then determines a first duration based on the time between the switch to the non-terrestrial network (i.e., the time the measurement timer started) and the current time. If the first duration is less than or equal to the measurement timer's duration, the user terminal determines a second duration using the start time of the current cycle and the current time. After determining the second duration, it compares it with a second preset duration. If the second duration is less than the second preset duration, inter-system handover measurement is performed; if the second duration equals the second preset duration, the user terminal suspends inter-system handover measurement for a third preset duration. After the inter-system handover measurement is suspended, the user terminal can start the next cycle and repeat the above steps to perform inter-system handover measurement.

[0085] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is another measurement schematic diagram provided in an embodiment of this application. T1 represents the timing duration of the measurement timer, T2 represents the first preset duration, T3 represents the second preset duration, and T4 represents the third preset duration. The first preset duration T2 is equal to the sum of the second preset duration T3 and the third preset duration T4. Time m is the moment of switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, and also the moment when the inter-system switching measurement and the measurement timer are started. The user terminal can determine the first duration using the duration between time m and the current time. After determining the first duration, if the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration T1 of the measurement timer, the second duration can be determined using the start time of the current cycle and the current time. For example, in one embodiment, assuming the current cycle is the first cycle, the start time of the current cycle is time m, and the user terminal can determine the second duration based on the duration between time m and the current time. In another embodiment, assuming the current cycle is the second cycle, the start time of the current cycle is time m+T2, and the user terminal can determine the second duration based on the duration between time m+T2 and the current time.

[0086] After determining the second duration using the above method, it can be compared with a second preset duration T3. If the second duration is less than the second preset duration T3, then inter-system handover measurement is performed. If the second duration is equal to the second preset duration T3, the user terminal can pause the inter-system handover measurement, and the pause duration is a third preset duration. After the inter-system handover measurement is paused, the user terminal can start the next cycle and repeat the above steps to perform inter-system handover measurement.

[0087] Based on the above technical solution, the user terminal can periodically perform inter-system handover measurements within the timing range of the measurement timer. Furthermore, within each cycle, the user terminal can be further controlled to perform or suspend inter-system handover measurements based on the relationship between the duration of the pause in the current cycle (i.e., the second duration) and the second preset duration. That is, within each cycle, the user terminal does not need to continuously perform inter-system handover measurements; instead, it can perform them for a period of time. If a target terrestrial network meeting the network handover conditions cannot be measured, the terminal can enter a sleep period, suspending the inter-system handover measurements, and resume them at the start of the next cycle. Therefore, this can help the user terminal further save on terminal power consumption.

[0088] In another optional implementation, step S201 can be replaced by: responding to the current network switching from the terrestrial network to the non-terrestrial network, performing the current service, and starting a measurement timer; if the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then periodically performing the inter-system handover measurement according to the following steps with a first preset duration as the period: obtaining the current state of the user terminal; if the current state of the user terminal is active, then performing the inter-system handover measurement; if the current state of the user terminal is inactive, then pausing the execution of the inter-system handover measurement.

[0089] Specifically, in response to a network switch from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, the user terminal starts a measurement timer while performing its current service. It can determine a first duration based on the time interval between the switch to the non-terrestrial network (i.e., the time the measurement timer started) and the current moment. If the first duration is less than or equal to the measurement timer's duration, the user terminal can obtain its current state. If the user terminal is active at the current moment, inter-system handover measurement is performed; if the user terminal is inactive at the current moment, inter-system handover measurement is paused.

[0090] In this embodiment of the application, within one cycle, the user terminal may include an activator and a deactivator, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it can also contain multiple activators and multiple non-activators, such as Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is another measurement schematic diagram provided for an embodiment of this application. The following refers to... Figure 5 The network switching method provided in this application will be described using an example.

[0091] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, T1 represents the timing duration of the measurement timer, T2 represents the first preset duration, T3 represents the active period, T4 represents the inactive period, and time m is the moment of handover from the terrestrial network to the non-terrestrial network. The user terminal can determine the first duration by the duration between time m and the current time. After determining the first duration, if the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration T1 of the measurement timer, the current state of the user terminal can be obtained. If the current state of the user terminal is active, the inter-system handover measurement is executed; if the current state of the user terminal is inactive, the inter-system handover measurement is paused.

[0092] In one alternative implementation, the current period can be determined by: determining the duration between the start time of the inter-system switching measurement and the current time, and determining the current period based on the duration between the start time of the inter-system switching measurement and the current time, and a first preset duration.

