State transition methods, apparatus, devices and storage media

Abstract

This application is a divisional application of 202180075025.6. This application discloses a state transition method, apparatus, device, and storage medium, relating to the field of mobile communications. The method includes: a relay terminal connected to an access network device, and the relay terminal connected to at least one communication terminal, the communication terminal connecting to the access network device via the relay terminal. The method includes: controlling at least one communication terminal to leave the connection state with the access network device; upon determining that all communication terminals connected to the access network device via the relay terminal have left the connection state with the access network device, sending a first control message to the relay terminal, the first control message indicating that the relay terminal has left the connection state with the access network device, preventing the relay terminal from remaining connected to the access network device and continuing to consume resources, thus saving the relay terminal's resource consumption and improving the communication quality of the relay terminal.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on February 5, 2021, with application number 202180075025.6 and entitled "State Transition Method, Apparatus, Device and Storage Medium". Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of mobile communications, and in particular to a state transition method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0003] With the rapid development of mobile communication technology and the widespread application of terminals, a communication method using terminals as a medium has been proposed. Any terminal can connect to the core network through another terminal as a medium, thereby communicating with the core network.

[0004] Taking a communication terminal and a relay terminal as an example, the communication terminal establishes a connection with the relay terminal. The relay terminal then establishes a connection with its core network through the access network equipment. At this point, the relay terminal transitions to the CM (Connection Management) - connected state. Then, the communication terminal connects to the access network equipment via the relay terminal, and subsequently connects to its core network through the access network equipment. The communication terminal also transitions to the CM - connected state and begins communicating with its core network.

[0005] However, if the communication terminal no longer needs to communicate, it will switch to the CM-idle (idle) state or the radio resource control inactive state, while the relay terminal's state remains unchanged and is still in the CM-connected state, resulting in the relay terminal's resources being consumed and its resource utilization rate being low. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a state transition method, apparatus, device, and storage medium to prevent a relay terminal from remaining connected to an access network device even when the communication terminal connected to the access network device leaves the access network device. This saves the relay terminal's resource consumption and improves its communication quality. The technical solution is as follows:

[0007] According to one aspect of this application, a state transition method is provided, applied to an access network device, wherein a relay terminal is connected to the access network device, and the relay terminal is connected to at least one communication terminal, the communication terminal being connected to the access network device through the relay terminal, the method comprising:

[0008] Control the at least one communication terminal to disconnect from the access network device;

[0009] If it is determined that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the connection with the access network device, a first control message is sent to the relay terminal. The first control message is used to indicate that the relay terminal has left the connection with the access network device.

[0010] According to one aspect of this application, a state transition method is provided, applied to a relay terminal, the relay terminal being connected to an access network device and connected to at least one communication terminal, the communication terminal being connected to the access network device through the relay terminal, the method comprising:

[0011] The access network device receives a first control message sent by the access network device, the first control message being sent by the access network device after determining that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the connection status with the access network device.

[0012] Based on the first control message, the connection with the access network device is terminated.

[0013] According to one aspect of this application, a state transition apparatus is provided, applied to an access network device, wherein a relay terminal is connected to the access network device, and the relay terminal is connected to at least one communication terminal, the communication terminal being connected to the access network device through the relay terminal, the apparatus comprising:

[0014] The control module is used to control the connection status of the at least one communication terminal leaving the access network device;

[0015] The sending module is configured to send a first control message to the relay terminal when it is determined that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the connection state with the access network device. The first control message is used to indicate that the relay terminal has left the connection state with the access network device.

[0016] According to one aspect of this application, a state transition device is provided, applied in a relay terminal, the relay terminal being connected to an access network device and connected to at least one communication terminal, the communication terminal being connected to the access network device through the relay terminal, the device comprising:

[0017] The control module is used to control the connection status of the at least one communication terminal leaving the access network device;

[0018] The sending module is configured to send a first control message to the relay terminal when it is determined that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the connection state with the access network device. The first control message is used to indicate that the relay terminal has left the connection state with the access network device.

[0019] According to one aspect of this application, an access network device is provided, the access network device comprising: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable program code of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute the executable program code to implement the state transition method as described above.

[0020] According to one aspect of this application, a relay terminal is provided, the relay terminal comprising: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the state transition method as described above.

[0021] According to one aspect of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein executable program code is stored therein, the executable program code being loaded and executed by the processor to implement the state transition method as described above.

[0022] According to one aspect of this application, a chip is provided, the chip including programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is operated on an access network device or a relay terminal, are used to implement the state transition method as described above.

[0023] According to one aspect of this application, an embodiment of this application provides a computer program product that, when executed by a processor of an access network device or a relay terminal, is used to implement the state transition method described above.

[0024] The technical solutions provided in this application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0025] The methods, apparatus, devices, and storage media provided in this application embodiment enable the access network device to control the relay terminal to leave the access network device when it determines that at least one communication terminal connected to the relay terminal has left the connection state with the access network device. This prevents the relay terminal from remaining connected to the access network device even when the communication terminal connected to the access network device through the relay terminal leaves the connection state, thereby saving the relay terminal's resource consumption and improving the communication quality of the relay terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network structure provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating a communication terminal communicating via a relay terminal, provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A block diagram of a communication system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 A flowchart of a state transition method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 A flowchart of a state transition method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0033] Figure 7 A flowchart of a state transition method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0034] Figure 8 A block diagram of a state transition apparatus provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0035] Figure 9 A block diagram of a state transition apparatus provided in another exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0036] Figure 10 A block diagram of a state transition apparatus provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0037] Figure 11 A block diagram of a state transition apparatus provided in another exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0038] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] First, the terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained:

[0041] Network system architecture: In this embodiment of the application, the network system architecture is as follows: Figure 1As shown, the network system architecture includes terminals, access networks, UPF (User Plane Function) network elements, external data networks, AMF (Access Management Function) network elements, SMF (Session Management Function) network elements, PCF (Policy Control Function) network elements, AF (Application Function) network elements, NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function) network elements, AUSF (Authentication Server Function) network elements, and UDM (Unified Data Management) network elements. Terminals connect to the access network through the Uu (a communication interface) interface to establish an access layer connection, thereby exchanging access layer messages and wireless data transmissions. Terminals also connect to the AMF network elements through the N1 (a communication interface) interface to establish a non-access layer connection, exchanging NAS (None Access Stratum) messages. The AMF (Active Mobile Provider) network element has mobility management functions in the core network, while the SMF (Session Management Provider) has session management functions. Besides managing terminal mobility, the AMF is also responsible for forwarding session management messages between the terminal and the SMF, interacting with the SMF via the N11 (communication interface). The PCF (Policy Management Provider) network element has policy management functions in the core network, responsible for formulating policies related to terminal mobility management, session management, and billing. It interacts with the SMF via the N7 (communication interface) and with the AMF via the N15 (communication interface). The UPF (User Plane Provider) network element has user plane functions in the core network, transmitting data with external data networks via the N6 (communication interface) and with the access network via the N3 (communication interface). After the terminal accesses the mobile communication network via the Uu port, it establishes a PDU session for data transmission under the control of the SMF. The NSSF (NSSignal and Service Provider) network element interacts with the AMF via the N22 (communication interface). The AUSF network element interacts with the AMF network element through the N12 (a communication interface) interface and with the UDM network element through the N13 (a communication interface) interface. The UDM network element interacts with the AMF network element through the N8 (a communication interface) interface and with the SMF network element through the N10 (a communication interface) interface.

[0042] Terminal Status: Terminals registered with the network have two connection management states with the AMF: idle or connected. If a connection is established between the terminal and the access network device, the access network device also establishes a connection with the AMF, allowing the terminal to exchange NAS messages with the AMF. In this state, the terminal is in CM-connected, and the AMF also marks the terminal's state as CM-connected. If the connection between the terminal and the access network device is released, the terminal enters CM-idle, and the connection between the access network device and the AMF is also released. The AMF also marks the terminal's state as CM-idle. When the connection between the terminal and the access network device is suspended, the terminal is in a radio connection inactive state within the CM-connected state. However, the connection between the access network device and the AMF remains maintained, and the AMF still marks the UE's state as CM-connected.

[0043] Relay terminal and communication terminal: In this embodiment, the relay terminal and communication terminal are terminals with Prose (Proximity Services) capabilities. The relay terminal and communication terminal can establish a connection and communicate via a PC5 interface. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the relay terminal can not only connect to the access network equipment through the mobile communication network, but also act as a relay terminal. After the communication terminal establishes a connection with the relay terminal through the PC5 interface, the relay terminal establishes a connection with the access network equipment through the Uu interface. Then, the communication terminal connects with the access network equipment through the relay terminal as a medium, and then exchanges data with the core network to which the communication terminal belongs. In addition, it can also exchange messages with the access layer through the NG (a type of communication interface) interface.

[0044] Figure 3 A block diagram of a communication system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. The communication system may include: an access network 12, a relay terminal 13, and a communication terminal 14.

[0045] Access network 12 includes several network devices 120. Each network device 120 can be a base station, which is a device deployed in the access network to provide wireless communication functions for terminals. Base stations can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, access points, etc. In systems employing different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may differ; for example, in LTE systems, they are called eNodeB or eNB; in 5G NR-U systems, they are called gNodeB or gNB. As communication technologies evolve, the description of "base station" may change. For convenience in this embodiment, the devices providing wireless communication functions for relay terminals 13 are collectively referred to as access network devices.

[0046] The relay terminal 13, communication terminal 14, and other devices may include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, as well as various forms of user equipment, mobile stations (MS), terminals, etc. For ease of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as terminals. The access network device 120 and the relay terminal 13 communicate with each other through some air interface technology, such as the Uu interface, and the relay terminal 13 and the communication terminal 14 are connected via short-range communication.

[0047] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) system, New Radio (NR) system, evolution system of NR system, LTE-based access to unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) system, NR-U system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Networks (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), next-generation communication systems, or other communication systems.

[0048] Traditional communication systems typically support a limited number of connections and are easy to implement. However, with the development of communication technology, mobile communication systems will not only support traditional communication but also, for example, device-to-device (D2D) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems. The embodiments of this application can also be applied to these communication systems.

[0049] First, the process of a communication terminal connecting to access network equipment via a relay terminal will be explained. For example, Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown, applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the aforementioned communication terminal, relay terminal, and access network equipment, the method includes at least some of the following:

[0050] 401. The communication terminal establishes a connection with the relay terminal.

[0051] In this embodiment, both the communication terminal and the relay terminal have short-range communication capabilities. If the communication terminal and the relay terminal are within the short-range communication range, the communication terminal and the relay terminal establish a short-range communication connection.

[0052] In some embodiments, the relay terminal has short-range communication capability and continuously sends broadcast messages. These broadcast messages indicate that the relay terminal can provide relay services for other terminals to connect to. If a communication terminal needs to transmit data but cannot currently connect to the access network device and obtains the broadcast messages sent by the relay terminal, the communication terminal sends a connection request message to the relay terminal. Based on this connection request message, the relay terminal establishes a short-range communication connection with the communication terminal.

[0053] The communication terminal establishes a short-range communication connection with the relay terminal through the PC5 (a communication interface) interface.

[0054] 402. The relay terminal establishes a connection with the access network equipment and establishes a connection with the core network to which the relay terminal belongs through the connection with the access network equipment.

[0055] In this embodiment, after the relay terminal establishes a short-range communication connection with the communication terminal, the communication terminal can trigger the relay terminal to establish a connection with the access network device, and then establish a connection with the core network to which the relay terminal belongs based on the connection with the access network device.

[0056] In this scenario, if a relay terminal is located within the broadcast range of an access network device and has already established a short-range communication connection with a communication terminal, the relay terminal sends a connection establishment request to the access network device. The access network device then establishes a connection with the relay terminal based on this request. Furthermore, after establishing a connection with the access network device, the relay terminal can also establish a connection with its core network through this connection.

[0057] In some embodiments, the core network is an AMF network element, or other network elements, which are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0058] It should be noted that after a relay terminal establishes a connection with the core network to which it belongs, the relay terminal enters the CM-connected state.

[0059] 403. The relay terminal interacts with the core network to which it belongs through the access network equipment it connects to.

[0060] 404. The communication terminal establishes a connection with the access network equipment through the relay terminal.

[0061] In this embodiment of the application, after the communication terminal and the relay terminal establish a short-range communication connection through step 201, the relay terminal can perform forwarding services, and the communication terminal establishes a connection with the access network device through the short-range communication connection with the relay terminal.

[0062] The relay device is a forwarding device. After receiving the communication message sent by the communication terminal, the relay terminal directly sends the communication message to the connected access network device. In fact, the relay terminal is a device used for transparent transmission. The connection between the communication terminal and the access network device is realized through the relay terminal.

[0063] It should be noted that the embodiments in this application are only illustrated by the example that 401 is executed before 402-403, and 402-403 is executed before 404. In another embodiment, 401 may also be executed after 402-403, and 404 may be executed before 402-403, or they may be executed in other orders. This application does not limit the execution order of 401, 402-403, and 404.

[0064] 405. The communication terminal interacts with the core network to which it belongs through the connected access network equipment to exchange NAS messages.

[0065] In this embodiment of the application, after the communication terminal connects to the access network device through the relay terminal, the communication terminal can establish a connection with the core network to which the communication terminal belongs based on the connection with the access network device, and then the communication terminal can interact with the core network to which the communication terminal belongs to exchange NAS messages.

[0066] The core network to which the communication terminal belongs may be an AMF network element or other network elements; this application does not limit this.

[0067] It should be noted that after a relay terminal establishes a connection with the core network to which it belongs, the relay terminal enters the CM-connected state.

[0068] The communication method provided in this application uses a relay terminal as a medium to enable a communication terminal to connect with an access network device through the relay terminal. Then, the communication terminal interacts with the core network to which it belongs based on the connection with the access network device. The relay terminal expands the coverage of the access network device and improves the efficiency of the connection between the communication terminal and the access network device to achieve communication.

[0069] Figure 4 This embodiment illustrates the process by which a communication terminal establishes a connection with its core network via a relay terminal, thereby enabling communication. The communication terminal may leave the access network device, and the access network device will control the state of the relay terminal based on the state of the communication terminal. For details, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 5 Furthermore, in this application Figure 4 Examples and Figure 5 The embodiments can be independent of each other, or they can be combined. Figure 4 Examples and Figure 5 Examples are combined. Among them, Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a state transition method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown, applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the communication terminal, relay terminal, and access network equipment shown, the relay terminal is connected to the access network equipment and is also connected to at least one communication terminal. The communication terminal is connected to the access network equipment through the relay terminal. The method includes at least some of the following:

[0070] 501. The access network device controls at least one communication terminal to leave the connection state with the access network device.

[0071] In this embodiment of the application, the access network device is connected to at least one communication terminal. Each communication terminal can communicate with the core network to which it belongs based on the access network device. If the communication terminal does not have any ongoing service, it needs to leave the connection state with the access network device. The access network device controls the communication terminal to leave the connection state with the access network device.

[0072] The communication terminal is currently in a connected state with the access network equipment, and this connection state is CM-connected.

[0073] In this embodiment, the disconnection of the communication terminal from the access network device includes two scenarios: First, the communication terminal releases the wireless connection with the access network device and transitions to a CM-idle state. Second, the communication terminal suspends the wireless connection with the access network device and transitions to a radio resource control inactive state.

[0074] In the first scenario: the access network device sends a second wireless connection release message to at least one communication terminal.

[0075] The second wireless connection release message is used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to CM-idle state.

[0076] Since the access network device needs to control at least one communication terminal to leave the connection state with the access network device, the access network device sends a second wireless connection release message to at least one communication terminal. After receiving the second wireless connection release message sent by the access network device, the communication terminal switches to CM-idle state based on the second wireless connection release message. At this time, the communication terminal no longer communicates with the access network device.

[0077] For the second scenario: Send a second wireless connection suspension message to at least one communication terminal.

[0078] The second wireless connection suspension message is used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to the inactive state of wireless resource control.

[0079] Since the access network device needs to control at least one communication terminal to leave the connection state with the access network device, the access network device sends a second radio connection suspension message to at least one communication terminal. After receiving the second radio connection suspension message sent by the access network device, the communication terminal converts to a radio resource control inactive state based on the second radio connection release message. At this time, the communication terminal no longer communicates with the access network device.

[0080] It should be noted that the embodiments in this application are illustrated using the example of a relay terminal and an access network device being in a connected state. In another embodiment, the relay terminal needs to first connect to the access network device. The relay terminal determines that it needs to establish a connection with the access network device through the wireless connection with the communication terminal, and sends a connection establishment request to the access network device. The access network device, through the connection with the communication terminal, receives the connection establishment request sent by the relay terminal, and then establishes a wireless connection with the relay terminal.

[0081] 502. When it is determined that all communication terminals connected to the access network equipment through the relay terminal have left the connection status with the access network equipment, the access network equipment sends a first control message to the relay terminal.

[0082] The first control message is used to indicate the connection status between the relay terminal and the access network device.

[0083] In this embodiment, since the access network device controls at least one communication terminal connected to the access network device to leave the connection state with the access network device, and the access network device also records communication terminals connected to the access network device through relay terminals, if for a relay terminal, all communication terminals connected to the access network device leave the connection state with the access network device through the relay terminal, it means that the relay terminal no longer needs to maintain the connection state with the access network device. In this case, the access network device sends a first control message to the relay terminal to control the relay terminal to leave the connection state with the access network device.

[0084] 503. The relay terminal receives the first control message sent by the access network device.

[0085] 504. The relay terminal leaves the connection state with the access network device based on the first control message.

[0086] After receiving the first control message sent by the access network device, the relay terminal determines that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the connection state with the access network device. Therefore, based on the received first control message, the relay terminal leaves the connection state with the access network device.

[0087] In some embodiments, the connection status between the relay terminal and the access network device when the relay terminal leaves includes two cases:

[0088] The first scenario involves the relay terminal entering CM-idle state and / or RRC (Radio Resource Control)-idle state.

[0089] The first control message sent by the access network device to the relay terminal is the first radio connection release message. After receiving the first radio connection release message, the relay terminal will enter the CM-idle state and / or the RRC-idle state.

[0090] In some embodiments, after receiving a first wireless connection release message, the relay terminal can perform a state transition operation based on the first wireless connection release message, and the performed state transition operation includes three cases:

[0091] (1) The relay terminal enters CM-idle state.

[0092] (2) The intermediate terminal enters the RRC-idle state.

[0093] (3) The relay terminal enters CM-idle state and RRC-idle state.

[0094] In this scenario, after receiving the first wireless connection release message, the relay terminal simultaneously enters both CM-idle and RRC-idle states. Alternatively, after receiving the first wireless connection release message, the relay terminal first enters the RRC-idle state, and then transitions to the CM-idle state based on that RRC-idle state.

[0095] In other embodiments, the access network device not only sends a first radio connection release message to the relay terminal, but also sends a context release message to the core network to which the relay terminal is connected.

[0096] The context release message instructs the core network to which the relay terminal is connected to to release the relay terminal's context information. This context information is used by the relay terminal for data exchange with the core network it is connected to.

[0097] Because the access network device controls the relay terminal to release the relay terminal's radio connection and controls the relay terminal to enter the CM-idle state and / or RRC-idle state, the relay terminal no longer needs to communicate with the core network to which the relay terminal belongs. At this time, the access network device sends a context release message to the core network to which the relay terminal is connected, and the core network to which the relay terminal is connected releases the context information of the relay terminal based on the context release message.

[0098] In some embodiments, when the access network device sends a second wireless connection release message to at least one communication terminal, or when the access network device sends a second wireless connection suspension message to at least one communication terminal, the access network device performs the step of sending a first wireless connection release message to the relay terminal.

[0099] For example, Figure 6A flowchart of a state transition method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the communication terminal establishes a short-range communication connection with the relay terminal. The relay terminal establishes a connection with its core network through the connected access network device, and then exchanges NAS messages with the core network to which the relay terminal belongs. The communication terminal establishes a connection with the access network device through the relay terminal, and then establishes a connection with its core network to which the communication terminal belongs, and exchanges NAS messages with the core network to which the communication terminal belongs. The access network device sends a radio connection release message to the communication terminal. If it determines that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the connection state with the access network device, the access network device sends a radio connection release message or a radio connection suspension message to the relay terminal.

[0100] The second type is when the relay terminal enters the inactive state of radio resource control.

[0101] Specifically, the first control message sent by the access network device to the relay terminal is a first radio connection suspension message. Upon receiving this message, the relay terminal enters a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state. