Communication methods, apparatuses, and devices

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method, device and equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The communication method comprises the following steps: a first core network function receives tenth information for a terminal sent by a network side device, wherein the tenth information is at least one of the following: first link information, and fourth information related to a relay device, wherein the fourth information is used for indicating that the terminal interacts with the network side device through the relay device; the first core network function can perform a third operation according to the received tenth information, and the third operation is used as an associated operation. Since the first core network function can determine whether the terminal leaves the original relay device, or whether the terminal accesses a new relay device, or whether the terminal still maintains the connection with the original relay device according to the received tenth information, the association relationship between the terminal and the relay device can be maintained and managed by performing the third operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, specifically relating to a communication method, apparatus, and device. Background Technology

[0002] Relay technology involves adding one or more relay devices between a base station and a terminal. These relay devices are responsible for forwarding wireless signals one or more times, meaning the wireless signal must travel through multiple hops to reach the terminal. Taking a simple two-hop relay as an example, a base station-terminal link is split into two links: base station-relay device and relay device-terminal. This allows a lower-quality link to be replaced with two higher-quality links, resulting in higher link capacity and better coverage.

[0003] Typically, during the process of a terminal communicating with network-side devices through relay devices, it will disconnect or reconnect with the relay devices. For example, it may disconnect from the previous relay device and connect to other relay devices, or connect directly to a macro base station. However, it is not yet clear how to maintain and manage the relationship between the terminal and the relay device during the process of the terminal communicating with network-side devices through relay devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and device that can solve the problem of how to maintain and manage the association between the terminal and the relay device during the communication process between the terminal and the network-side device through the relay device.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0006] The terminal selects the cell to stay in based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal.

[0007] Secondly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0008] The terminal sends a accompaniment indication to the network-side device through the relay device. The accompaniment indication is used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[0009] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0010] The relay device receives the first information sent by the terminal;

[0011] The relay device sends a accompaniment indication and the first information to the network-side device. The accompaniment indication is used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[0012] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0013] The network-side device receives a companion indication sent by a terminal or the relay device through a relay device. The companion indication is used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[0014] Based on the accompanying indication, relay-related information is sent to the first core network function, which is used to instruct the first core network function to associate the terminal and the relay device.

[0015] Fifthly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0016] The relay device receives first information sent by the source network side device. The first information includes a first handover indication for the relay device. The first handover indication is used to instruct the relay device to hand over from the source network side device to the target network side device.

[0017] The relay device stops forwarding packets from the terminal according to the first handover instruction.

[0018] Sixthly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0019] The network-side device sends second information for the terminal to the first core network function. The second information includes a list of area information to which the relay device belongs. The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, radio area information, and radio area identifier. The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0020] Seventhly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0021] The network-side device receives third information for the relay device sent by the second core network function, the third information including a list of area information;

[0022] The network-side device performs at least one of the following actions based on the third information:

[0023] Configure the area information to which the relay device belongs, and instruct the relay device to broadcast the area information;

[0024] The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier.

[0025] Eighthly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0026] The first core network function receives second information for a terminal sent by a network-side device. The second information includes a list of area information to which the relay device belongs. The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0027] The first core network function sends a mobile area information list to the terminal based on the area information list of the relay device. The mobile area information list is used by the terminal to send information to the network side based on the mobile area information list.

[0028] The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier.

[0029] Ninthly, a communication method is provided, comprising:

[0030] The second core network function sends third information to network-side devices, the third information including a list of area information for relay devices.

[0031] In a tenth aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising:

[0032] The first core network function receives tenth information for a terminal sent by a network-side device. The tenth information includes at least one of the following: first link information and fourth information related to a relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0033] The first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, and the third operation is an associated related operation.

[0034] On the other hand, a communication method is provided, including:

[0035] The first core network function receives messages sent to the terminal by network-side devices;

[0036] The first core network function performs an operation to cancel the association between the terminal and the relay device based on the relevant information of the terminal.

[0037] Eleventhly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0038] The network-side device sends tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function. The tenth information includes at least one of the following: first link information and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The tenth information is used to instruct the first core network function to perform a third operation, which is an associated related operation.

[0039] In the twelfth aspect, a communication method is provided, including:

[0040] The fourth core network function receives fifth information related to the relay device sent by the third core network function, the fifth information including second link information;

[0041] The fourth core network function sends a notification message to the first core network function based on the second link information, and the notification message is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0042] The core network functions serving the relay devices related to the second link information have changed;

[0043] The core network functions serving the relay equipment have changed;

[0044] The storage location of the context of the relay device associated with the second link information has changed;

[0045] The second link information is associated with the fourth core network function.

[0046] On the other hand, a communication method is provided, including:

[0047] The third core network function sends fifth information related to the relay device to the fourth core network function, the fifth information including second link information;

[0048] The third core network function sends a notification message to the first core network function based on the second link information, and the notification message is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0049] The core network functions serving the relay devices related to the second link information have changed;

[0050] The core network functions serving the relay equipment have changed;

[0051] The storage location of the context of the relay device associated with the second link information has changed;

[0052] The second link information is associated with the fourth core network function.

[0053] On the other hand, a communication method is provided, including:

[0054] The second core network function receives the twelfth information sent by the first core network function. The twelfth information includes at least one of the following: first link information, second link information, and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0055] The second core network function performs a sixth operation based on the twelfth information, and the sixth operation is an associated related operation.

[0056] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication method is provided, including:

[0057] The source network side device sends a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to hand over from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0058] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication method is provided, including:

[0059] The target network-side device receives the seventh information sent by the first core network function. The seventh information includes the first link information, information related to the relay device, and information related to the terminal.

[0060] The target network-side device performs at least one of the following based on the first link information:

[0061] Associate the first link information with the relay device;

[0062] Associate the first link information with the terminal;

[0063] Based on the first link information, a first handover instruction for the terminal is sent to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0064] In the fifteenth aspect, a communication method is provided, including:

[0065] The source network side device sends an eighth message for the terminal to the fourth core network function. The eighth message contains relay-related information and is used to instruct the fourth core network function to send a first link message to the source network side device.

[0066] The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0067] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising:

[0068] The fourth core network function receives the eighth information sent by the source network side device, and the eighth information includes information related to the relay device;

[0069] The fourth core network function sends a first link information to the source network side device. The first link information is used by the source network side device to send a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the first link information. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0070] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising:

[0071] The first core network function receives a first handover instruction for a terminal sent by a source network side device. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with a relay device.

[0072] Based on the first handover indication, the first core network function sends seventh information to the target network-side device. The seventh information includes first link information, information related to the relay device, and information related to the terminal.

[0073] The seventh piece of information is used to instruct the target network-side device to perform at least one of the following:

[0074] Associate the first link information with the relay device;

[0075] Associate the first link information with the terminal;

[0076] Based on the first link information, a first handover instruction for the terminal is sent to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0077] Eighteenthly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0078] The first core network function receives the ninth information related to the terminal sent by the fifth core network function. The ninth information includes first link information and information related to the second core network function.

[0079] The first core network function sends the first link information and the second link information to the second core network function, which is indicated by information related to the second core network function, to instruct the second core network function to at least one of the following:

[0080] Replace the first link information with the second link information;

[0081] Associate the second link information with the relay device associated with the first link information;

[0082] Reduce the count for the first link information;

[0083] Increase the count for the second link information;

[0084] Event notifications for the first link information were cancelled;

[0085] Events related to relay devices associated with the first link information are subscribed to for the second link information.

[0086] Nineteenthly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0087] The second core network function receives the first link information and the second link information sent by the first core network function, and performs the fourth operation.

[0088] In a twentieth aspect, a communication method is provided, including:

[0089] The network-side device sends a first link information to the first core network function, which instructs the first core network function to obtain the ninth information of the terminal related to the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the first link information.

[0090] In a twenty-first aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0091] The first processing module is used to select the cell to stay in based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal.

[0092] In a twenty-second aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0093] The first sending module is used to send a accompaniment indication to the network-side device through the relay device, the accompaniment indication being used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[0094] In a twenty-third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0095] The first receiving module is used to receive the first information sent by the terminal;

[0096] The second sending module is used to send a accompaniment indication and the first information to the network-side device, wherein the accompaniment indication is used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[0097] In a twenty-fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0098] The second receiving module is used to receive a companion indication sent by a terminal or a relay device through a relay device, the companion indication being used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device;

[0099] The third sending module is used to send relay-related information to the first core network function based on the accompanying indication. The relay-related information is used to instruct the first core network function to associate the terminal and the relay device.

[0100] In a twenty-fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0101] The third receiving module is used to receive first information sent by the source network side device. The first information includes a first handover indication for the relay device. The first handover indication is used to instruct the relay device to hand over from the source network side device to the target network side device.

[0102] The fourth sending module is used to stop forwarding messages from the terminal according to the first switching instruction.

[0103] In a twenty-sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0104] The fifth sending module is used to send second information for the terminal to the first core network function. The second information includes a list of area information to which the relay device belongs. The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, radio area information, and radio area identifier. The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0105] In a twenty-seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0106] The fourth receiving module is used to receive third information for the relay device sent by the second core network function, the third information including a regional information list;

[0107] The second processing module is configured to perform at least one of the following based on the third information:

[0108] Configure the area information to which the relay device belongs, and instruct the relay device to broadcast the area information;

[0109] The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier.

[0110] In a twenty-eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0111] The fifth receiving module is used to receive second information for the terminal sent by the network-side device. The second information includes a list of area information to which the relay device belongs. The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0112] The sixth sending module is used to send a mobile area information list to the terminal according to the area information list of the relay device. The mobile area information list is used by the terminal to send information to the network side based on the mobile area information list.

[0113] The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier.

[0114] A twenty-ninth aspect provides a communication device, comprising:

[0115] The seventh sending module is used to send third information to the network-side device, the third information including a list of area information of the relay device.

[0116] In a thirtieth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0117] The sixth receiving module is used to receive tenth information for the terminal sent by the network-side device. The tenth information includes at least one of the following: first link information and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0118] The third processing module is used to perform a third operation based on the tenth information.

[0119] In another aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0120] The receiving module is used to receive messages sent to the terminal by network-side devices;

[0121] The processing module is used to perform an operation to cancel the association between the terminal and the relay device based on the relevant information of the terminal.

[0122] In a thirty-first aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0123] The eighth sending module is used to send tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function. The tenth information includes at least one of the following: first link information and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The tenth information is used to instruct the first core network function to perform a third operation.

[0124] In a thirty-second aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0125] The seventh receiving module is used to receive the fifth information related to the relay device sent by the third core network function, the fifth information including the second link information;

[0126] The ninth sending module is configured to send a notification message to the first core network function based on the second link information, the notification message indicating at least one of the following:

[0127] The core network functions of the relay device serving the second link information have changed;

[0128] The core network functions serving the relay equipment have changed;

[0129] The storage location of the context of the relay device associated with the second link information has changed;

[0130] The second link information is associated with the fourth core network function.

[0131] In another aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0132] The sending module is used to send fifth information related to the relay device to the fourth core network function, the fifth information including second link information;

[0133] The sending module is configured to send a notification message to the first core network function based on the second link information, the notification message indicating at least one of the following:

[0134] The core network functions serving the relay devices related to the second link information have changed;

[0135] The core network functions serving the relay equipment have changed;

[0136] The storage location of the context of the relay device associated with the second link information has changed;

[0137] The second link information is associated with the fourth core network function.

[0138] In a thirty-third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0139] The thirteenth receiving module is used to receive the twelfth information sent by the first core network function. The twelfth information includes at least one of the following: first link information, second link information, and fourth information. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0140] The processing module is used to perform the sixth operation based on the twelfth information.

[0141] In a thirty-fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0142] The eighth receiving module is used to receive the seventh information sent by the first core network function, the seventh information including the first link information, the relay device related information, and the terminal related information;

[0143] The fourth processing module is configured to perform at least one of the following based on the first link information:

[0144] Associate the first link information with the relay device;

[0145] Associate the first link information with the terminal;

[0146] Based on the first link information, a first handover instruction for the terminal is sent to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0147] In a thirty-fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0148] The eleventh sending module is used to send the eighth information for the terminal to the fourth core network function. The eighth information includes relay-related information and is used to instruct the fourth core network function to send the first link information to the source network side device.

[0149] The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0150] In a thirty-sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0151] The ninth receiving module is used to receive the eighth information sent by the source network side device, the eighth information including information related to the relay device;

[0152] The twelfth sending module is used to send first link information to the source network side device. The first link information is used by the source network side device to send a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the first link information. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0153] In a thirty-seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0154] The tenth receiving module is used to receive a first handover indication for a terminal sent by the source network side device. The first handover indication includes an association indication, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0155] The thirteenth sending module is used to send seventh information to the target network-side device based on the first handover indication. The seventh information includes first link information, information related to the relay device, and information related to the terminal.

[0156] The seventh piece of information is used to instruct the target network-side device to perform at least one of the following:

[0157] Associate the first link information with the relay device;

[0158] Associate the first link information with the terminal;

[0159] Based on the first link information, a first handover instruction for the terminal is sent to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0160] In a thirty-eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0161] The eleventh receiving module is used to receive the ninth information related to the terminal sent by the fifth core network function. The ninth information includes the first link information and the information related to the second core network function.

[0162] The fourteenth sending module is configured to send the first link information and the second link information to the second core network function indicated by the information related to the second core network function, for indicating at least one of the following:

[0163] Replace the first link information with the second link information;

[0164] Associate the second link information with the relay device associated with the first link information;

[0165] Reduce the count for the first link information;

[0166] Increase the count for the second link information;

[0167] Event notifications for the first link information were cancelled;

[0168] Events related to relay devices associated with the first link information are subscribed to for the second link information.

[0169] In a thirty-ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0170] The twelfth receiving module is used to receive the first link information and the second link information sent by the first core network function, and to perform the fourth operation.

[0171] In a fortieth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0172] The fifteenth sending module is used to send the first link information to the first core network function, and to instruct the first core network function to obtain the ninth information of the terminal related to the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the first link information.

[0173] In a forty-first aspect, a terminal is provided, including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the first aspect, or implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the second aspect.

[0174] In a forty-second aspect, a terminal is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is used to select a cell to reside in based on the Doppler frequency shift of a signal.

[0175] In a forty-third aspect, a terminal is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send a accompaniment indication to a network-side device via a relay device, the accompaniment indication being used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[0176] In a forty-fourth aspect, a relay device is provided, including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the third aspect, or implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the fifth aspect.

[0177] In a forty-fifth aspect, a relay device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive first information sent by a terminal;

[0178] The communication interface is used to send a accompaniment indication and the first information to the network-side device, wherein the accompaniment indication is used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[0179] In a forty-sixth aspect, a relay device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive first information sent by a source network-side device, the first information including a first handover instruction for the relay device, the first handover instruction being used to instruct the relay device to handover from the source network-side device to a target network-side device;

[0180] The processor is configured to stop forwarding packets from the terminal in accordance with the first switching instruction.

[0181] In a forty-seventh aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, wherein the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the communication method as described in the fourth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the sixth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the seventh aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the tenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the twentieth aspect.

[0182] In a forty-eighth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to: receive a companion indication sent by a terminal or a relay device via a relay device, the companion indication being used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device; and based on the companion indication, send relay-related information to a first core network function, the relay-related information being used to instruct the first core network function to associate the terminal and the relay device.

[0183] In a forty-ninth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send second information for a terminal to a first core network function, the second information including a list of area information to which a relay device belongs, the area information including at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, radio area information and radio area identifier, and the terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0184] In a fiftieth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive third information for a relay device sent by a second core network function, the third information including a regional information list;

[0185] The processor is configured to perform at least one of the following based on the third information:

[0186] Configure the area information to which the relay device belongs, and instruct the relay device to broadcast the area information;

[0187] The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier.

[0188] In a fifty-first aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send tenth information for a terminal to a first core network function, the tenth information including at least one of the following: first link information and fourth information related to a relay device, the fourth information being used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device, and the tenth information being used to instruct the first core network function to perform a third operation.

[0189] In a fifty-second aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send first link information to a first core network function, and to instruct the first core network function to obtain ninth information of a terminal related to the first link information from a fifth core network function based on the first link information.

[0190] In a 53rd aspect, a first core network function is provided, including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the 8th aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the 11th aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the 17th aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the 18th aspect.

[0191] In a fifty-fourth aspect, a first core network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used for:

[0192] The terminal receives second information sent by a network-side device, the second information containing a list of area information to which the relay device belongs, and the terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device;

[0193] According to the area information list of the relay device, a mobile area information list is sent to the terminal, and the mobile area information list is used by the terminal to send information to the network side based on the mobile area information list;

[0194] The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier.

[0195] In a fifty-fifth aspect, a first core network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive tenth information for a terminal sent by a network-side device, the tenth information including at least one of the following: first link information, fourth information related to a relay device, the fourth information being used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device;

[0196] The processor is used to perform a third operation based on the tenth information, the third operation being an association-related operation.

[0197] On the other hand, a first core network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive messages sent by network-side devices to the terminal;

[0198] The processor is used to perform an operation to cancel the association between the terminal and the relay device based on the relevant information of the terminal.

[0199] In a fifty-sixth aspect, a first core network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used for:

[0200] The terminal receives a first handover instruction sent by the source network side device. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0201] Based on the first handover instruction, a seventh message is sent to the target network-side device. The seventh message includes first link information, information related to the relay device, and information related to the terminal.

[0202] The seventh piece of information is used to instruct the target network-side device to perform at least one of the following:

[0203] Associate the first link information with the relay device;

[0204] Associate the first link information with the terminal;

[0205] Based on the first link information, a first handover instruction for the terminal is sent to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0206] In a fifty-seventh aspect, a first core network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used for:

[0207] Receive terminal-related ninth information sent by the fifth core network function, the ninth information including first link information and information related to the second core network function;

[0208] Sending the first link information and the second link information to the second core network function indicated by the information related to the second core network function, for indicating at least one of the following:

[0209] Replace the first link information with the second link information;

[0210] Associate the second link information with the relay device associated with the first link information;

[0211] Reduce the count for the first link information;

[0212] Increase the count for the second link information;

[0213] Event notifications for the first link information were cancelled;

[0214] Events related to relay devices associated with the first link information are subscribed to for the second link information.

[0215] In the fifty-eighth aspect, a second core network function is provided, including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the ninth aspect, or implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the nineteenth aspect.

[0216] In a 59th aspect, a second core network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send third information to network-side devices, the third information including a list of area information of relay devices.

[0217] On another front, a second core network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive twelfth information sent by the first core network function, the twelfth information including at least one of the following: first link information, second link information and fourth information related to the relay device, the fourth information being used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device;

[0218] The processor is configured to perform a sixth operation based on the twelfth information, the sixth operation being an association-related operation.

[0219] In a sixtieth aspect, a second core network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive first link information and second link information sent by a first core network function, and to perform a fourth operation.

[0220] In a sixty-first aspect, a fourth core network function is provided, including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the twelfth aspect, or implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the sixteenth aspect.

[0221] In aspect sixty-two, a fourth core network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used for:

[0222] Receive fifth information related to the relay device sent by the third core network function, the fifth information including second link information;

[0223] Based on the second link information, a notification message is sent to the first core network function, the notification message indicating at least one of the following:

[0224] The core network functions of the relay device serving the second link information have changed;

[0225] The core network functions serving the relay equipment have changed;

[0226] The storage location of the context of the relay device associated with the second link information has changed;

[0227] The second link information is associated with the fourth core network function.

[0228] In aspect sixty-three, a fourth core network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used for:

[0229] Receive the eighth message sent by the source network side device, the eighth message containing information related to the relay device;

[0230] The source network side device sends a first link information to the source network side device. The first link information is used by the source network side device to send a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the first link information. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0231] On another front, a third core network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send fifth information related to the relay device to a fourth core network function, the fifth information including second link information;

[0232] Based on the second link information, a notification message is sent to the first core network function, the notification message indicating at least one of the following:

[0233] The core network functions serving the relay devices related to the second link information have changed;

[0234] The core network functions serving the relay equipment have changed;

[0235] The storage location of the context of the relay device associated with the second link information has changed;

[0236] The second link information is associated with the fourth core network function.

[0237] In another aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send tenth information for a terminal to a first core network function, the tenth information including at least one of the following: first link information, fourth information related to a relay device, the fourth information being used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device, and the tenth information being used to instruct the first core network function to perform a third operation, the third operation being an association-related operation.

[0238] In a sixty-fourth aspect, a source network side device is provided, including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the thirteenth aspect, or implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the fifteenth aspect.

[0239] In a sixty-fifth aspect, a source network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send a first handover instruction for a terminal to a first core network function, the first handover instruction including an association instruction, the first handover instruction being used to instruct the terminal to handover from the source network-side device to a target network-side device, and the association instruction being used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with a relay device.

[0240] In a sixty-sixth aspect, a source network side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send eighth information for a terminal to a fourth core network function, the eighth information including relay-related information, and the eighth information is used to instruct the fourth core network function to send first link information to the source network side device;

[0241] The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0242] In a sixty-seventh aspect, a target network-side device is provided, including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the communication method as described in the fourteenth aspect.

[0243] In a sixty-eighth aspect, a target network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive seventh information sent by the first core network function, the seventh information including first link information, information related to the relay device, and information related to the terminal;

[0244] The processor is configured to perform at least one of the following based on the first link information:

[0245] Associate the first link information with the relay device;

[0246] Associate the first link information with the terminal;

[0247] Based on the first link information, a first handover instruction for the terminal is sent to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0248] In a sixty-ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising at least one of the following: a terminal, a relay device, a network-side device, a first core network function, a second core network function, a fourth core network function, a source network-side device, and a target network-side device;

[0249] The terminal can be used to perform the steps of the communication method as described in the first aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the second aspect;

[0250] The relay device can be used to perform the steps of the communication method as described in the third aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fifth aspect;

[0251] The network-side device can be used to perform the steps of the communication method as described in the fourth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the sixth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the seventh aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the tenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the twentieth aspect.

[0252] The first core network function can be used to perform the steps of the communication method as described in the eighth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the eleventh aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the seventeenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the eighteenth aspect;

[0253] The second core network function can be used to perform the steps of the communication method as described in the ninth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the nineteenth aspect;

[0254] The fourth core network function can be used to perform the steps of the communication method as described in the twelfth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the sixteenth aspect;

[0255] The source network side device can be used to perform the steps of the communication method as described in aspect thirteen, or the steps of the communication method as described in aspect fifteen;

[0256] The target network-side device can be used to perform the steps of the communication method as described in aspect fourteen.

[0257] In a seventieth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication method as described in the first aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the second aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the third aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fourth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fifth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the sixth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the seventh aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the eighth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the ninth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the tenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the eleventh aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the twelfth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the thirteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fourteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fifteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the sixteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the seventeenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the eighteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the nineteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the twentieth aspect.

[0258] In a seventy-first aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to execute a program or instructions to implement the steps of the communication method as described in the first aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the second aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the third aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fourth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fifth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the sixth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the seventh aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the eighth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the ninth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the tenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the eleventh aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the twelfth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the thirteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fourteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fifteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the sixteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the seventeenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the eighteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the nineteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the twentieth aspect.

[0259] In a seventy-second aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, which is stored in a storage medium and executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the communication method as described in the first aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the second aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the third aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fourth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fifth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the sixth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the seventh aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the eighth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the ninth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the tenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the eleventh aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the twelfth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the thirteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fourteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fifteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the sixteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the seventeenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the eighteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the nineteenth aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the twentieth aspect.

[0260] A seventy-third aspect provides a communication method, comprising:

[0261] The terminal selects the cell to stay in based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal.

[0262] Optionally, the terminal selects the cell to camp on based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal, including:

[0263] The terminal selects a cell with a small Doppler frequency shift for camping; or...

[0264] The terminal selects cells where the Doppler frequency shift of the selected signal is less than a preset value for cell camping.

[0265] A seventy-fourth aspect provides a communication method, comprising:

[0266] The terminal sends a accompaniment indication to the network-side device through the relay device. The accompaniment indication is used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[0267] Optionally, the terminal sends a accompaniment indication to the network-side device via a relay device, including any one of the following:

[0268] Based on the type information of the relay device, the terminal sends the accompanying indication to the network-side device through the relay device;

[0269] After a preset time has elapsed since the terminal connected to the relay device, the terminal sends the accompanying indication to the network-side device through the relay device.

[0270] The terminal sends the accompanying indication to the network-side device through the relay device based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal.

[0271] Upon receiving the target information sent by the relay device, the terminal sends the accompanying indication to the network-side device through the relay device.

[0272] A seventy-fifth aspect provides a communication method, comprising:

[0273] The relay device receives the first information;

[0274] The relay device performs the first operation.

[0275] Optionally, the relay device receives the first information, including:

[0276] The relay device receives the first information sent by the terminal;

[0277] The relay device performs a first operation, including:

[0278] The relay device sends a accompaniment indication and the first information to the network-side device. The accompaniment indication is used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[0279] Optionally, the relay device sends a companion indication to the network-side device, including:

[0280] The relay device sends the accompanying indication to the network-side device based on the Doppler frequency shift of the terminal's signal.

[0281] Optionally, the relay device receives the first information, including:

[0282] The relay device receives first information sent by the source network side device. The first information includes a first handover indication for the relay device. The first handover indication is used to instruct the relay device to hand over from the source network side device to the target network side device.

[0283] The relay device performs a first operation, including:

[0284] The relay device stops forwarding packets from the terminal according to the first handover instruction.

[0285] Optionally, the method further includes;

[0286] The relay device caches messages from the terminal.

[0287] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0288] The relay device switches from the source network side device to the target network side device according to the first handover instruction;

[0289] The relay device forwards messages from the terminal to the target network-side device.

[0290] A seventy-sixth aspect provides a communication method, comprising:

[0291] The network-side device receives the second information from the terminal through the relay device and performs the second operation;

[0292] The second operation includes sending relay device information to a first core network function, the relay device information being used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0293] The first core network function associates the terminal and the relay device;

[0294] The first core network function configuration Link information;

[0295] The first core network function sends Link information to the second core network function.

[0296] Optionally, performing the second operation includes:

[0297] The network-side device receives a companion indication sent by the terminal or the relay device, the companion indication being used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device;

[0298] The network-side device performs the second operation according to the accompanying instruction.

[0299] Optionally, the second operation further includes: the network-side device sending the area information to which the relay device belongs to the first core network function, or sending the area information to which the relay device belongs and first indication information to the first core network function, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the area information to which the relay device belongs does not change or may change, and the area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, radio area information, and radio area identifier.

[0300] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0301] The network-side device receives third information for the relay device sent by the second core network function, the third information including a list of regional information;

[0302] The network-side device performs at least one of the following actions based on the third information:

[0303] Configure the area information to which the relay device belongs, and instruct the relay device to broadcast the area information.

[0304] Optionally, the third information further includes second indication information, which instructs the network-side device to send the first indication information to the first core network function based on the second indication information.

[0305] A seventy-seventh aspect provides a communication method, comprising:

[0306] The network-side device receives third information for the relay device sent by the second core network function. The third information includes a list of area information. The second core network function is a core network function that serves the relay device.

[0307] The network-side device performs at least one of the following actions based on the third information:

[0308] Configure the area information to which the relay device belongs, and instruct the relay device to broadcast the area information;

[0309] The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier.

[0310] Optionally, the third information further includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the network-side device to send first indication information to the first core network function based on the second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the area information to which the relay device belongs does not change or may change.

[0311] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0312] The network-side device sends the area information to which the relay device belongs to the first core network function. The first core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal. The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0313] A seventy-eighth aspect provides a communication method, comprising:

[0314] The network-side equipment receives the link information sent by the first core network function;

[0315] The network-side device performs a second operation based on the link information;

[0316] The Link information is used to associate relay devices, which are connected to the network-side devices. The first core network function serves the terminal, which is connected to the relay device.

[0317] Optionally, the network-side device receives link information sent by the first core network function, including:

[0318] The network-side device receives the second message sent by the relay device;

[0319] The network-side device sends a third message to the first core network function based on the second message;

[0320] The network-side device receives the Link information sent by the first core network function according to the third message.

[0321] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0322] The network-side device receives information about the relay device sent by the first core network function.

[0323] Optionally, the network-side device receives link information sent by the first core network function, including:

[0324] The network-side device receives the fourth message sent by the terminal through the relay device;

[0325] The network-side device sends a fifth message to the first core network function based on the fourth message;

[0326] The network-side device receives the Link information and the terminal information sent by the first core network function according to the fifth message;

[0327] The Link information is also used to associate the terminal.

[0328] Optionally, the network-side device receives link information sent by the first core network function, including:

[0329] The network-side device receives the terminal information sent by the first core network function;

[0330] The Link information is also used to associate the terminal.

[0331] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0332] The network-side device sends relay device information to the first core network function.

[0333] Optionally, the network-side device sends relay device information to the first core network function, including:

[0334] The network-side device receives a companion indication sent by the terminal or the relay device, the companion indication being used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device;

[0335] The network-side device sends the relay device information to the first core network function according to the accompanying instruction.

[0336] Optionally, the Link information includes at least one of the following:

[0337] Identification information;

[0338] Information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[0339] Information regarding the functions of the first core network;

[0340] Information about the relay device and information about the first core network function.

[0341] A seventy-ninth aspect provides a communication method, comprising:

[0342] The network-side device sends first link information to the first core network function, and the first link information is used for at least one of the following:

[0343] Associated relay equipment;

[0344] Associated terminals;

[0345] Instructs the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device;

[0346] Instruct the first core network function to obtain terminal information related to the first link information;

[0347] The terminal is connected to the relay device, the relay device is connected to the network-side device, and the first core network function serves the terminal.

[0348] Optionally, the network-side device sends first link information to the first core network function, including:

[0349] The network-side device sends the first link information to the first core network function based on the first link information.

[0350] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following:

[0351] Identification information;

[0352] Information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[0353] Information regarding the functions of the first core network;

[0354] Information about the relay device and information about the first core network function.

[0355] Optionally, the network-side device sends first link information to the first core network function, including:

[0356] The network-side device sends the first Link information to the first core network function based on the information of the first core network function.

[0357] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0358] The network-side device receives the second link information sent by the first core network function;

[0359] The network-side device performs at least one of the following operations based on the second link information: replacing the first link information with the second link information, associating the terminal with the second link information, and associating the relay device with the second link information.

[0360] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0361] The network-side device sends terminal information and relay device information to the first core network function.

[0362] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0363] The network-side device receives the Link information sent by the first core network function;

[0364] The network-side device performs a third operation based on the link information;

[0365] The Link information is used to associate relay devices, which are connected to the network-side devices. The first core network function serves the terminal, which is connected to the relay device.

[0366] Optionally, the network-side device receives link information sent by the first core network function, including:

[0367] The network-side device receives the terminal information sent by the first core network function;

[0368] The Link information is also used to associate the terminal.

[0369] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0370] The network-side device receives information about the relay device sent by the first core network function.

[0371] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0372] The network-side device sends a second handover instruction to the second core network function. The second handover instruction is used to instruct the relay device to be switched. The second core network function serves the relay device.

[0373] The network-side device receives a first handover response for the terminal sent by the first core network function and a second handover response for the relay device sent by the second core network function.

[0374] The network-side device aggregates the first handover response and the second handover response, and sends a third handover indication to the relay device. The third handover indication is used to instruct the relay device to hand over from the source network-side device to the target network-side device.

[0375] In the eightieth aspect, a communication method is provided, including:

[0376] The first core network function receives information about relay devices sent by network-side devices;

[0377] The first core network function sends a first link information to the network-side device. The first link information is used to instruct the network-side device to associate the first link information with the relay device.

[0378] In the eighty-first aspect, a communication method is provided, including:

[0379] The first core network function receives fourth information;

[0380] The first core network function performs the fourth operation based on the fourth information.

[0381] Optionally, the first core network function receives fourth information, including:

[0382] The first core network function receives fourth information sent by the network-side device, the fourth information including information about the relay device;

[0383] The first core network function performs a fourth operation based on the fourth information, including:

[0384] The first core network function performs at least one of the following operations based on the information from the relay device:

[0385] The first core network function sends a first link information to the network-side device. The first link information is used to instruct the network-side device to associate the first link information with the relay device.

[0386] The first core network function sends a first link information to the second core network function. The first link information is used to indicate that the event notification of the second core network function in response to the first link information is cancelled.

[0387] The first core network function sends first link information and information about the relay device to the second core network function, instructing the second core network function to subscribe to events related to the relay device in the first link information and / or associate the first link information and the relay device.

[0388] The second core network function is the core network function that serves the relay equipment.

[0389] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0390] The first core network function receives a notification from the third core network function regarding the first link information, the notification indicating that the first core network function should include at least one of the following:

[0391] The core network functions serving the relay equipment have changed;

[0392] The storage location of the relay device's context has changed;

[0393] Associate the first link information with the third core network function;

[0394] The third core network function is the core network function that the relay device provides after the handover.

[0395] Optionally, the first core network function receives fourth information, including:

[0396] The first core network function receives fourth information sent by the fourth core network function. The fourth information includes first link information and information of the second core network function. The fourth core network function is the core network function that the relay device serves before the handover.

[0397] The first core network function performs a fourth operation based on the fourth information, including:

[0398] The first core network function sends the first link information and the second link information to the second core network function based on the first link information and the information of the second core network function, to instruct the second core network function to at least one of the following:

[0399] Replace the first link information with the second link information;

[0400] Associate the second link information with the relay device associated with the first link information;

[0401] Reduce the count for the first link information;

[0402] Increase the count for the second link information;

[0403] Event notifications for the first link information were cancelled;

[0404] Events related to relay devices associated with the first link information are subscribed to for the second link information.

[0405] Optionally, the first core network function receives fourth information, including:

[0406] The first core network function receives the fourth information sent by the network-side device. The fourth information includes information about the fourth core network function and information about the first link. The fourth core network function is the core network function that the relay device serves before the handover.

[0407] The method further includes:

[0408] The first core network function sends the first link information to the fourth core network function. The first link information is used to instruct the fourth core network function to return information about the second core network function related to the first link information.

[0409] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0410] The first core network function receives information from the second core network function;

[0411] The first core network function sends the first Link information and the second Link information to the second core network function to instruct the second core network function to perform at least one of the following:

[0412] Replace the first Link information with the second Link information;

[0413] Associate the second Link information with the relay device associated with the first Link information;

[0414] Reduce the count for the first Link information;

[0415] Increase the count for the second Link information;

[0416] The event notification for the first Link information was cancelled;

[0417] Events related to the relay device associated with the first Link information are subscribed to for the second Link information.

[0418] Optionally, the first core network function receives fourth information, including:

[0419] The first core network function receives fourth information sent by the fourth core network function, the fourth information including first Link information;

[0420] The method further includes:

[0421] The first core network function sends information about a second core network function related to the first Link information to the fourth core network function. This second core network function information is used by the first core network function to send the first Link information and the second Link information to the second core network function, and is used to instruct the second core network function to include at least one of the following:

[0422] Replace the first Link information with the second Link information;

[0423] Associate the second Link information with the relay device associated with the first Link information;

[0424] Reduce the count for the first Link information;

[0425] Increase the count for the second Link information;

[0426] The event notification for the first Link information was cancelled;

[0427] Events related to the relay device associated with the first Link information are subscribed to for the second Link information.

[0428] Optionally, the first core network function receives fourth information, including:

[0429] The first core network function receives fourth information sent by the network-side device, the fourth information including information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[0430] The first core network function performs a fourth operation based on the fourth information, including:

[0431] The first core network function sends first Link information, second Link information, and relay device information related to the terminal to the second core network function based on the terminal information.

[0432] Optionally, the method further includes;

[0433] The first core network function receives an instruction from the second core network function and performs at least one of the following actions based on the instruction:

[0434] Replace the first Link information with the second Link information;

[0435] Associate the second Link information with the terminal.

[0436] Optionally, the method further includes;

[0437] The first core network function sends first Link information, second Link information, and information about the relay device related to the terminal to the second core network function based on the information of the relay device.

[0438] Optionally, the first core network function sends first Link information, second Link information, and information about the relay device related to the terminal to the second core network function based on the information of the relay device, including:

[0439] If the first core network function determines that the core network function information indicated by the relay device is the same as the core network function information indicated by the first Link information, then it sends the first Link information, the second Link information, and the relay device information to the second core network function.

[0440] Eighty-second aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising:

[0441] The first core network function receives the area information of the relay device and the first indication information sent by the network side device. The first indication information is used to indicate that the area information of the relay device has not changed.

[0442] The first core network function sends the area information of the relay device to the terminal according to the first instruction information.

[0443] Eighty-third aspect: A communication method is provided, comprising:

[0444] The second core network function receives the fifth information;

[0445] The second core network function performs the fifth operation based on the fifth information.

[0446] Optionally, the second core network function receives the fifth information, including:

[0447] The second core network function receives the fifth information sent by the first core network function, where the first core network function is a core network device serving the terminal, and the fifth information includes link information and relay device information;

[0448] The second core network device performs a fifth operation based on the fifth information, including:

[0449] The second core network device performs at least one of the following operations based on the Link information and the relay device information:

[0450] Add the Link information to the context of the relay device;

[0451] Store the Link information and the relationship between the relay devices;

[0452] Reduce the count associated with the Link information.

[0453] Optionally, the second core network function receives the fifth information, including:

[0454] The second core network function receives the fifth information sent by the fourth core network function. The fourth core network function is the core network function that the relay device serves before the handover. The fifth information includes Link information, information of the first core network function, and information of the relay device.

[0455] The second core network function performs a fifth operation based on the fifth information, including:

[0456] The second core network function sends a notification regarding link information to the first core network function based on the fifth information. The notification is used to indicate to the first core network function at least one of the following: the core network function serving the relay device has changed.

[0457] The storage location of the relay device's context has changed.

[0458] Optionally, the second core network function receives the fifth information, including:

[0459] The second core network function receives the fifth information sent by the first core network function, where the first core network function is a core network function serving the terminal, and the fifth information includes Link information;

[0460] The second core network function performs a fifth operation based on the fifth information, including:

[0461] The second core network device performs at least one of the following operations based on the fifth information:

[0462] Delete the Link information from the context of the relay device;

[0463] Delete the correspondence between the Link information and the relay device;

[0464] Increase the count associated with the Link information.

[0465] Optionally, the second core network function receives the fifth information, including:

[0466] The second core network function receives the fifth information sent by the first core network function, where the first core network function is a core network device serving the terminal, and the fifth information includes first Link information and relay device information;

[0467] The second core network function performs a fifth operation based on the fifth information, including:

[0468] The second core network function returns fourth indication information to the first core network function based on the fifth information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate whether to use the first Link information to associate the status of the relay device.

[0469] Optionally, the fifth information may further include second Link information;

[0470] The method further includes:

[0471] The second core network function, upon determining that the second Link information is associated with a relay device, does not use the first Link information to associate the relay device; or,

[0472] If the second core network function determines that the second Link information is not associated with the relay device, it uses the first Link information to associate the relay device.

[0473] Optionally, the second core network function receives the fifth information, including:

[0474] The second core network function receives the fifth information sent by the first core network function or the fourth core network device. The first core network device is a core network device serving the terminal, and the fourth core network function is the core network function of the relay device serving the relay device before handover. The fifth information includes first link information and second link information.

[0475] The second core network function performs a fifth operation based on the fifth information, including:

[0476] The second core network function performs at least one of the following operations based on the fifth information:

[0477] The second core network function uses the second Link information to update the first Link information.

[0478] The second core network function sends the first Link information and the second Link information to the fourth core network function.

[0479] Eighty-third aspect: A communication method is provided, comprising:

[0480] The second core network function sends a list of area information for relay devices to network-side devices.

[0481] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0482] The second core network function sends a fifth instruction message to the network-side device, the fifth instruction message being used to instruct the network-side device to use the area information in the area information list.

[0483] In this embodiment, the first core network function receives tenth information for the terminal sent by the network-side device. This tenth information includes first link information and / or fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information instructs the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The first core network function can perform a third operation based on the received tenth information. Since the first core network function can determine whether the terminal has left the original relay device, connected to a new relay device, or maintained its connection with the original relay device based on the received tenth information, it can maintain and manage the association between the terminal and the relay device by performing the third operation. Attached Figure Description

[0484] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a block diagram of a wireless communication system to which embodiments of this application may be applied;

[0485] Figure 2a A schematic diagram of a data model for mobility management provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0486] Figure 2b Another schematic diagram of the data model for mobility management provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0487] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0488] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0489] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0490] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0491] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0492] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0493] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0494] Figure 10This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0495] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0496] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0497] Figure 13a This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0498] Figure 13b This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0499] Figure 14a This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0500] Figure 14b This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0501] Figure 15 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0502] Figure 16 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0503] Figure 17 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0504] Figure 18 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0505] Figure 19 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0506] Figure 20 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0507] Figure 21 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0508] Figure 22 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0509] Figure 23 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0510] Figure 24 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0511] Figure 25 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0512] Figure 26 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0513] Figure 27 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0514] Figure 28 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0515] Figure 29 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0516] Figure 30 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0517] Figure 31 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0518] Figure 32 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal to implement an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0519] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0520] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, not limited in number; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0521] It is worth noting that the technologies described in this application are not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in this application are often used interchangeably, and the described technologies can be used with the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as with other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes New Radio (NR) systems for illustrative purposes, and NR terminology is used in most of the following description; however, these technologies can also be applied to applications beyond NR systems, such as 6th generation (6G) radio systems. th Generation 6G communication system.

[0522] Figure 1This diagram illustrates a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. Terminal 11 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer (also known as a notebook computer), personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld computer, netbook, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), mobile internet device (MID), augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, robot, wearable device, vehicle-mounted device (VUE), pedestrian terminal (PUE), smart home (home devices with wireless communication capabilities, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, or furniture), game console, personal computer (PC), ATM, or self-service machine, etc. Wearable devices include: smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart chains, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. It should be noted that the specific type of terminal 11 is not limited in this embodiment. Network-side equipment 12 may include access network equipment or core network equipment. Access network equipment 12 may also be referred to as radio access network equipment, radio access network (RAN), radio access network function, or radio access network unit. Access network equipment 12 may include base stations, WLAN access points, or WiFi nodes, etc. Base stations may be referred to as Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), access point, base transceiver station (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), home B node, home evolved B node, Transmitting Receiving Point (TRP), or any other suitable term in the field, as long as the same technical effect is achieved. The base station is not limited to specific technical terms. It should be noted that this application embodiment only uses a base station in an NR system as an example for description and does not limit the specific type of base station.Core network equipment may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Centralized network configuration (CNC), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Local NEF (or L-NEF), Binding Support Function (BSF), and Application Function. Function (AF), etc. It should be noted that the embodiments of this application only use the core network equipment in the NR system as an example for introduction, and do not limit the specific type of core network equipment.

[0523] The communication method provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0524] First, let me explain the terms used in this application:

[0525] Link information includes at least one of the following: identification information, terminal-related information, relay equipment-related information, core network function-related information, and association indication.

[0526] Terminal-related information, including all possible information related to the terminal, such as terminal identification information, identification code, etc.

[0527] Information related to relay equipment includes various possible information related to the relay equipment, such as the relay equipment's identifier, subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), or globally unique temporary UE identity (GUTI).

[0528] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the data model for mobility management provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2b Another schematic diagram of the data model for mobility management provided in the embodiments of this application is shown below. Figure 2a As shown, each relay is served by a second core network function (such as AMF, i.e., AMF-Relay or AMF-Relay), which maintains the relay context.

[0529] The Relay context includes a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), a dynamic Relay ID (i.e., a 5G globally unique temporary UE identity, GUTI) known to network-side devices (such as NG-RAN), and multiple Link information dynamically assigned by the first core network function serving the terminal (such as AMF, i.e., AMF-terminal or AMF-UE). The Link information may include a Link ID or other information that can identify a Link. The Link information includes an AMF ID, which identifies the AMF that assigned the Link information, and Link information for different Relay contexts is assigned by different AMFs.

[0530] In addition, each terminal is served by a first core network function (such as AMF, i.e., AMF-terminal, or AMF-UE), which maintains the terminal context. When a terminal is relayed by a relay device, the terminal context includes Link information, which may include a Link ID. The Link information is dynamically assigned and associated with the relay device by the first core network function AMF-UE. Furthermore, the terminal context also includes an AMF ID (which is associated with the Link information), indicating the AMF serving the relay device.

[0531] The network-side equipment (NG-RAN) serving the relay device maintains the relay context, which contains one or more link information. When a terminal moves with the relay device without performing mobile registration and the first core network function (AMF-UE) changes, the terminal's 5G-GUTI indicates the AMF before the handover, i.e., the old AMF, while the link information indicates the AMF after the handover, i.e., the new AMF.

[0532] It should be understood that, such as Figure 2b As shown, terminals served by the same first core network function and relayed by the same relay device will be assigned the same Link information. For example, terminals 1 and 2 are relayed by the same relay device and are both served by the first core network function AMF-UEa. Therefore, the first core network function AMF-UEa will assign the same Link information 1 to terminals 1 and 2. Terminals 3 and 4 are relayed by the same relay device and are both served by the first core network function AMF-UEb. Therefore, the first core network function AMF-UEb will assign the same Link information 2 to terminals 1 and 2.

[0533] The following is combined with Figure 2a and Figure 2b This invention describes the communication method, apparatus, and device of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 The method is applied to the terminal. The method includes:

[0534] Step 301: The terminal selects the cell to stay in based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal.

[0535] The terminal can select the cell to stay in based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal, thus enabling it to access the relay equipment normally.

[0536] Optionally, when selecting a cell to camp on, the terminal can choose a cell with a small Doppler frequency shift, or the terminal can choose a cell with a Doppler frequency shift less than a preset value.

[0537] The terminal can prioritize camping on cells with smaller Doppler frequency shifts, in descending order of signal frequency shift. Alternatively, the terminal can choose to camp on the cell with the smallest frequency shift.

[0538] The preset values ​​can be set according to actual conditions or experience.

[0539] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allows the terminal to select the cell to reside in based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal, thereby enabling normal access to the relay device.

[0540] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The method is applied to the terminal. The method includes:

[0541] Step 401: The terminal sends a accompaniment indication to the network-side device through the relay device. The accompaniment indication is used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[0542] Optionally, when a terminal sends a accompaniment indication to a network-side device via a relay device, it may do so in any of the following circumstances: the terminal sends the accompaniment indication to the network-side device via the relay device based on the type information of the relay device; the terminal sends the accompaniment indication to the network-side device via the relay device after a preset time period following access to the relay device; the terminal sends the accompaniment indication to the network-side device via the relay device based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal; or the terminal sends the accompaniment indication to the network-side device via the relay device upon receiving target information sent by the relay device.

[0543] The type information is used to indicate the device type of the relay device. For example, if the terminal discovers that it is following a relay device, it will send a accompaniment indication to the network-side device through the relay device.

[0544] The preset duration can be set according to actual conditions or experience. After the terminal has been connected to the relay device for the preset duration, it indicates that the terminal has indeed followed the relay device. At this time, the terminal will send a accompaniment indication to the network side device through the relay device.

[0545] If the terminal moves with the relay device, the Doppler frequency shift of the terminal is usually small. If the terminal does not move with the relay device, and only the relay device or only the terminal moves, the Doppler frequency shift of the terminal is usually large. Therefore, the terminal can send the accompanying indication to the network-side device through the relay device according to the magnitude of the Doppler frequency shift of the signal.

[0546] The target information can be preset characters or preset information. When the terminal receives the target information sent by the relay device, it will send the accompanying indication to the network-side device through the relay device.

[0547] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allows the terminal to send a accompaniment indication to the network-side device through the relay device, indicating whether the terminal should follow the relay device, thereby ensuring that the terminal can associate with the relay device after accessing the relay device.

[0548] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5The method is applied to relay equipment. The method includes:

[0549] Step 501: The relay device receives the first information sent by the terminal.

[0550] Step 502: The relay device sends a accompaniment indication and first information to the network-side device. The accompaniment indication is used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[0551] Optionally, when the relay device sends the accompanying indication to the network-side device, it may do so based on the Doppler frequency shift of the terminal's signal.

[0552] When the frequency shift of the terminal signal is small, or when the frequency shift is less than a preset value, the relay device sends an accompanying indication to the network-side device.

[0553] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allows the relay device to send a accompaniment indication to the network-side device to indicate whether the terminal should follow the relay device, thereby ensuring that the terminal can associate with the relay device after accessing the relay device.

[0554] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 The method is applied to network-side devices. The method includes:

[0555] Step 601: The network-side device receives the accompanying instruction sent by the terminal or relay device through the relay device.

[0556] The accompanying indication is used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device. The terminal can send the accompanying indication based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal, such as when the frequency shift of the terminal's signal is small, or when the frequency shift is less than a preset value.

[0557] Step 602: The network-side device sends relay-related information to the first core network function based on the accompanying indication.

[0558] The relay-related information is used to instruct the first core network function to associate the terminal and the relay device. Based on the relay-related information, the first core network function can associate the terminal and the relay device after the terminal accesses the relay device.

[0559] Among them, relay-related information can be understood as information about relay devices.

[0560] Among them, the first core network function is the core network function that serves the terminal, such as AMF-UE.

[0561] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allows the network-side device to send relay-related information to the first core network function when it receives a companion instruction sent by a terminal or relay device, thereby ensuring that the terminal can associate with the relay device after accessing the relay device.

[0562] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 The method is applied to relay equipment. The method includes:

[0563] Step 701: The relay device receives the first information sent by the source network side device.

[0564] The first information includes a first handover instruction for the relay device, which instructs the relay device to switch from the source network-side device to the target network-side device.

[0565] Step 702: The relay device stops forwarding packets from the terminal according to the first handover instruction.

[0566] The messages from the terminal can include signaling and data sent by the terminal.

[0567] Optionally, the relay device can cache messages from the terminal.

[0568] Optionally, the relay device can also switch from the source network side device to the target network side device according to the first handover command, and forward the packets from the terminal to the target network side device.

[0569] It should be noted that the above-mentioned terminals are not specific terminals, but rather refer to all terminals.

[0570] The relay device can cache the received terminal packets, and after switching to the target network device, it will forward the cached and received terminal packets.

[0571] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allows the relay device to stop forwarding messages from the terminal when it receives a first handover instruction, thereby reducing data loss. The relay device caches the terminal's messages and forwards the terminal's messages after the relay device switches from the source network side device to the target network side device, thus ensuring that data transmission is not interrupted.

[0572] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 The method is applied to network-side devices. The method includes:

[0573] Step 801: The network-side device sends the second information for the terminal to the first core network function.

[0574] The second information includes a list of area information to which the relay device belongs. The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier. The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0575] The area information in the list of areas to which the relay equipment belongs includes the cell where the relay equipment is located.

[0576] Optionally, the network-side device sends a first indication message to the first core network function, the first indication message being used to indicate whether the area information to which the relay device belongs remains unchanged or may change.

[0577] Optionally, the network-side device receives third information for the relay device sent by the second core network function, the third information including a list of area information; the network-side device performs at least one of the following based on the third information: configuring the area information to which the relay device belongs, and indicating the broadcast area information to the relay device.

[0578] The second core network function is the core network function that serves the relay equipment, such as AMF-relay.

[0579] After receiving the third information sent by the second core network function, the network-side device can configure the area information to which the relay device belongs based on the area information list included in the third information, or indicate the area information to which the relay device broadcasts, or configure the area information to which the relay device belongs and indicate the area information to which the relay device broadcasts at the same time.

[0580] Optionally, the third information may further include second indication information, which is used to instruct the network-side device to send the first indication information to the first core network function based on the second indication information.

[0581] The first indication information is used to indicate whether the area information to which the relay device belongs remains unchanged or may change.

[0582] The communication method provided in this application allows the relay device to update its location promptly when its regional location changes. Furthermore, since the terminal is connected to the relay device (i.e., it follows the relay device), when both the terminal and the relay device's regional locations change simultaneously, only the relay device needs to update its location; the terminal does not need to update its location. This reduces the amount of data transmitted by the terminal and minimizes resource waste.

[0583] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9The method is applied to network-side devices. The method includes:

[0584] Step 901: The network-side device receives third information for the relay device sent by the second core network function, the third information including a list of area information.

[0585] Step 902: The network-side device performs at least one of the following actions based on the third information: configuring the area information to which the relay device belongs, and indicating the broadcast area information to the relay device.

[0586] The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier.

[0587] After receiving the third information sent by the second core network function, the network-side device can configure the area information to which the relay device belongs based on the area information list included in the third information, or indicate the area information to which the relay device broadcasts, or configure the area information to which the relay device belongs and indicate the area information to which the relay device broadcasts at the same time.

[0588] Optionally, the network-side device may send second information for the terminal to the first core network function. This second information includes a list of area information to which the relay device belongs, and the terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0589] Among them, the first core network function is the core network function that serves the terminal, such as AMF-UE.

[0590] The area information in the list of areas to which the relay equipment belongs includes the cell where the relay equipment is located.

[0591] Optionally, the network-side device may also send a first indication message to the first core network function, the first indication message being used to indicate whether the area information to which the relay device belongs remains unchanged or may change.

[0592] Optionally, the third information may further include second indication information, which is used to instruct the network-side device to send the first indication information to the first core network function based on the second indication information.

[0593] The first indication information is used to indicate whether the area information to which the relay device belongs remains unchanged or may change.

[0594] The communication method provided in this application allows the relay device to update its location promptly when its regional location changes. Furthermore, since the terminal is connected to the relay device (i.e., it follows the relay device), when both the terminal and the relay device's regional locations change simultaneously, only the relay device needs to update its location; the terminal does not need to update its location. This reduces the amount of data transmitted by the terminal and minimizes resource waste.

[0595] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 The method is applied to the first core network function. The method includes:

[0596] Step 1001: The first core network function receives the second information for the terminal sent by the network-side device.

[0597] The second information includes a list of regional information to which the relay device belongs, and the terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0598] The area information in the list of areas to which the relay equipment belongs includes the cell where the relay equipment is located.

[0599] Step 1002: The first core network function sends a mobile area information list to the terminal based on the area information list of the relay device.

[0600] The mobile area information list is used by the terminal to send information to the network side based on the mobile area information list.

[0601] The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier.

[0602] Optionally, the second information may also include first indication information, which indicates that the area information list of the relay device has not changed. The first core network function may send the mobile area information list to the terminal based on the first indication information.

[0603] Upon receiving the first instruction information, the first core network function can determine that the area information list of the relay device has not changed, and then it can send the mobile area information list to the terminal.

[0604] The communication method provided in this application allows the relay device to update its location promptly when its regional location changes. Furthermore, since the terminal is connected to the relay device (i.e., it follows the relay device), when both the terminal and the relay device's regional locations change simultaneously, only the relay device needs to update its location; the terminal does not need to update its location. This reduces the amount of data transmitted by the terminal and minimizes resource waste.

[0605] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 The method is applied to the second core network function. The method includes:

[0606] Step 1101: The second core network function sends third information to the network-side devices, which includes a list of area information for the relay devices.

[0607] The area information in the list of areas to which the relay equipment belongs includes the cell where the relay equipment is located.

[0608] Optionally, the third information may also include second indication information, which is used to instruct the network-side device to send first indication information to the first core network function based on the second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the area information to which the relay device belongs does not change or may change.

[0609] Among them, the first core network function is the core network function that serves the terminal.

[0610] The communication method provided in this application allows the relay device to update its location promptly when its regional location changes. Furthermore, since the terminal is connected to the relay device (i.e., it follows the relay device), when both the terminal and the relay device's regional locations change simultaneously, only the relay device needs to update its location; the terminal does not need to update its location. This reduces the amount of data transmitted by the terminal and minimizes resource waste.

[0611] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 The method is applied to the first core network function. The method includes:

[0612] Step 1201: The first core network function receives the tenth information for the terminal sent by the network-side device.

[0613] The tenth information includes at least one of the following: first link information and fourth information related to the relay device, which is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0614] Specifically, the first core network function is the core network function serving the terminal, such as AMF-UE. The first link information may include, for example, a Link ID. The fourth information related to the relay device can also be understood as the context information of the relay device, which includes a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), a dynamic Relay ID known to network-side devices (such as NG-RAN) (i.e., 5G-GloballyUnique Temporary UE Identity (GUTI)), and multiple Link information dynamically assigned by the first core network function serving the terminal (such as AMF, i.e., AMF-Terminal, or AMF-UE).

[0615] Step 1202: The first core network function performs the third operation based on the tenth information.

[0616] The third operation is an association-related operation. For example, an association-related operation may include an operation to reduce the number of associated terminals for a relay device, or an operation to add associated terminals for a relay device.

[0617] In this embodiment, the first core network function receives tenth information for the terminal sent by the network-side device. This tenth information includes first link information and / or fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information instructs the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The first core network function can perform a third operation based on the received tenth information. Since the first core network function can determine whether the terminal has left the original relay device, connected to a new relay device, or maintained its connection with the original relay device based on the received tenth information, it can maintain and manage the association between the terminal and the relay device by performing the third operation.

[0618] Optionally, in one embodiment, when the tenth information includes first link information, the first core network function performing a third operation based on the tenth information may include at least one of the following: the first core network function unassociating a terminal with the first link information; the first core network function sending the first link information to a second core network function based on the first link information, the first link information being used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the number of associated terminals with the target relay device associated with the first link information; and the first core network function reducing the number of associated terminals with the target relay device associated with the first link information based on the first link information.

[0619] Specifically, if the tenth information includes the first link information but does not include the fourth information, it indicates that the terminal may have disconnected from the target relay device corresponding to the first link information. Therefore, the first core network function will cancel the association between the terminal and the target relay device associated with the first link information. For example, the terminal is associated with the first link information, and the first link information is associated with its associated target relay device. Therefore, after the first core network device cancels the association between the terminal and the target relay device associated with the first link information, it can also cancel the association between the terminal and the target relay device associated with the first link information.

[0620] For example, the first core network function can also send the first link information to the second core network function based on the first link information to notify the second core network function that the terminal associated with the relay device related to the first link information is in a departing state, that is, the target relay device has reduced the number of associated terminals.

[0621] For example, the first core network function can also reduce the number of associated terminals for target relay devices related to the first link information based on the first link link information.

[0622] In this context, the reduction in associated terminals of the target relay device can be understood as the target relay device losing associated terminals, or as the reduction of one associated terminal.

[0623] The second core network function is the core network function that serves the relay equipment, such as AMF-relay.

[0624] In this embodiment, when the tenth information includes the first link information, the first core network function performs at least one of the following operations: canceling the association of the terminal with the first link information; sending the first link information to the second core network function based on the first link information; and reducing the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the first link information, so as to instruct the second core network function to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the first link information. Thus, when the terminal disconnects from the target relay device related to the first link information, the association between the terminal and the target relay device can be canceled, thereby realizing the management of the association between the terminal and the relay device.

[0625] Optionally, in one embodiment, the first link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; information of the relay device and information of the terminal; information of the first core network function; information of the relay device and information of the first core network function; and an association indication, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0626] Specifically, identification information can be understood as a unique identifier, serving as an index for searching information; it can be numbers, characters, or strings. Information about relay devices can be, for example, the identification information of the relay device, or other information. Information about terminals can be, for example, the identification information of the terminal, or other information. Information about the first core network function can be, for example, the identification information of the first core network function, or other information.

[0627] It should be understood that when the first link information is an association indication or a non-association indication, it indicates whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device. The non-association indication or association indication can be implicit.

[0628] Optionally, in one embodiment, when the tenth information includes the fourth information, the first core network function performing a third operation based on the tenth information includes at least one of the following: the first core network function associating a terminal with second link information based on the fourth information; the first core network function sending the second link information and the fourth information to the second core network function based on the fourth information, wherein the second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to add associated terminals to the relay device; and the first core network function adding associated terminals to the relay device based on the fourth information.

[0629] The second link information is used to indicate that the terminal is associated with the relay device corresponding to the fourth information.

[0630] The second link information is either the link information allocated by the first core network function or the link information sent by other core network functions, and it may include the link ID.

[0631] The addition of associated terminals to relay equipment can also be understood as adding an associated terminal.

[0632] Specifically, if the tenth information does not include the first link information, and the terminal connects to a new relay device, the first core network function will re-associate the terminal with a new link information, such as associating it with the second link information newly allocated by the first core network function. Alternatively, the first core network function can also send the newly allocated second link information and the fourth information to the second core network function serving the relay device based on the fourth information sent by the network-side device. This instructs the second core network function that the relay device associated with the fourth information will add associated terminals, thus increasing the association between the terminal and the relay device corresponding to the fourth information. The first core network function can also add associated terminals to the relay devices associated with the fourth information based on the fourth information.

[0633] In this embodiment, through the third operation described above, when a terminal accesses a new relay device, the terminal and the accessed relay device can be re-associated, that is, the association between the terminal and the accessed relay device can be established, thereby completing the maintenance and management of the association between the terminal and the relay device.

[0634] Optionally, in one embodiment, when the tenth information includes first link information and fourth information, the first core network function performing a third operation based on the tenth information includes at least one of the following:

[0635] The first core network function, based on the first link information and the fourth information, associates a terminal with second link information, which is used to indicate that the terminal is associated with a relay device. The first core network function, based on the first link information and the fourth information, sends second link information and the fourth information to the second core network function. The second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to add associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information. The first core network function, based on the first link information and the fourth information, adds associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information. The first core network function, based on the first link information and the fourth information, sends the first link information to the second core network function. The information, the second link information, and the fourth information, wherein the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information, and to add associated terminals of the relay device related to the fourth information; the first core network function, based on the first link information and the fourth information, reduces the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information, and adds associated terminals of the relay device related to the fourth information; the first core network function, based on the first link information and the fourth information, stops instructing the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the relay device related to the first link information.

[0636] The second link information is used to indicate that the terminal is associated with the relay device.

[0637] Specifically, if the tenth information includes both the first link information and the fourth information, it indicates that the terminal may have disconnected from the target relay device corresponding to the first link information and reconnected to the relay device corresponding to the fourth information. Therefore, the first core network function will associate a new second link information for the terminal based on the first link information and the fourth information. This can also be understood as associating the terminal with the relay device corresponding to the fourth information, or establishing an association between the terminal and the relay device corresponding to the fourth information.

[0638] For example, the first core network function can also send second link information and fourth information to the second core network function serving the relay device, instructing the second core network function to add associated terminals to the relay device related to the fourth information. This operation can also be understood as associating the terminal with the second link information, or associating the terminal with the relay device corresponding to the fourth information.

[0639] For example, the first core network device can establish an association between relay devices and terminals related to the fourth information based on the first link information and the fourth information, that is, add associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information.

[0640] For example, the first core network function can also send the received first link information, fourth information, and newly allocated second link information to the second core network function to notify the second core network function to reduce the number of associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information and to add associated terminals of the relay device related to the fourth information. This operation can also be understood as associating the terminal with the second link information and canceling the association with the first link information, or it can be understood as establishing an association between the terminal and the relay device related to the fourth information and canceling the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the first link information.

[0641] For example, the first core network function can also cancel the association between the target relay device and the terminal related to the first link information based on the first link information and the fourth information, and establish the association between the relay device and the terminal related to the fourth information. That is, reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the first link information, and add the number of terminals associated with the relay device related to the fourth information.

[0642] For example, if the first core network function determines that the target relay device related to the first link information is the same as the relay device corresponding to the fourth information, meaning that after the terminal disconnects from the relay device and then reconnects to it, the first core network function does not need to unassociate with the relay device and then re-establish an association with it. Therefore, based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function will stop instructing the second core network function to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the first link information; that is, the first core network function will not instruct the second core network function to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the first link information.

[0643] In this embodiment, when the tenth information includes the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function can, through the above-mentioned third operation, cancel the association relationship with the target relay device and re-establish the association relationship with the relay device when the terminal disconnects from the target relay device and then reconnects to the relay device, thereby realizing the maintenance and management of the association relationship between the terminal and the relay device.

[0644] Optionally, if the tenth information includes the fourth information, the first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, including at least one of the following:

[0645] The first core network function obtains first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. The first core network function associates second link information with the terminal based on the first link information and the fourth information.

[0646] When the terminal’s relevant information includes first link information, the first core network function associates second link information with the terminal based on the first link information and the fourth information. The second link information is used to indicate that the terminal is associated with the relay device.

[0647] The first core network function obtains the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. The first core network function sends the second link information and the fourth information to the second core network function based on the first link information and the fourth information. The second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to add associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information.

[0648] When the terminal’s relevant information includes first link information, the first core network function sends second link information and fourth information to the second core network function based on the first link information and the fourth information. The second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to add associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information.

[0649] The first core network function obtains first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function adds associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information.

[0650] When the terminal’s related information includes first link information, the first core network function adds associated terminals to relay devices related to the fourth information based on the first link information and the fourth information.

[0651] The first core network function obtains first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function sends the first link information, the second link information and the fourth information to the second core network function. The first link information, the second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information, and the relay device related to the fourth information to increase the associated terminals.

[0652] When the relevant information of the terminal includes first link information, the first core network function sends the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information to the second core network function based on the first link information and the fourth information. The first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information, and the relay device related to the fourth information to increase the associated terminals.

[0653] The first core network function obtains the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function reduces the associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information, and adds the associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information.

[0654] When the terminal’s related information includes first link information, the first core network function reduces the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information based on the first link information and the fourth information, and adds the number of associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information.

[0655] The first core network function obtains the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function stops instructing the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information.

[0656] If the terminal's relevant information includes first link information, the first core network function, based on the first link information and the fourth information, stops instructing the second core network function to reduce the number of associated terminals associated with the target relay device related to the first link information.

[0657] Specifically, the fifth core network function is the core network function that serves the terminal before handover. The first core network function can obtain the first link information from the aforementioned fifth core network function based on the terminal's relevant information. Additionally, the terminal's relevant information may also include the first link information.

[0658] In this embodiment, the first core network function can obtain the first link information through the relevant information of the terminal or from the fifth core network function. Thus, when the core network function of the terminal is switched, the association between the terminal and the relay device can be managed and maintained based on the first link information.

[0659] Optionally, if the tenth information includes first link information, the first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, including at least one of the following:

[0660] The first core network function obtains third link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the third link information, the first core network function stops unassociating the terminal with the third link information, or maintains the association between the terminal and the third link information, or stops sending the third link information to the second core network function, or sends the third link information to the second core network function. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information.

[0661] When the terminal's relevant information includes third link information, the first core network function, based on the first link information and the third link information, may either stop unassociating the terminal with the third link information, maintain the association between the terminal and the third link information, stop sending the third link information to the second core network function, or send the third link information to the second core network function. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information.

[0662] In the case where the first link information is an association indication, the first core network function can obtain the third link from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. The third link can be a link ID or other information other than the association indication.

[0663] In this embodiment, when the tenth information includes the first link information, the first core network function can manage and maintain the association between the terminal and the relay device through the above operations.

[0664] Optionally, the first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, and may further include the first core network function sending second link information to the network-side device based on the tenth information, the second link information being used to instruct the network-side device to associate with a relay device.

[0665] The first core network function can send second link information to network-side devices to associate relay devices, thereby enabling the management and maintenance of the association between terminals and relay devices through network-side devices.

[0666] Optionally, the first core network function sends second link information to the network-side device, including: the first core network function receiving eleventh information sent by the second core network function, the eleventh information indicating at least one of the following: the relay device associated with the first link information is the same as or different from the relay device associated with the fourth information; the relay device associated with the first link information has fewer associated terminals, and the relay device associated with the fourth information has more associated terminals; the relay device associated with the first link information has neither fewer nor more associated terminals; the first core network function uses the first link information; the first core network function uses the second link information; and the first core network function sends the second link information to the network-side device according to the eleventh information.

[0667] Specifically, if the relay device related to the first link information is the same as the relay device related to the fourth information, it means that the relay device connected before the terminal disconnected and the relay device connected later are the same relay device. If the relay device related to the first link information is different from the relay device related to the fourth information, it means that the relay device connected before the terminal disconnected and the relay device connected later are different relay devices.

[0668] Furthermore, if the first core network function uses the first link information, it indicates that the relay device related to the first link information is the same as the relay device related to the fourth information. If the first core network function uses the second link information, it indicates that the relay device related to the first link information is different from the relay device related to the fourth information.

[0669] As an example, the first core network function, based on the eleventh information, may send the second link information to the network-side device if it is determined that the relay device related to the first link information is different from the relay device related to the fourth information.

[0670] In this embodiment, the first core network function can send second link information to the network-side device based on the received eleventh information. The network-side device can then perform data transmission based on the second link information, ensuring that data transmission is not interrupted.

[0671] Optionally, the second link information mentioned above includes at least one of the following: identification information; information of the relay device and information of the terminal; information of the first core network function; information of the relay device and information of the first core network function; association indication, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0672] Specifically, identification information can be understood as a unique identifier, serving as an index for searching information; it can be numbers, characters, or strings. Information about relay devices can be, for example, the identification information of the relay device, or other information. Information about terminals can be, for example, the identification information of the terminal, or other information. Information about the first core network function can be, for example, the identification information of the first core network function, or other information.

[0673] It should be understood that when the second link information is an association indication or a non-association indication, it indicates whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device. The non-association indication or association indication can be implicit.

[0674] It should be understood that the first link information and the second link information can be the same or different.

[0675] Optionally, the first core network function receives a notification message from the fourth core network function regarding the second link information. The notification message indicates that the first core network function serves a relay device associated with the second link information; the storage location of the context of the relay device associated with the second link information has changed; or the second link information is associated with the fourth core network function.

[0676] The fourth core network function is the core network function after the relay equipment is switched, and can also be understood as the new core network function.

[0677] The context of the relay device includes SUPI, dynamic RelayIDs such as GUTI known to network-side devices (such as NG-RAN), and multiple Link information dynamically assigned by the first core network function serving the terminal (such as AMF, i.e., AMF-Terminal, or AMF-UE).

[0678] Optionally, the notification message may also include information related to the relay device.

[0679] Specifically, after the relay device is switched, the fourth core network function after the switch will send a notification message to the first core network function to notify the first core network function that the relay device related to the second link information has switched core network functions. In this way, communication can continue through the switched core network function in subsequent communication processes, so that data transmission will not be interrupted.

[0680] Figure 13a This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13a The method is applied to the first core network function. The method includes:

[0681] Step 11: The first core network function receives messages for the terminal sent by the network-side equipment.

[0682] Step 12: The first core network function performs the operation of canceling the association between the terminal and the relay device based on the relevant information of the terminal.

[0683] The terminal's relevant information can be obtained from the fifth core network function or stored locally in the first core network function. The fifth core network function is the core network function that serves the terminal before the terminal switches core network functions.

[0684] In this embodiment of the application, the first core network function receives messages for the terminal sent by the network-side device, and performs an operation to cancel the association between the terminal and the relay device based on the relevant information of the terminal, thereby enabling the maintenance and management of the association relationship between the terminal and the relay device.

[0685] Optionally, the first core network function performs the operation of canceling the association between the terminal and the relay device based on the relevant information of the terminal, including at least one of the following:

[0686] The first core network function obtains the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal, and the first core network function cancels the association of the first link information with the terminal.

[0687] If the terminal's relevant information includes first link information, the first core network function is to unassociate the terminal with the first link information.

[0688] The first core network function obtains the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal, and sends the first link information to the second core network function based on the first link information.

[0689] If the terminal's relevant information includes first link information, the first core network function sends the first link information to the second core network function based on the first link information.

[0690] The first core network function obtains the first link information from the third core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information, the first core network function reduces the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information.

[0691] When the relevant information of the terminal includes first link information, the first core network function reduces the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information based on the first link information.

[0692] The first link information is used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the number of associated terminals with the target relay device related to the first link information.

[0693] Specifically, after the terminal switches relay devices, the first core network function will cancel the association with the previously connected relay device. This means the first core network function cancels the association between the terminal and the target relay device corresponding to the first link information; in other words, it cancels the association between the terminal and the target relay device corresponding to the first link information.

[0694] In this context, the reduction in associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information can also be understood as the loss of association of the target relay device related to the first link information with the terminal.

[0695] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; information of the relay device and information of the terminal; information of the first core network function; information of the relay device and information of the first core network function; association indication, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0696] Specifically, identification information can be understood as a unique identifier, serving as an index for searching information; it can be numbers, characters, or strings. Information about relay devices can be, for example, the identification information of the relay device, or other information. Information about terminals can be, for example, the identification information of the terminal, or other information. Information about the first core network function can be, for example, the identification information of the first core network function, or other information.

[0697] In this embodiment, the above operations are performed based on the terminal's relevant information through the first core network function. After the terminal switches relay devices or disconnects from the previously connected relay devices, the association between the terminal and the relay device will be canceled, thereby enabling the management and maintenance of the association between the terminal and the relay devices.

[0698] Figure 13b This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13b The method is applied to network-side devices. The method includes:

[0699] Step 1301: The network-side device sends the tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function.

[0700] The tenth information includes at least one of the following: first link information and fourth information related to the relay device, wherein the fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device, and the tenth information is used to instruct the first core network function to perform a third operation.

[0701] The third operation is an association-related operation. For example, an association-related operation may include an operation to reduce the number of associated terminals for a relay device, or an operation to add associated terminals for a relay device.

[0702] Specifically, the first core network function is the core network function serving the terminal, such as AMF-UE. The first link information may include, for example, a Link ID. The fourth information related to the relay device can also be understood as the context information of the relay device, which includes a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), a dynamic Relay ID known to network-side devices (such as NG-RAN) (i.e., 5G-GloballyUnique Temporary UE Identity (GUTI)), and multiple Link information dynamically assigned by the first core network function serving the terminal (such as AMF, i.e., AMF-Terminal, or AMF-UE).

[0703] After receiving the tenth message, the first core network function will execute the third operation based on the tenth message. The specific details of the third operation can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 12 The descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0704] In this embodiment, the network-side device sends tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function. This tenth information includes first link information and / or fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information instructs the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The first core network function can perform a third operation based on the received tenth information. Since the first core network function can determine whether the terminal has left the original relay device, connected to a new relay device, or maintained its connection with the original relay device based on the received tenth information, it can maintain and manage the association between the terminal and the relay device by performing the third operation.

[0705] Optionally, before the network-side device sends the tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function, the method further includes: the network-side device receiving a handover instruction for the terminal sent from the first device, wherein the first device includes the first core network function or other network-side devices.

[0706] Specifically, other network-side devices may include source network-side devices or target network-side devices, and the handover indication may include a handover request or a handover command. Upon receiving a handover indication from the first device, the network-side device may then send tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function.

[0707] In this embodiment, the network-side device can receive a handover instruction for the terminal sent by the first device, thereby triggering the network-side device to send tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function. The first core network function can then perform a third operation based on the received tenth information. Since the first core network function can determine whether the terminal has left the original relay device, or has connected to a new relay device, or still maintains the connection with the original relay device based on the received tenth information, it can maintain and manage the association between the terminal and the relay device by performing the third operation.

[0708] Optionally, if the tenth information includes the fourth information, before the network-side device sends the tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function, the method further includes: the network-side device receiving the fourth information sent by the second core network function.

[0709] The fourth piece of information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The second core network function is the core network function serving the relay device, such as AMF-relay.

[0710] Optionally, the network-side device may also receive second link information sent by the third core network function, which is used to associate the relay device.

[0711] For example, the network-side device can send tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function based on the second link information.

[0712] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; information of the relay device and information of the terminal; information of the first core network function; information of the relay device and information of the first core network function; and an association indication, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0713] Specifically, identification information can be understood as a unique identifier, serving as an index for searching information; it can be numbers, characters, or strings. Information about relay devices can be, for example, the identification information of the relay device, or other information. Information about terminals can be, for example, the identification information of the terminal, or other information. Information about the first core network function can be, for example, the identification information of the first core network function, or other information.

[0714] Optionally, the second link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; information of the relay device and information of the terminal; information of the first core network function; information of the relay device and information of the first core network function; association indication, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0715] Specifically, identification information can be understood as a unique identifier, serving as an index for searching information; it can be numbers, characters, or strings. Information about relay devices can be, for example, the identification information of the relay device, or other information. Information about terminals can be, for example, the identification information of the terminal, or other information. Information about the first core network function can be, for example, the identification information of the first core network function, or other information.

[0716] The first link information and the second link information can be the same or different.

[0717] In this embodiment, the network-side device sends tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function. This tenth information includes first link information and / or fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information instructs the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The first core network function can perform a third operation based on the received tenth information. Since the first core network function can determine whether the terminal has left the original relay device, connected to a new relay device, or maintained its connection with the original relay device based on the received tenth information, it can maintain and manage the association between the terminal and the relay device by performing the third operation.

[0718] Figure 14a This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 14a The method is applied to the fourth core network function. The method includes:

[0719] Step 1401: The fourth core network function receives the fifth information related to the relay device sent by the third core network function.

[0720] The fifth piece of information includes second link information. This second link information can be, for example, link information newly allocated by the first core network function, or link information sent by other core network functions.

[0721] Step 1402: The fourth core network function sends a notification message to the first core network function based on the second link information. The notification message indicates at least one of the following: the core network function serving the relay device related to the second link information has changed; the core network function serving the relay device has changed; the storage location of the context of the relay device related to the second link information has changed; the first link information and the fourth core network function are associated.

[0722] The fourth core network function is the core network function after the relay equipment is switched, and can also be understood as the new core network function.

[0723] The context of the relay device includes SUPI, dynamic RelayIDs such as GUTI known to network-side devices (such as NG-RAN), and multiple Link information dynamically assigned by the first core network function serving the terminal (such as AMF, i.e., AMF-Terminal, or AMF-UE).

[0724] In this embodiment, after the relay device is switched, the fourth core network function after the switch will send a notification message to the first core network function to notify the first core network function that the relay device related to the second link information has switched core network functions. In this way, in subsequent communication processes, communication can continue through the switched core network function, so that data transmission will not be interrupted.

[0725] Optionally, the notification message may also include the fifth piece of information related to the relay device.

[0726] Optionally, the second link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; information of the relay device and information of the terminal; information of the first core network function; information of the relay device and information of the first core network function; association indication, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0727] Specifically, identification information can be understood as a unique identifier, serving as an index for searching information; it can be numbers, characters, or strings. Information about relay devices can be, for example, the identification information of the relay device, or other information. Information about terminals can be, for example, the identification information of the terminal, or other information. Information about the first core network function can be, for example, the identification information of the first core network function, or other information.

[0728] In this process, after the relay device is switched, the fourth core network function after the switch will send a notification message to the first core network function to notify the first core network function that the relay device related to the second link information has switched core network functions. In this way, communication can continue through the switched core network function in subsequent communication processes, so that data transmission will not be interrupted.

[0729] This application also provides a schematic diagram of a communication method. In this method, a third core network function sends fifth information related to a relay device to a fourth core network function. This fifth information includes second link information. Based on the second link information, the third core network function sends a notification message to a first core network function. This notification message indicates that the first core network function is indicative of at least one of the following: a change in the core network function serving the relay device related to the second link information; a change in the core network function serving the relay device; a change in the storage location of the context of the relay device related to the second link information; or an association between the second link information and the fourth core network function.

[0730] The third core network function serves the relay equipment before the handover, while the fourth core network function serves the relay equipment after the handover. After sending the fifth information to the fourth core network function, the third core network function can send a notification message to the first core network function based on the second link information.

[0731] In this embodiment, after the relay device is switched, the third core network function before the switch will send a notification message to the first core network function to notify the first core network function that the relay device related to the second link information has switched core network functions. In this way, in subsequent communication processes, communication can continue through the core network function after the switch, so that data transmission will not be interrupted.

[0732] Optionally, the notification message may also include information related to the relay device.

[0733] Optionally, the second link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; information of the relay device and information of the terminal; information of the first core network function; information of the relay device and information of the first core network function; association indication, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0734] Specifically, identification information can be understood as a unique identifier, serving as an index for searching information; it can be numbers, characters, or strings. Information about relay devices can be, for example, the identification information of the relay device, or other information. Information about terminals can be, for example, the identification information of the terminal, or other information. Information about the first core network function can be, for example, the identification information of the first core network function, or other information.

[0735] In this process, after a relay device is switched over, the third core network function before the switchover will send a notification message to the first core network function to notify the first core network function that the relay device related to the second link information has switched core network functions. In this way, communication can continue through the switched core network function in subsequent communication processes, so that data transmission will not be interrupted.

[0736] Figure 14b This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 14b The method is applied to the second core network function. The method includes:

[0737] Step 21: The second core network function receives the twelfth message sent by the first core network function.

[0738] The twelfth information includes at least one of the following: first link information, second link information, and fourth information related to the relay device, wherein the fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0739] The second core network function is the core network function that serves the relay equipment, such as AMF-relay.

[0740] For example, the first link information may include link information sent by the network-side device to the first core network function, and the second link information may include link information newly allocated by the first core network function.

[0741] Step 22: The second core network function performs the sixth operation based on the twelfth information.

[0742] The sixth operation is an association-related operation. For example, an association-related operation may include an operation to reduce the number of associated terminals for a relay device, or an operation to add associated terminals for a relay device.

[0743] Upon receiving the twelfth information, the second core network function will perform relevant operations based on the specific content of the twelfth information. For example, it may cancel the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the first link information, or establish the association between the terminal and the relay device related to the fourth information based on the second link information.

[0744] In this embodiment, the second core network function receives twelfth information sent by the first core network function. This twelfth information includes at least one of the following: first link information, second link information, and fourth information. The fourth information instructs the terminal to interact with network-side devices via a relay device. Based on the twelfth information, the second core network function performs a sixth operation. Since the second core network function can determine whether the terminal has left the original relay device, connected to a new relay device, or maintained its connection with the original relay device based on the twelfth information, it can maintain and manage the association between the terminal and the relay device by performing the sixth operation.

[0745] Optionally, in one embodiment, if the twelfth information includes first link information, the second core network function performs a sixth operation based on the twelfth information, including: the second core network function reduces the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information based on the first link information.

[0746] Specifically, if the twelfth information includes the first link information but does not include the fourth information, it indicates that the terminal may have disconnected from the target relay device corresponding to the first link information. In this case, the second core network function will reduce the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information based on the first link information, that is, the target relay device reduces the number of associated terminals.

[0747] In this embodiment, when the twelfth information includes the first link information, the second core network function will reduce the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information based on the first link information. Thus, when the terminal disconnects from the target relay device related to the first link information, the association between the terminal and the target relay device can be canceled, thereby realizing the management of the association between the terminal and the relay device.

[0748] Optionally, in one embodiment, when the twelfth information includes second link information and fourth information, the second core network function performs a sixth operation based on the twelfth information, including: the second core network function adds associated terminals to relay devices related to the fourth information based on the second link information and the fourth information.

[0749] Specifically, the second link information is the link information allocated by the first core network function, or it can be the link information sent by other core network functions, which may include the link ID.

[0750] If the twelfth information includes the second link information and the fourth information, it indicates that the terminal may have accessed a new relay device. Therefore, the second core network function will add associated terminals for the relay devices related to the fourth information based on the second link information and the fourth information, which can also be understood as associating the second link information.

[0751] In this embodiment, through the sixth operation described above, when a terminal accesses a new relay device, the terminal and the accessed relay device can be re-associated, that is, the association between the terminal and the accessed relay device can be established, thereby completing the maintenance and management of the association between the terminal and the relay device.

[0752] Optionally, in one embodiment, when the twelfth information includes first link information, second link information, and fourth information, the second core network function performs a sixth operation based on the twelfth information, including:

[0753] The second core network function reduces the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information, and adds associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information, based on the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information.

[0754] Specifically, if the twelfth information includes first link information, second link information, and fourth information, it indicates that the terminal may have disconnected from the target relay device corresponding to the first link information and connected to the relay device corresponding to the fourth information. Therefore, the second core network function will reduce the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information and add associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information. This operation can also be understood as associating the terminal with the second link information and unassociating it with the first link information, or as establishing an association between the terminal and the relay device related to the fourth information and canceling the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the first link information.

[0755] In this embodiment, when the twelfth information includes the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, the second core network function can, through the sixth operation described above, cancel the association relationship with the target relay device and re-establish the association relationship with the relay device when the terminal disconnects from the target relay device and then reconnects to the relay device, thereby enabling the maintenance and management of the association relationship between the terminal and the relay device.

[0756] Optionally, in one embodiment, when the twelfth information includes the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, the second core network function performs a sixth operation based on the twelfth information, including: the second core network function sends eleventh information to the first core network function based on the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information.

[0757] The eleventh piece of information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the target relay device associated with the first link information is the same as or different from the relay device associated with the fourth information; the target relay device associated with the first link information has fewer associated terminals, and the relay device associated with the fourth information has more associated terminals; the target relay device associated with the first link information has neither fewer nor more associated terminals; the first core network function uses the first link information; the first core network function uses the second link information.

[0758] Optionally, the second core network function sends the fourth information related to the relay device to the network-side device.

[0759] Specifically, if the relay device related to the first link information is the same as the relay device related to the fourth information, it means that the relay device connected before the terminal disconnected and the relay device connected later are the same relay device. If the relay device related to the first link information is different from the relay device related to the fourth information, it means that the relay device connected before the terminal disconnected and the relay device connected later are different relay devices.

[0760] Furthermore, if the first core network function uses the first link information, it indicates that the relay device related to the first link information is the same as the relay device related to the fourth information. If the first core network function uses the second link information, it indicates that the relay device related to the first link information is different from the relay device related to the fourth information.

[0761] In this embodiment of the application, the second core network function receives the first link information and the fourth information sent by the first core network function, and sends the eleventh information to the first core network function based on the first link information and the fourth information, so as to indicate whether the relay device currently accessed by the terminal is the same as the relay device that was previously disconnected, thereby providing a basis for maintaining the association relationship between the terminal and the relay device.

[0762] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; information of the relay device and information of the terminal; information of the first core network function; information of the relay device and information of the first core network function; association indication, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0763] Specifically, identification information can be understood as a unique identifier, serving as an index for searching information; it can be numbers, characters, or strings. Information about relay devices can be, for example, the identification information of the relay device, or other information. Information about terminals can be, for example, the identification information of the terminal, or other information. Information about the first core network function can be, for example, the identification information of the first core network function, or other information.

[0764] Optionally, the second link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; information of the relay device and information of the terminal; information of the first core network function; information of the relay device and information of the first core network function; association indication, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0765] Specifically, identification information can be understood as a unique identifier, serving as an index for searching information; it can be numbers, characters, or strings. Information about relay devices can be, for example, the identification information of the relay device, or other information. Information about terminals can be, for example, the identification information of the terminal, or other information. Information about the first core network function can be, for example, the identification information of the first core network function, or other information.

[0766] The first link information and the second link information can be the same or different.

[0767] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 15 The method is applied to the source network side device. The method includes:

[0768] Step 1501: The source network side device sends a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to hand over from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0769] Among them, the source network-side device is the network-side device connected between terminals during handover.

[0770] Optionally, before the source network side device sends a handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function, the source network side device may also receive a sixth message sent by the first core network function, the sixth message including first link information, information related to the relay device, and information related to the terminal;

[0771] The source network-side device performs at least one of the following based on the link information:

[0772] Associate the first link information with the relay device;

[0773] Associate the first link information with the terminal;

[0774] Based on the first link information, the first handover instruction for the terminal is sent to the first core network function.

[0775] Among them, the information related to the relay equipment can be the context of the relay equipment.

[0776] Among these, terminal-related information can be the terminal's context.

[0777] It should be understood that the target network device in the previous handover will be used as the source network device in this handover.

[0778] Optionally, the first link information includes information related to core network functions. The step of sending the first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the link information includes the source network side device sending the first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the information related to the core network function, wherein the information related to the core network function is related to the first core network function.

[0779] Among them, information related to core network functions includes identification information of core network functions, such as AMF ID.

[0780] Optionally, the association indication is the first link information, used to indicate that the terminal is associated with a relay device related to the first link information.

[0781] Optionally, before the source network side device sends a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function, the source network side device sends a sixth message for the terminal to the fourth core network function. The sixth message includes information related to the relay device and is used to instruct the fourth core network function to send the first link information to the source network side device.

[0782] Optionally, the source network side device receives the second link information sent by the fourth core network function; the source network side device replaces the first link information with the second link information.

[0783] The first Link information can be the previous Link information, and the second Link information is the newly assigned Link information.

[0784] Optionally, the source network device sends a second handover instruction for the relay device to the second core network function; the source network device receives a first handover command sent by the first core network function and a second handover command sent by the second core network function, aggregates the first handover command and the second handover command, and sends a third handover command to the relay device, the third handover command including the contents of the first handover command and the second handover command.

[0785] The aggregation of the first switching command and the second switching command can be understood as combining the contents of the first switching command and the second switching command together to obtain the third switching command.

[0786] Optionally, the Link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; terminal-related information; relay device-related information; core network function-related information.

[0787] The communication method provided in this application embodiment requires synchronous switching between the terminal and the relay device when the terminal follows the relay device, thereby reducing the probability of data transmission interruption.

[0788] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 16 The method is applied to the target network-side device. The method includes:

[0789] Step 1601: The target network-side device receives the seventh information sent by the first core network function.

[0790] The seventh piece of information includes the first link information, information related to the relay device, and information related to the terminal.

[0791] Step 1602: The target network-side device performs at least one of the following actions based on the first link information: associates the first link information with the relay device; associates the first link information with the terminal; and sends a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the first link information.

[0792] The first handover instruction includes an association instruction, which is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network-side device to the target network-side device, and the association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0793] The target network-side device is the network-side device after the terminal is switched.

[0794] Optionally, the first link information includes information related to core network functions, and the step of sending the first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the link information includes: the source network side device sending the first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the information related to the core network function, wherein the information related to the core network function is related to the first core network function.

[0795] Among them, information related to core network functions includes identification information of core network functions, such as AMF ID.

[0796] Optionally, the association indication is the first link information, used to indicate that the terminal is associated with a relay device related to the link information.

[0797] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; terminal-related information; relay device-related information; core network function-related information.

[0798] The communication method provided in this application embodiment requires synchronous switching between the terminal and the relay device when the terminal follows the relay device, thereby reducing the probability of data transmission interruption.

[0799] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 17 The method is applied to the source network side device. The method includes:

[0800] Step 1701: The source network side device sends the eighth information for the terminal to the fourth core network function. The eighth information includes relay-related information and is used to instruct the fourth core network function to send the first link information to the source network side device.

[0801] The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[0802] The source network-side device is the network-side device that the terminal was connected to before the handover.

[0803] It should be understood that the target network device in the previous handover will be used as the source network device in this handover.

[0804] Optionally, the source network-side device receives the first link information sent by the fourth core network function; the source network-side device performs at least one of the following based on the first link information: associating the first link information with the relay device; associating the first link information with the terminal; and sending a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the first link information, wherein the first handover instruction includes an association instruction, the first handover instruction being used to instruct the terminal to handover from the source network-side device to the target network-side device, and the association instruction being used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0805] Optionally, the first link information includes information related to core network functions, and the step of sending the first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the first link information includes: the source network side device sending the first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the information related to the core network function, wherein the information related to the core network function is related to the first core network function.

[0806] This includes information related to core network functions, such as the identifier of the core network function, like the AMF ID.

[0807] Optionally, the association indication is the first link information, used to indicate that the terminal is associated with a relay device related to the first link information.

[0808] Optionally, when the source network side device sends a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the first link information, the source network side device sends a second handover instruction for the relay device to the second core network function; the source network side device receives the first handover command sent by the first core network function and the second handover command sent by the second core network function, aggregates the first handover command and the second handover command, and sends a third handover command to the relay device, the third handover command including the contents of the first handover command and the second handover command.

[0809] The aggregation of the first switching command and the second switching command can be understood as combining the contents of the first switching command and the second switching command together to obtain the third switching command.

[0810] Optionally, the Link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; terminal-related information; relay device-related information; core network function-related information.

[0811] Optionally, the source network side device receives the second link information sent by the fourth core network function; the source network side device replaces the first link information with the second link information.

[0812] The first Link information can be understood as the previous Link information, and the second Link information can be understood as the newly allocated Link information.

[0813] The communication method provided in this application embodiment requires synchronous switching between the terminal and the relay device when the terminal follows the relay device, thereby reducing the probability of data transmission interruption.

[0814] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 18 The method is applied to the source network side device. The method includes:

[0815] Step 1801: The fourth core network function receives the eighth information sent by the source network side device, the eighth information containing information related to the relay device.

[0816] Step 1802: The fourth core network function sends the first link information to the source network side device.

[0817] The first link information is used by the source network side device to send a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the first link information. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction, which is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0818] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; terminal-related information; relay device-related information; core network function-related information.

[0819] The communication method provided in this application embodiment requires synchronous switching between the terminal and the relay device when the terminal follows the relay device, thereby reducing the probability of data transmission interruption.

[0820] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 19 The method is applied to the first core network function. The method includes:

[0821] Step 1901: The first core network function receives a first handover instruction for a terminal sent by the source network side device. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0822] Step 1902: Based on the first handover indication, the first core network function sends the seventh information to the target network-side device. The seventh information includes the first link information, the relay device-related information, and the terminal-related information.

[0823] The seventh piece of information is used to instruct the target network-side device to perform at least one of the following: associate the first link information with the relay device; associate the first link information with the terminal; and, based on the first link information, send a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function, wherein the first handover instruction includes an association instruction, the first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network-side device to the target network-side device, and the association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[0824] The target network-side device is the network-side device after the terminal is switched.

[0825] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following: identification information; terminal-related information; relay device-related information; core network function-related information.

[0826] The communication method provided in this application embodiment requires synchronous switching between the terminal and the relay device when the terminal follows the relay device, thereby reducing the probability of data transmission interruption.

[0827] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 20 The method is applied to the first core network function. The method includes:

[0828] Step 2001: The first core network function receives the ninth information related to the terminal sent by the fifth core network function. The ninth information includes the first link information and information related to the second core network function.

[0829] Among them, the fifth core network function is the core network function that served the terminal before the switch, or it can be understood as the old AMF-UE.

[0830] Step 2002: The first core network function sends the first link information and the second link information to the second core network function, as indicated by information related to the second core network function, to instruct the second core network function to: replace the first link information with the second link information; associate the second link information with the relay device associated with the first link information; decrease the count for the first link information; increase the count for the second link information; cancel the event notification for the first link information; and subscribe to events related to the relay device associated with the first link information for the second link information.

[0831] Specifically, when the count of the first link information is 0, the event for the first link information is cancelled.

[0832] Specifically, when a subscription to the first link information is canceled, the count for the first link information will be reduced. When a subscription to the second link information is made, the count for the second link information will be increased.

[0833] The ninth piece of information related to the terminal can be the terminal's context, including the terminal's identifier, Link information, etc.

[0834] Optionally, before the first core network function receives the terminal-related ninth information sent by the fifth core network function, the first core network function receives the first link information sent by the network-side device, and sends the first link information to the fifth core network function based on the first link information; the first core network function then receives the ninth information sent by the fifth core network function.

[0835] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can migrate the terminal's relevant information to the new core network function when the relay device moves to a location that cannot connect to the core network function, thereby reducing the probability of data transmission interruption.

[0836] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 21 The method is applied to the second core network function. The method includes:

[0837] Step 2101: The second core network function receives the first link information and the second link information sent by the first core network function, and performs the fourth operation.

[0838] Optionally, during the location update operation performed by the second core network function, or not during the handover process, the second core network function performs a fourth operation, including at least one of the following: replacing the first link information with the second link information; associating the second link information with the relay device associated with the first link information; canceling event notifications for the first link information; and subscribing to events related to the relay device associated with the first link information for the second link information.

[0839] Specifically, when the count of the first link information is 0, the event for the first link information is cancelled.

[0840] Optionally, during the handover operation of the second core network function, the second core network function performs a fourth operation, including at least one of the following: sending the link information and the second link information to the fourth core network function; first associating the second link information and the relay device associated with the first link information; decreasing the count for the first link information; increasing the count for the second link information; and subscribing to events related to the relay device associated with the first link information for the second link information.

[0841] Specifically, when a subscription to the first link information is canceled, the count for the first link information will be reduced. When a subscription to the second link information is made, the count for the second link information will be increased.

[0842] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can migrate the terminal's relevant information to the new core network function when the relay device moves to a location that cannot connect to the core network function, thereby reducing the probability of data transmission interruption.

[0843] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 22 The method is applied to network-side devices. The method includes:

[0844] Step 2201: The network-side device sends the first link information to the first core network function, which instructs the first core network function to obtain the ninth information of the terminal related to the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the first link information.

[0845] Among them, the fifth core network function is the core network function that served the terminal before the switch, or it can be understood as the old AMF-UE.

[0846] Optionally, the network-side device performs the sending of the first link information to the first core network function based on the first link information.

[0847] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can migrate the terminal's relevant information to the new core network function when the relay device moves to a location that cannot connect to the core network function, thereby reducing the probability of data transmission interruption.

[0848] Below, using specific examples, we will provide a detailed introduction to the solutions for enabling terminals to move with relay devices in different scenarios. The first core network function is illustrated using the first AMF-UE, the second core network function using the second AMF-relay, the third core network function using the third AMF-relay, the fourth core network function using the fourth AMF-relay, and the fifth core network function using the fifth AMF-UE. Specifically, the first AMF-UE is the AMF serving the terminal, the second AMF-relay is the AMF serving the relay device's relay, the third AMF-relay is the AMF before the relay device's relay handover (i.e., the old AMF-relay), the fourth AMF-relay is the AMF after the relay device's relay handover (i.e., the new AMF-relay), and the fifth AMF-UE is the AMF before the terminal's handover (i.e., the old AMF-UE).

[0849] Figure 23 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment provides a solution for how a terminal can follow the relay device during CM state transitions, especially when transitioning from an idle state to a connected state (CM-CONNECTED), without data interruption. For example... Figure 23 As shown, this embodiment includes:

[0850] Step 1: The terminal follows the relay device Relay1.

[0851] In this configuration, the NG-RAN network-side equipment prioritizes the frequency points / frequency used for relay devices lower than those used by macro base stations. When a relay is available for access, the NG-RAN configures the relay to use the lower-priority frequency points / frequency. This ensures that the terminal will only select to access the relay when the macro base station signal is weak (without terminal enhancement), such as when the macro base station signal is below a preset value. Alternatively, the terminal can select to access a cell with a smaller frequency shift by measuring the Doppler shift of the cell signal.

[0852] Step 2: The terminal enters the connected state through relay device 2.

[0853] The terminal can enter the CM-CONNECTED state by initiating a registration process or a service request process to the 5GC. Since the terminal was previously in an idle state, the NG-RAN network device does not have the terminal's context. Therefore, when the terminal enters the connected state, the NG-RAN network device needs to request the terminal's context from the core network function. Based on this, the relay device following the terminal will send a message to the NG-RAN network device; this message can be an N1 message.

[0854] Step 3: The network-side device sends an N2 message to the first AMF-UE.

[0855] In this process, the network-side device NG-RAN forwards the received N1 message to request the terminal's context from the first AMF-UE, such as the Relay's 5G-GUTI, and includes the relay device's identification information (RelayID) in the underlying N2 message. Additionally, the N2 message may also contain one or more tracking area identities (TAIs) configured for broadcast by the relay device. During the registration process, the network-side device NG-RAN can select a new AMF-UE to serve the terminal, i.e., the first AMF-UE.

[0856] It should be noted that if the terminal does not follow the relay device but directly accesses the macro base station, the underlying N2 message will not contain the relay device's identification information (Relay ID), or the underlying N2 message will contain the identification information of the accessed macro base station.

[0857] Step 4: The first AMF-UE requests the terminal context from the fifth AMF-UE.

[0858] In cases where the network-side device NG-RAN selects a new AMF-UE for the terminal, the new AMF-UE will request UE context transfer from the old AMF-UE. The old AMF-UE, also known as the fifth AMF-UE, can be understood as the AMF that served the terminal before the network device selected the new AMF-UE for the terminal.

[0859] Step 5a: The first AMF-UE sends an unsubscribe request to the second AMF-relay.

[0860] Step 5b: The first AMF-UE subscribes based on the new link information.

[0861] In the case where the terminal accesses the first AMF-UE through a relay device, the first AMF-UE needs to determine whether the relay device that the terminal is following has changed.

[0862] If the terminal context obtained by the first AMF-UE contains Link information, such as Figure 2a As shown, the first AMF-UE can obtain the AMF ID associated with the Link information based on the Link information. If the associated AMF ID is different from the AMF ID in the Relay ID received in step 3, it indicates that the relay device followed by the terminal has changed, such as from relay device 1 to relay device 2. The first AMF-UE will then instruct the second AMF-Relay, indicated by the AMF ID associated with the Link ID, to unsubscribe from the Link information.

[0863] Furthermore, the first AMF-UE allocates new Link information (which includes the AMF ID of the first AMF-UE), associates the terminal with the allocated Link information, maps the allocated Link information to the AMF ID in the received Relay ID, and uses the allocated Link information and the received Relay ID to subscribe to the allocated new Link information and Relay ID to the second AMF-Relay indicated by the received Relay ID. The second AMF-Relay then associates the relay device Relay with the Link information.

[0864] If the associated AMF ID is the same as the AMF ID in the received Relay ID, the first AMF-UE allocates new Link information and performs the following operations:

[0865] If the AMF-UE remains unchanged, the first AMF-UE updates its subscription to the second AMF-Relay using the original Link information, the newly allocated Link information, and the received Relay ID (conditional update). If the Relay indicated by the received Relay ID has already been subscribed to using the Link information, it means that the Relay is still the relay device previously followed by the terminal, and the relay device being followed this time has not changed. In this case, the second AMF-Relay returns indication information to the first AMF-UE, maintaining the subscription using the Link information and the association between the Link information and the Relay. If the first AMF-UE receives the indication information, it releases the newly allocated Link information and maintains the association between the original Link information and the terminal.

[0866] If the terminal has not subscribed to the relay indicated by the received relay ID using the link information, it means that the relay device being followed by the terminal has changed. In this case, the AMF-Relay will decrement the count of the original link information, associate the relay with the newly assigned link information, and increment the count of the newly assigned link information. Additionally, the first AMF-UE will associate the terminal with the newly assigned link ID.

[0867] If the AMF-UE changes, i.e., from the fifth AMF-UE to the first AMF-UE, the first AMF-UE instructs the second AMF-Relay to unsubscribe from the Link information. Simultaneously, the first AMF-UE uses the newly assigned Link information and the received Relay ID to instruct the second AMF-Relay to subscribe, associating the terminal with the newly assigned Link information and associating the newly assigned Link information with the AMF ID in the received Relay ID. The second AMF-Relay then maps the newly assigned Link information to the Relay.

[0868] If the terminal context obtained by the first AMF-UE does not contain Link information, the first AMF-UE assigns Link information containing the AMF ID to the received Relay ID, and uses the assigned Link information and the received Relay ID to indicate subscription to the second AMF-Relay.

[0869] When the second AMF-Relay receives a subscription request with Link information, it increments the Link information count. When a subscription request with Link information is canceled, the second AMF-Relay decrements the Link information count.

[0870] Step 6: The first AMF-UE sends an N2 message to the network-side device NG-RAN.

[0871] The N2 message includes the Link information obtained in step 5, and the N2 message may include the N1 message. It should be understood that the Link information included in the N2 message is either the new Link information allocated to the first AMF-UE if the relay device currently being followed by the terminal has changed, or the original Link information if the relay device currently being followed by the terminal has not changed.

[0872] Additionally, during the registration process, the first AMF-UE can use a TAI list to send a registration acceptance message to the terminal. The TAI list used by the first AMF-UE only includes one or more TAIs received in step 3.

[0873] Step 7: The network-side device NG-RAN sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to the terminal.

[0874] In this process, the network-side device NG-RAN associates the Link information with the Relay ID and the terminal's identification information (such as the terminal's ID). The network-side device NG-RAN sends an RRC message to the terminal, which may include an N1 message.

[0875] Step 8: The terminal pauses mobile registration.

[0876] If the terminal continuously follows the relay device, mobile registration will be suspended. For example, the TAI broadcast by the relay device will not change or will only change within the configured range.

[0877] Step 9: The second AMF-realy sends a notification message to the first AMF-UE.

[0878] In the event that the second AMF-Relay has resubscribed, the second AMF-Relay will notify the first AMF-UE of the Link information and related information.

[0879] Step 10: The terminal follows another relay device or macro base station.

[0880] Step 11: Restore mobile registration on the terminal.

[0881] In cases where the terminal is connected to another relay or macro base station, the terminal will resume mobile registration. For example, the network manages the TAI / tracking area code (TAC) of all relays. The TAI / TAC broadcast by the relay will not be provided to the terminal until the terminal connects to the relay. When the terminal connects to the relay, the first AMF-UE only provides the terminal with the relay's TAI / TAC. If the terminal connects to another relay, different link information, a different relay ID, and possibly a different AMF-Relay are used, and steps 2-9 above are executed. If the terminal is directly camped on a macro base station NG-RAN, steps 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 12 are executed.

[0882] Step 12: The first AMF-UE indicates to cancel the subscription.

[0883] If the first AMF-UE does not receive the Relay ID and the terminal context contains Link information and the associated AMF ID, then the first AMF-UE instructs the AMF-Relay, indicated by the associated AMF ID, to unsubscribe from the Link information.

[0884] In the above scheme, when the terminal enters the connected state from the idle state, the core network function can provide corresponding communication support when the terminal and the relay equipment move, so that communication will not be interrupted when the terminal and the relay equipment move.

[0885] Figure 24 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment provides a scheme for a terminal to follow a relay device for mobility registration updates. Figure 24 As shown, this embodiment includes:

[0886] Step 1: The terminal follows relay device 1.

[0887] If a terminal receives a type indication sent by a relay device, it can determine that it is a relay device (Relay).

[0888] Step 2: The terminal or relay device sends an accompanying instruction to the network-side device.

[0889] To avoid the ping-pong effect caused by a terminal connecting to a relay device when it is nearby and then disconnecting after the relay device leaves, the terminal can initiate a mobile registration process with the 5GC when the Random Access (RA) changes or when the terminal continues to follow the relay device Relay1 after a preset time period. A companion indication is sent in the underlying RRC message to indicate that the terminal is following the relay device Relay1. Additionally, the relay device Relay1 forwards the registration request to the network-side device NG-RAN.

[0890] Optionally, the accompanying indication can also be sent by the relay device Relay1. Relay1 can decide whether to send the accompanying indication based on the Doppler frequency shift. For example, if Relay1 is moving and the Doppler frequency shift of the terminal signal is less than a preset value, Relay1 will send the accompanying indication to the network-side device NG-RAN.

[0891] Step 3: The network-side device NG-RAN sends an N2 message to the first AMF-UE.

[0892] The network-side device NG-RAN forwards the registration request sent by Relay1 to the first AMF-UE and includes the identification information of the relay device Relay1 (such as Relay1 ID) in the underlying N2 message. The identification information of Relay1 can be, for example, 5G-GUTI.

[0893] Step 4: The first AMF-UE subscribes to the state of the second AMF-relay.

[0894] The first AMF-UE assigns Link information containing the AMF ID to Relay1 ID, and subscribes to the Relay's connection state (CM) status from Relay1 with the Link information and the AMF of Relay1 ID.

[0895] Step 5: The first AMF-UE sends an N2 message to the network-side device.

[0896] In this process, the first AMF-UE will respond to the mobile registration acceptance and send an N2 message to the network-side device. This underlying N2 message contains Link information.

[0897] Step 6: The network-side device sends an RRC connection completion message to the terminal through relay device 1.

[0898] In this context, the network-side device NG-RAN will associate the Link information with Relay1. In addition, the RRC connection completion message can also be understood as a mobile registration acceptance message.

[0899] Step 7: Pause mobile registration on the terminal.

[0900] If the terminal continuously follows the relay device, mobile registration will be suspended. For example, the TAI broadcast by the relay device will not change or will only change within the configured range.

[0901] Step 8: The second AMF-relay sends a notification message to the first AMF-UE.

[0902] When the state of Relay1 changes, the second AMF-relay serving Relay1 will notify the first AMF-UE of the Relay1's Link information, AMF ID, and CM status, which is to notify the AMF serving the terminal.

[0903] Step 9: The terminal follows another relay device, Relay2, or resides on the macro base station NG-RAN.

[0904] Step 10: Restore mobile registration on the terminal.

[0905] In cases where the terminal is following another relay device, Relay2, or camped on a macro base station, the terminal will resume mobile registration. If the terminal is following Relay2, steps 2-8 are performed using Relay2's AMF. If the terminal is camped on a macro base station, NG-RAN, the standard existing procedures are followed.

[0906] Step 11: The first AMF-UE indicates to cancel the subscription.

[0907] Among them, the first AMF-UE will unsubscribe from the AMF of the relay device Relay1 with Link information.

[0908] In the above scheme, when the terminal follows the relay device, the terminal or the relay device will send a accompaniment indication to the network side device, so that the network side device can confirm whether the terminal is really following the relay device.

[0909] Figure 25 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, which provides an N2 switching scheme. For example... Figure 25 As shown, this embodiment includes:

[0910] Step 1: The terminal is relayed by relay device 1.

[0911] The terminal is in CM-CONNECTED state and can be relayed by relay device Relay1.

[0912] Step 2: The source network-side device sends a handover request to the fifth AMF-UE.

[0913] If the source network-side device NG-RAN determines that the terminal's signal quality is below a preset value, it will decide to initiate a handover. The target of the handover may be a new relay device or a macro base station. The source network-side device NG-RAN will send a handover request to the fifth AMF-UE, which includes the terminal's information (terminal info), but the relay ID is not included in the terminal's information.

[0914] In addition, the fifth AMF-UE can select a new AMF-UE for the handover process, and this new AMF-UE can be the first AMF-UE.

[0915] Step 3: The fifth AMF-UE sends a terminal context request to the first AMF-UE.

[0916] When the first AMF-UE is selected, the fifth AMF-UE will request the creation of a terminal context from the first AMF-UE; that is, the new AMF-UE will request the creation of a terminal context from the old AMF-UE. If the terminal is relayed by a relay, the terminal context includes link information and the associated AMF ID indicating the second AMF-Relay.

[0917] Step 4: The terminal handover process continues.

[0918] Step 5: The first AMF-UE sends a terminal context response to the fifth AMF-UE.

[0919] In step 3, the first AMF-UE will respond to the fifth AMF-UE, that is, return the terminal context to the first AMF-UE.

[0920] Step 6: The first AMF-UE instructs the second AMF-relay to unsubscribe.

[0921] Specifically, after step 3 is performed and the Link information is included in the terminal context, the first AMF-UE instructs the second AMF-Relay, indicated by the AMF ID associated with the Link information, to unsubscribe from the Link information.

[0922] Step 6 can also be performed by the fifth AMF-UE.

[0923] Step 7: The fifth AMF-UE sends a handover command to the source network-side device.

[0924] The switching command includes information about the terminal.

[0925] Step 8: The source network device sends a handover command to the terminal.

[0926] Step 9: The terminal sends a handover confirmation message to the target network device.

[0927] Upon receiving the handover command, the terminal will tune to the target network-side device NG-RAN. Optionally, the terminal can directly access the target network-side device NG-RAN or access the target network-side device NG-RAN through relay device 2.

[0928] Step 10: The target network-side device sends a handover confirmation message to the first AMF-UE.

[0929] Specifically, the target network-side device NG-RAN sends a handover confirmation message to the first AMF-UE, which is to say, it sends a handover confirmation message to the new AMF-UE.

[0930] Optionally, if the terminal accesses the target network-side device NG-RAN through relay device 2, the handover confirmation information also includes the identification information of relay device 2, such as Relay ID, and may include the TAI / TAC of relay device Relay2.

[0931] Step 11: The terminal handover process continues.

[0932] Step 12: The first AMF-UE sends a subscription instruction to the second AMF-relay.

[0933] If the first AMF-UE receives the identification information of Relay2, such as Relay ID, then the first AMF-UE allocates Link information for the received Relay ID and uses the allocated Link information and the received Relay ID to indicate subscription to the second AMF-relay.

[0934] In this embodiment, when the terminal switches to a new relay or macro base station, data transmission can still be guaranteed to be uninterrupted and the data can be transmitted normally.

[0935] Figure 26 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, which provides a scheme for Xn switching. For example... Figure 26 As shown, this embodiment includes:

[0936] Step 1: The terminal performs Xn handover, which allows the terminal to switch from relay device 1 / source network side device to relay device 2 / target network side device.

[0937] The terminal switches between leaving the Relay or connecting to the Relay.

[0938] Step 2: The target network-side device sends a path switching message to the first AMF-UE.

[0939] If the terminal switches to the target network-side device and accesses the target network-side device NG-RAN through relay device 1, the target network-side device NG-RAN sends a path switching message to the first AMF-UE. The path switching message includes the identifier of relay device 1 and the terminal's information, such as Relay ID and UE info.

[0940] Optionally, if the terminal switches and connects directly to the target network-side device NG-RAN, the path switching message does not include the Relay ID.

[0941] Optionally, if the terminal switches to relay device Relay 1, the path switching message includes the Relay ID.

[0942] Step 3a: The first AMF UE instructs the second AMF-relay to unsubscribe.

[0943] If the terminal switches and connects directly to the target network-side device NG-RAN, the first AMF-UE instructs the second AMF-relay to unsubscribe from the Link information.

[0944] Step 3b: The first AMF UE instructs the second AMF-relay to subscribe.

[0945] If the terminal switches to Relay 1, the first AMF-UE instructs the second AMF-relay to unsubscribe from the original Link information. Then, the first AMF-UE allocates new Link information to the received Relay 1 and uses the allocated new Link information and Relay 1's Relay ID to instruct the second AMF-relay to subscribe.

[0946] Step 4: The terminal handover process continues.

[0947] If the terminal switches to Relay 1, the first AMF-UE will send new Link information to the target network-side device NG-RAN.

[0948] In this embodiment, after the terminal performs the handover, it informs the first AMF-UE of the handover path, so that the first AMF-UE can continue to serve the terminal, ensuring that the data transmission will not be interrupted and that the data transmission is normal.

[0949] Figure 27 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment provides a scheme for updating the mobility of a relay device. Figure 27 As shown, this embodiment includes:

[0950] Step 1: The relay device sends a registration request to the fourth AMF-relay through the network-side device.

[0951] When a relay device moves to a new region, it usually needs to register. Therefore, the relay device will send a registration request to 5GC through the network-side device.

[0952] Step 2a: The fourth AMF-relay sends a terminal context transfer request to the third AMF-relay.

[0953] Step 2b: The fourth AMF-relay receives the terminal context transmission response sent by the third AMF-relay.

[0954] Among them, the network-side device NG-RAN can select a new AMF-Relay. The new AMF-Relay queries the relay's terminal context from the old AMF-Relay, and the old AMF-Relay will return the relay's terminal context with link information.

[0955] Step 3: The fourth AMF-relay sends a notification message to the fifth AMF-UE.

[0956] Specifically, the new AMF-Relay notifies the fifth AMF-UE of AMF change events, which includes Link information. This fifth AMF-UE can indicate this via the AMF ID in the Link information. The fifth AMF-UE then associates the Link information with the AMF ID of the new AMF-Relay.

[0957] Step 4a: The fourth AMF-relay sends an N2 message to the network-side device.

[0958] Step 4b: The network-side device sends a registration acceptance message to the relay device.

[0959] The new AMF-Relay sends a registration acceptance message to the relay device Relay through the network-side device. The underlying N2 message of the Relay contains Link information.

[0960] Step 5: The network-side device determines the AMF-UE to be changed based on the Link information.

[0961] Specifically, the network-side device NG-RAN determines to change the AMF serving the terminal associated with the Link information based on the Link information. Optionally, the network-side device may determine to change the AMF serving the terminal associated with the Link information when it is determined that the AMF indicated by the AMF ID contained in the Link information is not connected to the network-side device NG-RAN.

[0962] Step 6: The network-side device sends an AMF migration request to the first AMF-UE.

[0963] The AMF migration request sent by the network-side device NG-RAN to the selected new AMF-UE may include Link information.

[0964] Step 7a: The first AMF-UE sends a batch terminal context transfer request to the fifth AMF-UE.

[0965] Step 7b: The first AMF-UE receives the terminal context transmission response sent by the fifth AMF-UE in batches.

[0966] The new AMF-UE invokes a bulk terminal context transfer request to the old AMF-UE based on the Link information. This terminal context transfer request includes the Link information. The old AMF-UE responds with the terminal context associated with the Link information. The terminal context includes the Link information and the associated AMF ID, which indicates the AMF-Relay serving the Relay.

[0967] Step 8: The first AMF-UE sends an AMF migration response to the network-side device.

[0968] The new AMF-UE is assigned new Link information, associated with the terminal, and responds to the network-side device NG-RAN using the new Link information. This new Link information is included in the AMF migration response. The network-side device NG-RAN then replaces the original Link information with the new Link information.

[0969] Step 9: The first AMF-UE instructs the fourth AMF-relay to subscribe.

[0970] Specifically, the new AMF-UE uses the new Link information to update the subscription to the AMF-Relay indicated by the AMF ID associated with the Link information, and uses the new Link information to update the original Link information.

[0971] In this embodiment, when the relay device moves to a new area, it can complete a mobility update, ensuring that data transmission is not interrupted and that data is transmitted normally. In addition, when the relay device and the terminal move together, only the relay device needs to perform a mobility update, and the terminal does not need to be updated, thereby saving system resources.

[0972] Figure 28 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment provides a scheme for joint N2 handover when relay devices and terminals move together. Figure 28 As shown, this embodiment includes:

[0973] Step 1: The source network device sends a handover request to the third AMF-relay.

[0974] Specifically, the source network-side device NG-RAN determines to perform a handover to the relay device Relay and sends a handover request to the third AMF-relay before the handover. The third AMF-relay before the handover can decide to select the fourth AMF-relay after the handover.

[0975] Step 2: The source network-side device sends a batch handover request message to the fifth AMF-UE.

[0976] The source network-side device NG-RAN can also send a handover request message to the fifth AMF-UE before the handover, based on the Link information. This handover request message includes the Link information and the information of the terminal associated with the Link information. The terminal information at the access layer level indicates its association with the relay device.

[0977] The fifth AMF-UE obtains the terminal context associated with the Link information and performs steps 3-8 for each terminal.

[0978] Step 3: The fifth AMF-UE sends a terminal context request to the first AMF-UE.

[0979] The fifth AMF-UE can decide to select the first AMF-UE after the handover for a specific terminal and call the first AMF-UE to create a terminal context request. The terminal context request includes the terminal information, and the terminal context includes Link information and the AMF ID associated with the Link information.

[0980] Step 4: Each terminal continues the handover process.

[0981] In the case of selecting the first AMF-UE after the handover, if new Link information related to Link information has not yet been allocated, the first AMF-UE allocates the new Link information. The first AMF-UE sends the new Link information and the terminal information (including the associated Relay ID) to the target network-side device NG-RAN. Otherwise, the fifth AMF-UE before the handover sends the Link information and the terminal information (including the associated Relay ID) to the target network-side device NG-RAN. The target network-side device NG-RAN associates the Relay with the Link information or the new Link information.

[0982] Step 5: The first AMF-UE sends a terminal context response to the fifth AMF-UE.

[0983] In the case of step 3, the first AMF-UE after the handover will respond to the created terminal context request.

[0984] Step 6: The first AMF-UE instructs the third AMF-relay to subscribe.

[0985] In step 3, the first AMF-UE uses the Link information and the new Link information to indicate the third AMF-Relay to update the subscription before the switch indicated by the AMF ID associated with the Link information, and updates the original Link information with the new Link information.

[0986] Step 7: Fourth AMF-relay update subscription.

[0987] Specifically, if the third AMF-Relay before the switch is performing the switchover process, and if the third AMF-Relay does not select the fourth AMF-Relay after the switchover in step 1, then the third AMF-Relay decrements the count of the Link information, increments the count of the new Link information, and associates the Relay indicated by the Link information with the new Link information. If the third AMF-Relay selects the fourth AMF-Relay after the switchover in step 1, then the third AMF-Relay forwards the subscription update to the fourth AMF-Relay, the fourth AMF-Relay decrements the count of the Link information, increments the count of the new Link information, and associates the Relay indicated by the Link information with the new Link information.

[0988] Step 8: The third AMF-Relay response subscription update.

[0989] Steps 3 through 8 are executed separately for each terminal.

[0990] Step 9: The switching process for each relay device continues.

[0991] Step 10: The fourth AMF-relay sends a notification message to the first AMF-UE.

[0992] If the fourth AMF-Relay is selected after the handover, it acquires the relay device's relay context, including link information, during the handover process. The fourth AMF-Relay uses the link information to notify the first AMF-UE, indicated by the AMF ID in the link information, of the AMF change event. If the fourth AMF-Relay receives a subscription update in step 7, it uses the new link information to notify the AMF change event.

[0993] Step 11: The fifth AMF-UE sends a batch handover command to the source network-side device.

[0994] Before the handover, the fifth AMF-UE sends a batch handover command to the source network-side device NG-RAN. This batch handover command includes terminal information, which includes associated Relay information.

[0995] Step 12: The third AMF-relay sends a handover command to the source network-side device.

[0996] Before the handover, the third AMF-Relay sends a handover command to the source network-side device NG-RAN, which includes information about the relay device Relay.

[0997] Step 13a: The source network device sends a handover command to the relay device.

[0998] Step 13b: The source network device sends a handover command to the terminal.

[0999] The source network device aggregates the handover commands from the relay device and the batch handover commands from the terminals, and sends the handover commands along with the relay device information and terminal information to the relay device. The relay device stores all UL data packets from the terminals until the relay device is tuned to the target network device NG-RAN.

[1000] If the terminal's resources are updated, the source network device NG-RAN will also send a handover command to the terminal through the relay device Relay.

[1001] Step 14a: The relay device sends a handover confirmation to the target network device.

[1002] Step 14b: The terminal sends a handover confirmation to the target network-side device.

[1003] The relay device confirms the handover with the target NG-RAN. If the terminal has some updated resources, the terminal confirms the handover, which will be forwarded by the relay device to the target NG-RAN.

[1004] Step 15: The target network-side device sends a batch handover request to the fifth AMF-UE / first AMF-UE.

[1005] Specifically, the target NG-RAN sends a batch handover notification to the fifth AMF-UE before the handover / the first AMF-UE after the handover.

[1006] Step 16: The terminal handover process continues.

[1007] Step 17: The target network-side device NG-RAN sends a handover notification to the fourth AMF-relay / third AMF-Relay.

[1008] Step 18: Each relay device continues to perform the handover.

[1009] In this embodiment, when the relay device and the terminal move together, they can perform N2 switching together, ensuring that data transmission is not interrupted and that data is transmitted normally.

[1010] Figure 29 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment provides a scheme for joint Xn handover when the relay device and the terminal move together. Figure 29 As shown, this embodiment includes:

[1011] Step 1: The relay device and the terminal perform Xn handover together, switching to the target network-side device.

[1012] Step 2: The target network-side device sends a path switching message to the second AMF-Relay.

[1013] The path switching message includes information about the relay device.

[1014] Step 3: The target network-side device sends a path switch to the first AMF-UE.

[1015] The target NG-RAN also sends path switching messages to the first AMF-UE for each terminal associated with the relay, based on the link information. These path switching messages include terminal information and link information, with the relay ID included in the terminal information. The target NG-RAN can combine these path switching messages in batches and send them to the same destination.

[1016] Step 4a: Each relay device continues to perform the handover.

[1017] Step 4b: Each terminal continues to perform the handover.

[1018] In this process, the second AMF-Relay and the first AMF-UE are the relay device Relay and the terminal, respectively, continuing the Xn handover process. The AMF-UE learns from the Link information that the terminal is handing over along with the relay device Relay.

[1019] In this embodiment, when the relay device and the terminal move together, they can perform Xn switching together, ensuring that data transmission is not interrupted and that data is transmitted normally.

[1020] Figure 30 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment provides a scheme for sending information or paging to terminals connected to a relay device. Figure 30 As shown, this embodiment includes:

[1021] Step 1: The terminal follows the relay device and triggers the first AMF-UE to send an N1 message or an N2 message to the terminal.

[1022] Step 2a: The first AMF-UE sends an N1 message or an N2 message to the network-side device.

[1023] If the terminal is in the CM-CONNECTED state, the first AMF-UE sends an N1 / N2 message to the network-side device NG-RAN.

[1024] Step 2b: The first AMF-UE sends a paging request to the network-side equipment.

[1025] If the first AMF-UE determines the serving RAN node of the terminal and the terminal is in CM-IDLE state, the first AMF-UE sends a paging request to the network-side device NG-RAN. The paging request includes information about the relay device and the terminal, such as Relay ID and UE ID.

[1026] Step 2c: The first AMF-UE calls the N1 / N2 message to the second AMF-Relay for handover.

[1027] If the first AMF-UE is unsure of the serving RAN node of the terminal and the terminal is in CM-IDLE state, the first AMF-UE calls the N1 / N2 message handover to the second AMF-Relay. The N1 / N2 message handover includes Link information, the terminal's UE ID, and status information. The status information is used to indicate whether the terminal is in core network connected state or core network idle state.

[1028] In addition, the second AMF-Relay will also map the Link information to the relay device Relay.

[1029] Step 3a: The second AMF-Relay sends N1 / N2 messages to the network-side devices.

[1030] If the status indicator terminal is in the CM-CONNECTED state and the Relay is also in the CM-CONNECTED state, then the AMF serving the Relay sends an N1 / N2 message to the NG-RAN.

[1031] Step 3b: The second AMF-Relay sends a paging request to the network-side device.

[1032] If the status indicator terminal is in CM-IDLE state and the Relay is in CM-CONNECTD state, the AMF serving the Relay sends a paging request to the NG-RAN. The paging request includes information about the relay device and the terminal, such as the Relay ID and UE ID.

[1033] Step 3c: The second AMF-Relay sends a paging request to the network-side device.

[1034] If the status indicator terminal is in CM-IDLE state and the Relay is also in CM-IDLE state, the AMF serving the Relay sends a paging request to the NG-RAN. The paging request includes information about the relay device and the terminal, such as the Relay ID and UE ID.

[1035] Step 4a: The network-side device sends an N1 message to the relay device.

[1036] If step 2a or 3a is executed and an N1 message is received, the network-side device NG-RAN sends the N1 message to the terminal via Relay.

[1037] Step 4b: The network-side device sends a paging request to the relay device, and the relay device sends a paging request to the terminal.

[1038] If step 2b is executed, the network-side device NG-RAN maps the Link information to the relay device Relay and sends a paging request to the relay device Relay. This paging request includes terminal information, such as the UE ID, the relay device Relay paging terminal information, and, if necessary, the broadcast paging terminal information. If step 3b is executed, the network-side device NG-RAN sends a paging request to the relay device Relay. This paging request includes terminal information, such as the UE ID, the relay device Relay paging (page) terminal information, and, if necessary, the broadcast paging terminal information.

[1039] Step 4c: The network-side device sends a paging request to the relay device, and the relay device sends a paging request to the terminal.

[1040] If step 3c is executed, the network-side device NG-RAN broadcasts paging information to the wireless paging relay device Relay, and the paging information carries terminal information, such as UE ID. The relay device Relay then broadcasts paging terminal information to the wireless paging terminal.

[1041] In this embodiment, information can be sent to the terminal following the relay device, ensuring that data transmission is not interrupted and that data is transmitted normally.

[1042] The communication method provided in this application can be executed by a communication device. This application uses an example of a communication device executing the communication method to illustrate the apparatus of the communication method provided in this application.

[1043] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1044] The first processing module is used to select the cell to stay in based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal.

[1045] Optionally, the first processing module is specifically used for:

[1046] The terminal selects a cell with a small Doppler frequency shift for camping; or...

[1047] The terminal selects cells where the Doppler frequency shift of the selected signal is less than a preset value for cell camping.

[1048] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1049] The first sending module is used to send a accompaniment indication to the network-side device through the relay device, the accompaniment indication being used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[1050] Optionally, the first transmitting module includes:

[1051] Based on the type information of the relay device, the terminal sends the accompanying indication to the network-side device through the relay device;

[1052] After a preset time has elapsed since the terminal connected to the relay device, the terminal sends the accompanying indication to the network-side device through the relay device.

[1053] The terminal sends the accompanying indication to the network-side device through the relay device based on the Doppler frequency shift of the signal.

[1054] Upon receiving the target information sent by the relay device, the terminal sends the accompanying indication to the network-side device through the relay device.

[1055] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1056] The first receiving module is used to receive the first information sent by the terminal;

[1057] The second sending module is used to send a accompaniment indication and the first information to the network-side device, wherein the accompaniment indication is used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device.

[1058] Optionally, the second transmitting module is specifically used for:

[1059] The relay device sends the accompanying indication to the network-side device based on the Doppler frequency shift of the terminal's signal.

[1060] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1061] The second receiving module is used to receive a companion indication sent by a terminal or a relay device through a relay device, the companion indication being used to instruct the terminal to follow or not follow the relay device;

[1062] The third sending module is used to send relay-related information to the first core network function based on the accompanying indication. The relay-related information is used to instruct the first core network function to associate the terminal and the relay device.

[1063] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1064] The third receiving module is used to receive first information sent by the source network side device. The first information includes a first handover indication for the relay device. The first handover indication is used to instruct the relay device to hand over from the source network side device to the target network side device.

[1065] The fourth sending module is used to stop forwarding messages from the terminal according to the first switching instruction.

[1066] Optionally, the device includes: a processing module.

[1067] The processing module is used to cache messages from the terminal.

[1068] Optionally, the processing module is configured to switch from the source network-side device to the target network-side device according to the first switching instruction;

[1069] The fourth sending module is used to forward messages from the terminal to the target network-side device.

[1070] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1071] The fifth sending module is used to send second information for the terminal to the first core network function. The second information includes a list of area information to which the relay device belongs. The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, radio area information, and radio area identifier. The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[1072] Optionally, the fifth sending module is used to send first indication information to the first core network function, the first indication information being used to indicate that the area information to which the relay device belongs does not change or may change.

[1073] Optionally, the device further includes a receiving module and a processing module;

[1074] The receiving module is used to receive third information for the relay device sent by the second core network function, the third information including a regional information list;

[1075] The processing module is configured to perform at least one of the following based on the third information:

[1076] Configure the area information to which the relay device belongs, and instruct the relay device to broadcast the area information.

[1077] Optionally, the third information may further include second indication information, which is used to instruct the network-side device to send the first indication information to the first core network function based on the second indication information.

[1078] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1079] The fourth receiving module is used to receive third information for the relay device sent by the second core network function, the third information including a regional information list;

[1080] The second processing module is configured to perform at least one of the following based on the third information:

[1081] Configure the area information to which the relay device belongs, and instruct the relay device to broadcast the area information;

[1082] The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier.

[1083] Optionally, the device further includes a transmitting module;

[1084] The sending module is used to send second information for the terminal to the first core network function. The second information includes a list of area information to which the relay device belongs. The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[1085] The sending module is used to send first indication information to the first core network function, the first indication information being used to indicate that the area information to which the relay device belongs does not change or may change.

[1086] Optionally, the third information may further include second indication information, which is used to instruct the network-side device to send the first indication information to the first core network function based on the second indication information.

[1087] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1088] The fifth receiving module is used to receive second information for the terminal sent by the network-side device. The second information includes a list of area information to which the relay device belongs. The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[1089] The sixth sending module is used to send a mobile area information list to the terminal according to the area information list of the relay device. The mobile area information list is used by the terminal to send information to the network side based on the mobile area information list.

[1090] The area information includes at least one of the following: tracking area information, tracking area identifier, wireless area information, and wireless area identifier.

[1091] Optionally, the second information may further include first indication information, which indicates that the area information list of the relay device has not changed;

[1092] The sending module is further configured to send a list of mobile area information to the terminal according to the first indication information.

[1093] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1094] The seventh sending module is used to send third information to the network-side device, the third information including a list of area information of the relay device.

[1095] Optionally, the third information may further include second indication information, which is used to instruct the network-side device to send first indication information to the first core network function based on the second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the area information to which the relay device belongs does not change or may change.

[1096] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1097] The sixth receiving module is used to receive tenth information for the terminal sent by the network-side device. The tenth information includes at least one of the following: first link information and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device.

[1098] The third processing module is used to perform a third operation based on the tenth information, wherein the third operation is a correlation operation.

[1099] Optionally, if the tenth information includes the first link information, the third processing module is configured to:

[1100] Unassociate the terminal with the first link information;

[1101] Based on the first link information, the first link information is sent to the second core network function. The first link information is used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the number of associated terminals with the target relay device related to the first link information.

[1102] Based on the first link information, the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information is reduced.

[1103] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following:

[1104] Identification information;

[1105] Information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[1106] Information regarding the functions of the first core network;

[1107] Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function;

[1108] An association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1109] Optionally, if the tenth information includes the fourth information, the third processing module is configured to:

[1110] The first core network function associates the terminal with the second link information based on the fourth information;

[1111] The first core network function sends second link information and the fourth information to the second core network function based on the fourth information. The second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the relay device of the second core network function to add associated terminals.

[1112] Based on the fourth information, an associated terminal is added to the relay device.

[1113] Optionally, if the tenth information includes the first link information and the fourth information, the third processing module is configured to:

[1114] Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the terminal is associated with second link information, which is used to indicate that the terminal is associated with the relay device;

[1115] Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the second link information and the fourth information are sent to the second core network function. The second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the relay device of the second core network function to add associated terminals.

[1116] Based on the first link information and the fourth information, add associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information;

[1117] Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first link information, the second link information and the fourth information are sent to the second core network function. The first link information, the second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information, and to increase the associated terminals of the relay device related to the fourth information.

[1118] Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information is reduced, and the number of associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information is increased.

[1119] Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the instruction to the second core network function to reduce the number of associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information is stopped.

[1120] Optionally, if the tenth information includes the fourth information, the third processing module is configured to:

[1121] Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first link information is obtained from the fifth core network function. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function associates the second link information with the terminal.

[1122] If the terminal's relevant information includes first link information, then based on the first link information and the fourth information, a second link information is associated with the terminal, and the second link information is used to indicate that the terminal is associated with the relay device;

[1123] Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first link information is obtained from the fifth core network function. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function sends the second link information and the fourth information to the second core network function. The second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to add associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information.

[1124] If the terminal's relevant information includes first link information, based on the first link information and the fourth information, the second link information and the fourth information are sent to the second core network function. The second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to add associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information.

[1125] Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first link information is obtained from the fifth core network function. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function adds associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information.

[1126] If the terminal's related information includes first link information, based on the first link information and the fourth information, an associated terminal is added for the relay device related to the fourth information;

[1127] Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first link information is obtained from the fifth core network function. The first core network function sends the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information to the second core network function based on the first link information and the fourth information. The first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information, and the relay device related to the fourth information to increase the associated terminals.

[1128] When the relevant information of the terminal includes first link information, based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first link information, the second link information and the fourth information are sent to the second core network function. The first link information, the second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information, and the relay device related to the fourth information to increase the associated terminals.

[1129] Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first link information is obtained from the fifth core network function. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function reduces the associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information, and adds associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information.

[1130] If the terminal's related information includes first link information, based on the first link information and fourth information, the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information is reduced, and the number of associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information is increased.

[1131] Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first link information is obtained from the fifth core network function. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function stops instructing the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information.

[1132] If the terminal's relevant information includes first link information, based on the first link information and the fourth information, the instruction to the second core network function to reduce the number of associated terminals with the target relay device related to the first link information is stopped.

[1133] Optionally, if the tenth information includes the first link information, the third processing module is configured to:

[1134] Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first core network function obtains the third link information from the fifth core network function. Based on the first link information and the third link information, the first core network function stops deassociating the terminal with the third link information, or maintains the association between the terminal and the third link information, or stops sending the third link information to the second core network function, or sends the third link information to the second core network function. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information.

[1135] If the terminal's relevant information includes third link information, based on the first link information and the third link information, the association between the terminal and the third link information is either stopped, or the association between the terminal and the third link information is maintained, or the transmission of the third link information to the second core network function is stopped, or the transmission of the third link information to the second core network function is also stopped. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information.

[1136] Optionally, the device further includes: a transmitting module;

[1137] The sending module is used to send the second link information to the network-side device based on the tenth information. The second link information is used to instruct the network-side device to associate with the relay device.

[1138] Optionally, the sixth receiving module is further configured to receive eleventh information sent by the second core network function, the eleventh information indicating at least one of the following: the relay device associated with the first link information is the same as or different from the relay device associated with the fourth information; the relay device associated with the first link information has fewer associated terminals, and the relay device associated with the fourth information has more associated terminals; the relay device associated with the first link information has neither fewer nor more associated terminals; the first core network function uses the first link information; the first core network function uses the second link information.

[1139] The sending module is further configured to send the second link information to the network-side device according to the eleventh information.

[1140] Optionally, the second link information includes at least one of the following:

[1141] Identification information;

[1142] Information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[1143] Information regarding the functions of the first core network;

[1144] Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function;

[1145] An association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1146] Optionally, the sixth receiving module is further configured to receive a notification message sent by the fourth core network function regarding the second link information, the notification message indicating at least one of the following:

[1147] The core network functions of the relay device serving the second link information have changed;

[1148] The storage location of the context of the relay device associated with the second link information has changed;

[1149] The second link information is associated with the fourth core network function.

[1150] Optionally, the notification message may also include the fourth information related to the relay device.

[1151] The apparatus of this embodiment can be used to execute the method of any of the embodiments of the first core network functional side method described above. Its specific implementation process and technical effects are similar to those of the first core network functional side method embodiments. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the first core network functional side method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[1152] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1153] The receiving module is used to receive messages sent to the terminal by network-side devices;

[1154] The processing module is used to perform an operation to cancel the association between the terminal and the relay device based on the relevant information of the terminal.

[1155] Optionally, the processing module is specifically used for:

[1156] Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first link information is obtained from the fifth core network function, and the first core network function is to unassociate the terminal with the first link information;

[1157] If the terminal's relevant information includes first link information, then the terminal is unassociated with the first link information;

[1158] Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first link information is obtained from the fifth core network function, and the first core network function sends the first link information to the second core network function based on the first link information.

[1159] If the terminal's relevant information includes first link information, the first link information is sent to the second core network function based on the first link information.

[1160] Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first link information is obtained from the third core network function. Based on the first link information, the first core network function reduces the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information.

[1161] If the relevant information of the terminal includes first link information, based on the first link information, the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information is reduced;

[1162] The first link information is used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the number of associated terminals with the target relay device related to the first link information.

[1163] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following:

[1164] Identification information;

[1165] Information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[1166] Information regarding the functions of the first core network;

[1167] Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function;

[1168] An association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1169] The apparatus of this embodiment can be used to execute the method of any of the embodiments of the first core network functional side method described above. Its specific implementation process and technical effects are similar to those of the first core network functional side method embodiments. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the first core network functional side method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[1170] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1171] The eighth sending module is used to send tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function. The tenth information includes at least one of the following: first link information and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The tenth information is used to instruct the first core network function to perform a third operation. The third operation is an association-related operation.

[1172] Optionally, the device further includes: a receiving module;

[1173] The receiving module is configured to receive a handover instruction for the terminal sent from a first device, the first device including a first core network function or other network-side devices.

[1174] Optionally, if the tenth information includes the fourth information, the device further includes: a receiving module;

[1175] The receiving module is used to receive the fourth information sent by the second core network function.

[1176] Optionally, the receiving module is further configured to receive second link information sent by the third core network function, the second link information being used to associate the relay device.

[1177] Optionally, the eighth sending module is specifically used to send tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function based on the second link information.

[1178] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following:

[1179] Identification information;

[1180] Information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[1181] Information regarding the functions of the first core network;

[1182] Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function;

[1183] An association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1184] Optionally, the second link information includes at least one of the following:

[1185] Identification information;

[1186] Information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[1187] Information regarding the functions of the first core network;

[1188] Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function;

[1189] An association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1190] The apparatus of this embodiment can be used to execute the method of any of the aforementioned network-side device-side method embodiments. Its specific implementation process and technical effects are similar to those in the network-side device-side method embodiments. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the network-side device-side method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[1191] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1192] The seventh receiving module is used to receive the fifth information related to the relay device sent by the third core network function, the fifth information including the second link information;

[1193] The ninth sending module is configured to send a notification message to the first core network function based on the first link information, the notification message indicating at least one of the following:

[1194] The core network functions serving the relay devices related to the second link information have changed;

[1195] The core network functions serving the relay equipment have changed;

[1196] The storage location of the context of the relay device associated with the second link information has changed;

[1197] The second link information is associated with the fourth core network function.

[1198] Optionally, the notification message may also include fifth information related to the relay device.

[1199] Optionally, the second link information includes at least one of the following:

[1200] Identification information;

[1201] Information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[1202] Information regarding the functions of the first core network;

[1203] Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function;

[1204] An association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1205] The apparatus of this embodiment can be used to execute the method of any of the aforementioned embodiments of the fourth core network functional side method. Its specific implementation process and technical effects are similar to those of the fourth core network functional side method embodiments. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the fourth core network functional side method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[1206] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1207] The sending module is used to send fifth information related to the relay device to the fourth core network function, the fifth information including second link information;

[1208] The sending module is further configured to send a notification message to the first core network function based on the second link information, the notification message indicating at least one of the following:

[1209] The core network functions serving the relay devices related to the second link information have changed;

[1210] The core network functions serving the relay equipment have changed;

[1211] The storage location of the context of the relay device associated with the second link information has changed;

[1212] The second link information is associated with the fourth core network function.

[1213] Optionally, the notification message may also include the fifth piece of information related to the relay device.

[1214] Optionally, the second link information includes at least one of the following:

[1215] Identification information;

[1216] Information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[1217] Information regarding the functions of the first core network;

[1218] Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function;

[1219] The association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1220] The apparatus of this embodiment can be used to execute the method of any of the aforementioned embodiments of the fourth core network functional side method. Its specific implementation process and technical effects are similar to those of the fourth core network functional side method embodiments. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the fourth core network functional side method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[1221] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1222] The thirteenth receiving module is used to receive the twelfth information sent by the first core network function. The twelfth information includes at least one of the following: first link information, second link information, and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device.

[1223] The processing module is used to perform a sixth operation based on the twelfth information, wherein the sixth operation is a correlation operation.

[1224] Optionally, if the twelfth piece of information includes the first link information, the processing module is specifically used for:

[1225] Based on the first link information, the target relay device associated with the first link information reduces the number of associated terminals.

[1226] Optionally, when the twelfth information includes the second link information and the fourth information, the processing module is specifically used for:

[1227] Based on the second link information and the fourth information, an associated terminal is added to the relay device related to the fourth information.

[1228] Optionally, when the twelfth information includes the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, the processing module is specifically used for:

[1229] Based on the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information is reduced, and the number of associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information is increased.

[1230] Optionally, if the twelfth information includes the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, the device further includes a sixteenth transmission module;

[1231] The sixteenth sending module is configured to send eleventh information to the first core network function based on the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, wherein the eleventh information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[1232] The target relay device related to the first link information may be the same as or different from the relay device related to the fourth information;

[1233] The target relay device associated with the first link information reduces the number of associated terminals, and the relay device associated with the fourth information increases the number of associated terminals;

[1234] The number of target relay devices associated with the first link information has neither decreased nor increased;

[1235] The first core network function uses the first link information;

[1236] The first core network function uses the second link information.

[1237] Optionally, the sixteenth sending module is further configured to send the fourth information related to the relay device to the network-side device.

[1238] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following:

[1239] Identification information;

[1240] Information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[1241] Information regarding the functions of the first core network;

[1242] Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function;

[1243] An association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1244] Optionally, the second link information includes at least one of the following:

[1245] Identification information;

[1246] Information about the relay device and information about the terminal;

[1247] Information regarding the functions of the first core network;

[1248] Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function;

[1249] An association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1250] The apparatus of this embodiment can be used to execute the method of any of the aforementioned embodiments of the second core network functional side method. Its specific implementation process and technical effects are similar to those of the second core network functional side method embodiments. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the second core network functional side method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[1251] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1252] The tenth sending module is used to send a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1253] Optionally, the receiving module is configured to receive the sixth information sent by the first core network function, the sixth information including first link information, information related to the relay device, and information related to the terminal;

[1254] The source network-side device performs at least one of the following based on the link information:

[1255] Associate the first link information with the relay device;

[1256] Associate the first link information with the terminal;

[1257] Based on the first link information, the first handover instruction for the terminal is sent to the first core network function.

[1258] Optionally, the first link information includes information related to core network functions, and the step of sending the first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the link information includes:

[1259] The source network side device sends the first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the information related to the core network function, wherein the information related to the core network function is related to the first core network function.

[1260] Optionally, the association indication is the first link information, used to indicate that the terminal is associated with a relay device related to the first link information.

[1261] Optionally, the sending module is configured to send sixth information for the terminal to the fourth core network function, the sixth information including information related to the relay device, the sixth information being used to instruct the fourth core network function to send the first link information to the source network side device.

[1262] Optionally, the receiving module is used to receive the second link information sent by the fourth core network function;

[1263] The processing module is used to replace the first Link information with the second Link information.

[1264] Optionally, the sending module is configured to send a second handover instruction for the relay device to the second core network function;

[1265] The source network side device receives a first handover command sent by the first core network function and a second handover command sent by the second core network function, aggregates the first handover command and the second handover command, and sends a third handover command to the relay device. The third handover command includes the contents of the first handover command and the second handover command.

[1266] Optionally, the Link information includes at least one of the following:

[1267] Identification information;

[1268] Terminal-related information;

[1269] Information related to relay equipment;

[1270] Information related to core network functions.

[1271] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1272] The eighth receiving module is used to receive the seventh information sent by the first core network function, the seventh information including the first link information, the relay device related information, and the terminal related information;

[1273] The fourth processing module is configured to perform at least one of the following based on the first link information:

[1274] Associate the first link information with the relay device;

[1275] Associate the first link information with the terminal;

[1276] Based on the first link information, a first handover instruction for the terminal is sent to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1277] Optionally, the fourth processing module is configured to, when the first link information includes information related to core network functions, send a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the information related to core network functions, wherein the information related to core network functions is related to the first core network function.

[1278] Optionally, the association indication is the first link information, used to indicate that the terminal is associated with a relay device related to the link information.

[1279] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following:

[1280] Identification information;

[1281] Terminal-related information;

[1282] Information related to relay equipment;

[1283] Information related to core network functions.

[1284] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1285] The eleventh sending module is used to send the eighth information for the terminal to the fourth core network function. The eighth information includes relay-related information and is used to instruct the fourth core network function to send the first link information to the source network side device.

[1286] The terminal interacts with the network-side device through the relay device.

[1287] Optionally, the first link information sent by the fourth core network function is received;

[1288] The source network-side device performs at least one of the following based on the first link information:

[1289] Associate the first link information with the relay device;

[1290] Associate the first link information with the terminal;

[1291] Based on the first link information, a first handover instruction for the terminal is sent to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network-side device to the target network-side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1292] Optionally, the first link information includes information related to core network functions, and the processing module is configured to: send a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the information related to the core network functions, wherein the information related to the core network functions is related to the first core network function.

[1293] Optionally, the association indication is the first link information, used to indicate that the terminal is associated with a relay device related to the first link information.

[1294] Optionally, the processing module is also used for:

[1295] The source network side device sends a second handover instruction for the relay device to the second core network function;

[1296] The source network side device receives a first handover command sent by the first core network function and a second handover command sent by the second core network function, aggregates the first handover command and the second handover command, and sends a third handover command to the relay device. The third handover command includes the contents of the first handover command and the second handover command.

[1297] Optionally, the Link information includes at least one of the following:

[1298] Identification information;

[1299] Terminal-related information;

[1300] Information related to relay equipment;

[1301] Information related to core network functions.

[1302] Optionally, the receiving module is used for sending second link information via the fourth core network function;

[1303] The processing module is used to replace the first Link information with the second Link information.

[1304] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1305] The ninth receiving module is used to receive the eighth information sent by the source network side device, the eighth information including information related to the relay device;

[1306] The twelfth sending module is used to send first link information to the source network side device. The first link information is used by the source network side device to send a first handover instruction for the terminal to the first core network function based on the first link information. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1307] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following:

[1308] Identification information;

[1309] Terminal-related information;

[1310] Information related to relay equipment;

[1311] Information related to core network functions.

[1312] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1313] The tenth receiving module is used to receive a first handover indication for a terminal sent by the source network side device. The first handover indication includes an association indication, which is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1314] The thirteenth sending module is used to send seventh information to the target network-side device based on the first handover indication. The seventh information includes first link information, information related to the relay device, and information related to the terminal.

[1315] The seventh piece of information is used to instruct the target network-side device to perform at least one of the following:

[1316] Associate the first link information with the relay device;

[1317] Associate the first link information with the terminal;

[1318] Based on the first link information, a first handover instruction for the terminal is sent to the first core network function. The first handover instruction includes an association instruction. The first handover instruction is used to instruct the terminal to switch from the source network side device to the target network side device. The association instruction is used to instruct the terminal to be associated with or not associated with the relay device.

[1319] Optionally, the first link information includes at least one of the following:

[1320] Identification information;

[1321] Terminal-related information;

[1322] Information related to relay equipment;

[1323] Information related to core network functions.

[1324] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1325] The eleventh receiving module is used to receive the ninth information related to the terminal sent by the fifth core network function. The ninth information includes the first link information and the information related to the second core network function.

[1326] The fourteenth sending module is configured to send the first link information and the second link information to the second core network function indicated by the information related to the second core network function, for indicating at least one of the following:

[1327] Replace the first link information with the second link information;

[1328] Associate the second link information with the relay device associated with the first link information;

[1329] Reduce the count for the first link information;

[1330] Increase the count for the second link information;

[1331] Event notifications for the first link information were cancelled;

[1332] Events related to relay devices associated with the first link information are subscribed to for the second link information.

[1333] Optionally, the receiving module is used to receive the first link information sent by the network-side device, and based on the first link information, send the first link information to the fifth core network function;

[1334] The first core network function receives the ninth information sent by the fifth core network function.

[1335] The communication device provided in this application includes:

[1336] The twelfth receiving module is used to receive the first link information and the second link information sent by the first core network function, and to perform the fourth operation.

[1337] Optionally, the processing module is configured to perform a fourth operation on the second core network function during the location update operation or not during the handover process, including at least one of the following:

[1338] Replace the first link information with the second link information;

[1339] Associate the second link information with the relay device associated with the first link information;

[1340] Event notifications for the first link information were cancelled;

[1341] Events related to relay devices associated with the first link information are subscribed to for the second link information.

[1342] Optionally, the processing module is configured to perform a fourth operation during the handover process of the second core network function, including at least one of the following:

[1343] Send the Link information and the second Link information to...

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first core network function receives tenth information for a terminal sent by a network-side device. The tenth information includes: first link information and fourth information related to a relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, and the third operation is a related operation; When the tenth information includes the first link information, the first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, including at least one of the following: The first core network function obtains third link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the third link information, the first core network function stops unassociating the terminal with the third link information, or maintains the association between the terminal and the third link information, or stops sending the third link information to the second core network function, or sends the third link information to the second core network function. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information. When the relevant information of the terminal includes third link information, the first core network function, based on the first link information and the third link information, stops unassociating the terminal with the third link information, or maintains the association between the terminal and the third link information, or stops sending the third link information to the second core network function, or sends the third link information to the second core network function. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information. The first core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal, the second core network function is a core network function that serves the relay equipment, and the fifth core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal before the terminal switches core network functions.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the tenth information includes the first link information, the first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, which further includes at least one of the following: The first core network function is to allow the terminal to unassociate itself with the first link information; The first core network function sends the first link information to the second core network function based on the first link information. The first link information is used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the number of associated terminals with the target relay device related to the first link information. The first core network function, based on the first link information, reduces the number of associated terminals for target relay devices related to the first link information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first link information includes at least one of the following: Identification information; Information about the relay device and information about the terminal; Information regarding the functions of the first core network; Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function; The association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the tenth information includes the fourth information, the first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, which further includes at least one of the following: The first core network function associates the terminal with the second link information based on the fourth information; The first core network function sends second link information and the fourth information to the second core network function based on the fourth information. The second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the relay device of the second core network function to add associated terminals. The first core network function adds associated terminals to the relay device based on the fourth information.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the tenth information includes the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, which further includes at least one of the following: The first core network function associates the terminal with second link information based on the first link information and the fourth information; The first core network function sends the second link information and the fourth information to the second core network function based on the first link information and the fourth information. The second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to add associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information. The first core network function adds associated terminals to relay devices related to the fourth information based on the first link information and the fourth information. The first core network function sends the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information to the second core network function based on the first link information and the fourth information. The first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information, and to increase the associated terminals of the relay device related to the fourth information. The first core network function, based on the first link information and the fourth information, reduces the associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information, and increases the associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information; Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function stops instructing the second core network function to reduce the number of associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the tenth information includes the fourth information, the first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, which further includes at least one of the following: The first core network function obtains first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. The first core network function associates second link information with the terminal based on the first link information and the fourth information. When the terminal’s relevant information includes first link information, the first core network function associates second link information with the terminal based on the first link information and the fourth information. The second link information is used to indicate that the terminal is associated with the relay device. The first core network function obtains the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function sends the second link information and the fourth information to the second core network function. The second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to add associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information. When the terminal’s relevant information includes first link information, the first core network function sends second link information and fourth information to the second core network function based on the first link information and the fourth information. The second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to add associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information. The first core network function obtains first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function adds associated terminals to the relay devices related to the fourth information. When the terminal’s related information includes first link information, the first core network function adds associated terminals to relay devices related to the fourth information based on the first link information and the fourth information. The first core network function obtains first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function sends the first link information, the second link information and the fourth information to the second core network function. The first link information, the second link information and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information and to add associated terminals to the relay device related to the fourth information. When the relevant information of the terminal includes first link information, the first core network function sends the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information to the second core network function based on the first link information and the fourth information. The first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information are used to instruct the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information, and the relay device related to the fourth information to increase the associated terminals. The first core network function obtains the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function reduces the associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information, and adds the associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information. When the terminal’s related information includes first link information, the first core network function reduces the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information based on the first link information and the fourth information, and adds the number of associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information. The first core network function obtains the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the fourth information, the first core network function stops instructing the second core network function to reduce the associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information. If the terminal's relevant information includes first link information, the first core network function, based on the first link information and the fourth information, stops instructing the second core network function to reduce the number of associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, and further includes: Based on the tenth information, the first core network function sends second link information to the network-side device. The second link information is used to instruct the network-side device to associate with the relay device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first core network function sends the second link information to the network-side device, including: The first core network function receives eleventh information sent by the second core network function. The eleventh information indicates at least one of the following: the relay device associated with the first link information is the same as or different from the relay device associated with the fourth information; the relay device associated with the first link information has fewer associated terminals, and the relay device associated with the fourth information has more associated terminals; the relay device associated with the first link information has neither fewer nor more associated terminals; the first core network function uses the first link information; the first core network function uses the second link information. The first core network function sends the second link information to the network-side device according to the eleventh information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The second link information includes at least one of the following: Identification information; Information about the relay device and information about the terminal; Information regarding the functions of the first core network; Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function; The association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

10. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first core network function receives a notification message from the fourth core network function regarding the second link information, the notification message indicating at least one of the following: The core network functions serving the relay devices related to the second link information have changed; The storage location of the context of the relay device associated with the second link information has changed; The second link information is associated with the fourth core network function; The fourth core network function is the core network function that serves the relay device before the relay device is switched over.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The notification message also includes fourth information related to the relay device.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first core network function receives messages sent to the terminal by network-side devices; The first core network function performs an operation to cancel the association between the terminal and the relay device based on the relevant information of the terminal; The first core network function performs an operation to cancel the association between the terminal and the relay device based on the relevant information of the terminal, including at least one of the following: The first core network function obtains the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal, and the first core network function cancels the association of the first link information with the terminal. The first core network function obtains the first link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal, and sends the first link information to the second core network function based on the first link information. If the terminal's relevant information includes first link information, the first core network function sends the first link information to the second core network function based on the first link information. The first core network function obtains the first link information from the third core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information, the first core network function reduces the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information. The first link information is used to instruct the target relay device associated with the second core network function and the first link information to reduce the number of associated terminals. The first core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal; the second core network function is a core network function that serves the relay equipment; the third core network function is a core network function that serves the relay equipment after the relay equipment switches over; and the fifth core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal before the terminal switches over its core network function.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first link information includes at least one of the following: Identification information; Information about the relay device and information about the terminal; Information regarding the functions of the first core network; Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function; The association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The network-side device sends tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function. The tenth information includes: first link information and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The tenth information is used to instruct the first core network function to perform a third operation. The third operation is an association-related operation. When the tenth information includes the first link information, the first core network function performs a third operation based on the tenth information, including at least one of the following: The first core network function obtains third link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the third link information, the first core network function stops unassociating the terminal with the third link information, or maintains the association between the terminal and the third link information, or stops sending the third link information to the second core network function, or sends the third link information to the second core network function. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information. When the relevant information of the terminal includes third link information, the first core network function, based on the first link information and the third link information, stops unassociating the terminal with the third link information, or maintains the association between the terminal and the third link information, or stops sending the third link information to the second core network function, or sends the third link information to the second core network function. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information. The first core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal, the second core network function is a core network function that serves the relay equipment, and the fifth core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal before the terminal switches core network functions.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Before the network-side equipment sends the tenth message for the terminal to the first core network function, it also includes: The network-side device receives a handover instruction for the terminal from a first device, the first device including a first core network function or other network-side device.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, When the tenth information includes the fourth information, before the network-side device sends the tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function, the method further includes: The network-side device receives the fourth information sent by the second core network function.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network-side device receives the second link information sent by the third core network function, and the second link information is used to associate the relay device; the third core network function is the core network function that serves the relay device after the relay device is switched.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The network-side device sends the tenth piece of information for the terminal to the first core network function, including: The network-side device sends tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function based on the second link information.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The first link information includes at least one of the following: Identification information; Information about the relay device and information about the terminal; Information regarding the functions of the first core network; Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function; The association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The second link information includes at least one of the following: Identification information; Information about the relay device and information about the terminal; Information regarding the functions of the first core network; Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function; The association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The second core network function receives the twelfth information sent by the first core network function. The twelfth information includes at least one of the following: first link information, second link information, and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The first link information and the second link information are both used to associate the terminal with the relay device. The second core network function performs a sixth operation based on the twelfth information, the sixth operation being a related operation; The associated operations include at least one of the following: If the twelfth information includes the first link information, reduce the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to one or more pieces of information in the twelfth information; If the twelfth information includes the second link information and the fourth information, add an associated terminal to the target relay device related to one or more of the information in the twelfth information; If the twelfth information includes the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, then based on the twelfth information, the eleventh information is sent to the first core network function, or... When the twelfth information includes the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to one or more of the information in the twelfth information is reduced, and the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to one or more of the other information in the twelfth information is increased. The first core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal, and the second core network function is a core network function that serves the relay equipment.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, If the twelfth information includes first link information, the second core network function performs a sixth operation based on the twelfth information, which further includes: The second core network function reduces the number of associated terminals of the target relay device related to the first link information based on the first link link information.

23. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, In the case that the twelfth information includes the second link information and the fourth information, the second core network function performs the sixth operation based on the twelfth information, which further includes: The second core network function adds associated terminals to relay devices related to the fourth information based on the second link information and the fourth information.

24. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, When the twelfth information includes the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, the second core network function performs the sixth operation based on the twelfth information, which further includes: The second core network function reduces the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information, and adds associated terminals for the relay device related to the fourth information, based on the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information.

25. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, When the twelfth information includes the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, the second core network function performs the sixth operation based on the twelfth information, which further includes: The second core network function sends eleventh information to the first core network function based on the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information. The eleventh information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The target relay device related to the first link information may be the same as or different from the relay device related to the fourth information; The target relay device associated with the first link information reduces the number of associated terminals, and the relay device associated with the fourth information increases the number of associated terminals; The number of target relay devices associated with the first link information has neither decreased nor increased; The first core network function uses the first link information; The first core network function uses the second link information.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21-25, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second core network function sends the fourth information related to the relay device to the network-side device.

27. The method according to any one of claims 21-25, characterized in that, The first link information includes at least one of the following: Identification information; Information about the relay device and information about the terminal; Information regarding the functions of the first core network; Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function; The association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

28. The method according to any one of claims 21-25, characterized in that, The second link information includes at least one of the following: Identification information; Information about the relay device and information about the terminal; Information regarding the functions of the first core network; Information about the relay equipment and information about the first core network function; The association indicator is used to indicate whether the terminal is associated with or not associated with the relay device.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The sixth receiving module is used to receive tenth information for the terminal sent by the network-side device. The tenth information includes: first link information and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The third processing module is used to perform a third operation based on the tenth information, wherein the third operation is a correlation operation. When the tenth information includes the first link information, the third processing module performs a third operation based on the tenth information, including at least one of the following: Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the third link information is obtained from the fifth core network function. Based on the first link information and the third link information, the association between the terminal and the third link information is stopped, or the association between the terminal and the third link information is maintained, or the third link information is stopped from being sent to the second core network function, or the third link information is sent to the second core network function. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information. If the terminal's relevant information includes third link information, based on the first link information and the third link information, stop unassociating the terminal with the third link information, or maintain the association between the terminal and the third link information, or stop sending the third link information to the second core network function, or send the third link information to the second core network function. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information. The second core network function is a core network function that serves the relay equipment, and the fifth core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal before the terminal switches its core network function.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The receiving module is used to receive messages sent to the terminal by network-side devices; The processing module is used to perform an operation to cancel the association between the terminal and the relay device based on the relevant information of the terminal; The processing module performs an operation to cancel the association between the terminal and the relay device based on the relevant information of the terminal, including at least one of the following: Based on the relevant information of the terminal, obtain the first link information from the fifth core network function, and unassociate the terminal with the first link information; Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first link information is obtained from the fifth core network function, and based on the first link information, the first link information is sent to the second core network function. If the terminal's relevant information includes first link information, the first link information is sent to the second core network function based on the first link information. Based on the relevant information of the terminal, the first link information is obtained from the third core network function. Based on the first link information, the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to the first link information is reduced. The first link information is used to instruct the target relay device associated with the second core network function and the first link information to reduce the number of associated terminals. The second core network function is a core network function that serves the relay equipment; the third core network function is a core network function that serves the relay equipment after the relay equipment switches over; and the fifth core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal before the terminal switches over its core network function.

31. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The eighth sending module is used to send tenth information for the terminal to the first core network function. The tenth information includes: first link information and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The tenth information is used to instruct the first core network function to perform a third operation. The third operation is an association-related operation. When the tenth information includes the first link information, the tenth information indicates the third operation performed by the first core network function, including at least one of the following: The first core network function obtains third link information from the fifth core network function based on the relevant information of the terminal. Based on the first link information and the third link information, the first core network function stops unassociating the terminal with the third link information, or maintains the association between the terminal and the third link information, or stops sending the third link information to the second core network function, or sends the third link information to the second core network function. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information. When the relevant information of the terminal includes third link information, the first core network function, based on the first link information and the third link information, stops unassociating the terminal with the third link information, or maintains the association between the terminal and the third link information, or stops sending the third link information to the second core network function, or sends the third link information to the second core network function. The third link information is used to instruct the second core network function to maintain the association between the terminal and the target relay device related to the third link information, or to reduce the number of terminals associated with the target relay device related to the third link information. The first core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal, the second core network function is a core network function that serves the relay equipment, and the fifth core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal before the terminal switches core network functions.

32. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The thirteenth receiving module is used to receive the twelfth information sent by the first core network function. The twelfth information includes at least one of the following: first link information, second link information, and fourth information related to the relay device. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal to interact with the network-side device through the relay device. The first link information and the second link information are both used to associate the terminal with the relay device. The processing module is used to perform a sixth operation based on the twelfth information, wherein the sixth operation is a correlation operation; The associated operations include at least one of the following: If the twelfth information includes the first link information, the target relay device associated with one or more pieces of information in the twelfth information reduces the number of associated terminals; In the case where the twelfth information includes the second link information and the fourth information, the target relay device associated with one or more of the information in the twelfth information is added with an associated terminal; If the twelfth information includes the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, then based on the twelfth information, the eleventh information is sent to the first core network function, or... When the twelfth information includes the first link information, the second link information, and the fourth information, the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to one or more of the information in the twelfth information is reduced, and the number of associated terminals for the target relay device related to one or more of the other information in the twelfth information is increased. The first core network function is a core network function that serves the terminal.

33. A first core network functional element, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 12-13.

34. A network-side device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 14-20.

35. A second core network functional element, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 21-28.

36. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 12-13, or the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 14-20, or the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 21-28.

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