[0093] Specifically, if the integer part of the quotient between the time when the inter-system handover measurement was initiated and the current time is N, and the first preset time is N, then the current period is the (N+1)th period. For example, if the integer part of the quotient between the time when the inter-system handover measurement was initiated and the current time is 0, then the current period is the 1st period; if the integer part of the quotient between the time when the inter-system handover measurement was initiated and the current time is 1, then the current period is the 2nd period.

[0094] In one alternative implementation, the target terrestrial network that meets the network switching conditions refers to the target terrestrial network whose signal strength is greater than or equal to a preset signal strength threshold.

[0095] Step S202: If a target ground network that meets the network switching conditions is measured, then switch from the non-ground network to the target ground network.

[0096] In this way, after the user terminal initiates inter-system handover measurement and detects a target terrestrial network that meets the network handover conditions, it can directly switch from the non-terrestrial network to the target terrestrial network without having to wait for the current service to be completed before switching. This not only allows for timely return to the terrestrial network, but also enables efficient completion of the current service through the terrestrial network, thus improving the user experience.

[0097] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another network handover method provided in this application embodiment is shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0098] In step S601, the user terminal responds to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, performs the current service, and starts a measurement timer.

[0099] Step S602: Is the first duration less than or equal to the timing duration T1 of the measurement timer? If yes, proceed to step S603; if no, proceed to step S610.

[0100] Step S603: Start a periodic timer with a timing duration of T2.

[0101] Step S604: Is the second duration less than the timing duration T2 of the periodic timer? If yes, proceed to step S605; if no, proceed to step S602.

[0102] Step S605: Is the second duration less than the second preset duration T3? If yes, proceed to step S606; if no, proceed to step S609.

[0103] Step S606: Perform inter-system switching measurement.

[0104] Step S607: Does the user terminal measure a target terrestrial network that meets the network handover conditions? If yes, proceed to step S608; if no, proceed to step S605.

[0105] Step S608: The user terminal switches from the non-terrestrial network to the target terrestrial network.

[0106] Step S609: Pause the inter-system switching measurement within the third preset duration T4.

[0107] Step S610: Stop the inter-system switching measurement.

[0108] Based on the above technical solution, in response to a network switch from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, the user terminal simultaneously starts a measurement timer and periodically performs inter-system handover measurements within the timer's duration. Furthermore, within each period, the user terminal can be further controlled to perform or pause inter-system handover measurements based on the relationship between the duration the user terminal pauses inter-system handover measurements (i.e., the second duration) and a second preset duration. That is, within each period, the user terminal does not need to continuously perform inter-system handover measurements; instead, it can perform them for a period of time. If a target terrestrial network meeting the network handover conditions cannot be detected, the terminal can enter a dormant period, pausing inter-system handover measurements until the next period begins. Through this method, the user terminal can not only promptly switch to a target terrestrial network meeting the handover conditions after switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, but also save terminal power consumption.

[0109] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network switching device provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the device includes:

[0110] The execution unit 701 is used to perform current services and execute inter-system handover measurements in response to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network; the current service is the service currently being performed by the user terminal.

[0111] The switching unit 702 is used to switch from a non-terrestrial network to the target terrestrial network if a target terrestrial network that meets the network switching conditions is measured.

[0112] Optionally, the execution unit includes:

[0113] The startup unit is used to respond to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, perform the current service, and start the measurement timer;

[0114] The processing unit is used to perform inter-system switching measurement if the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer; the first duration is used to characterize the duration between the start time of the measurement timer and the current time.

[0115] Optionally, the processing unit is also used for:

[0116] If the first duration exceeds the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement will be stopped.

[0117] Optionally, the processing unit is used for:

[0118] If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement will be performed periodically according to the following steps, with the first preset duration as the period:

[0119] If the second duration is less than the second preset duration, then an inter-system handover measurement is performed; the second duration is used to characterize the duration between the start time of the current cycle and the current time.

[0120] If the second duration equals the second preset duration, then the inter-system handover measurement will be suspended within the third preset duration; the third preset duration is used to characterize the duration during which the user terminal suspends the inter-system handover measurement within the current period; the first preset duration is the sum of the second preset duration and the third preset duration.

[0121] Optionally, the target terrestrial network that meets the network handover conditions refers to the target terrestrial network whose signal strength is greater than or equal to a preset signal strength threshold.

[0122] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another possible structure of the network switching device involved in the above embodiments is shown. The network switching device includes a processor 801 and a communication interface 802. The processor 801 is used to control and manage the operation of the network switching device, and the communication interface 802 is used to support communication between the network switching device and other network entities. The network switching device may also include a memory 803 and a bus 804, the memory 803 being used to store the program code and data of the network switching device.

[0123] The memory 803 may be a memory in a network switching device, and the memory may include volatile memory, such as random access memory; the memory may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory, flash memory, hard disk or solid-state drive; the memory may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0124] The processor 801 described above can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0125] The 804 bus can be an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The 804 bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 8 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0126] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. The specific working process of the system, device, and unit described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0127] This application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the network switching method described in the above method embodiments.

[0128] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the network switching method in the method flow shown in the above method embodiments.

[0129] The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: electrical connections having one or more wires; portable computer disks; hard disks; random access memory (RAM); read-only memory (ROM); erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM); registers; hard disks; optical fibers; portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); optical storage devices; magnetic storage devices; or any suitable combination thereof; or any other form of computer-readable storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the embodiments of this application, the computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0130] Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the network switching method described in the embodiments of this application.

[0131] Since the network switching device, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product in the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to the above methods, the technical effects obtained can also be referred to the above method embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention will not be described again here.

[0132] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0133] 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.

[0134] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0135] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope 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 network handover method, characterized in that, Applied to a user terminal, the method includes: In response to a network switch from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, the current service is performed, and inter-system handover measurements are executed; the current service is the service currently being performed by the user terminal. If a target terrestrial network that meets the network switching conditions is measured, then the network is switched from the non-terrestrial network to the target terrestrial network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The response to the current network switching from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, performing current services, and executing inter-system handover measurements includes: In response to the current network switching from the terrestrial network to the non-terrestrial network, the current service is performed, and a measurement timer is started; If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement is performed; the first duration is used to characterize the duration between the start time of the measurement timer and the current time.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first duration is longer than the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement will be stopped.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement is performed, including: If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement is performed periodically according to the following steps, with the first preset duration as the period: If the second duration is less than the second preset duration, then the inter-system switching measurement is performed; the second duration is used to characterize the duration between the start time of the current cycle and the current time. If the second duration is equal to the second preset duration, the inter-system handover measurement is suspended within the third preset duration; the third preset duration is used to characterize the duration during which the user terminal suspends the inter-system handover measurement within the current period.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement is performed, including: If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement is performed periodically according to the following steps, with the first preset duration as the period: Get the current state of the user terminal; If the user terminal is currently in an active state, then the inter-system handover measurement is performed. If the user terminal is inactive at the current moment, the inter-system handover measurement will be paused.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The target terrestrial network that meets the network switching conditions refers to the target terrestrial network whose signal strength is greater than or equal to a preset signal strength threshold.

7. A network switching device, characterized in that, The device includes: An execution unit is configured to respond to switching the user terminal's current network from a terrestrial network to a non-terrestrial network, perform the current service, and perform inter-system handover measurements; the current service is the service currently being performed by the user terminal. The switching unit is used to switch from the non-terrestrial network to the target terrestrial network if a target terrestrial network that meets the network switching conditions is measured.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The execution unit includes: The startup unit is configured to, in response to a current network switching from the terrestrial network to the non-terrestrial network, perform the current service and start a measurement timer; The processing unit is configured to perform the inter-system switching measurement if the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer; the first duration is used to characterize the duration between the start time of the measurement timer and the current time.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to: If the first duration is longer than the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement will be stopped.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The processing unit is used for: If the first duration is less than or equal to the timing duration of the measurement timer, then the inter-system switching measurement is performed periodically according to the following steps, with the first preset duration as the period: If the second duration is less than the second preset duration, then the inter-system switching measurement is performed; the second duration is used to characterize the duration between the start time of the current cycle and the current time. If the second duration is equal to the second preset duration, the inter-system handover measurement is suspended within the third preset duration; the third preset duration is used to characterize the duration during which the user terminal suspends the inter-system handover measurement within the current period; the first preset duration is the sum of the second preset duration and the third preset duration.

11. A network switching device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to implement the network switching method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the computer executes the instruction, the computer performs the network switching method according to any one of claims 1-6.

Images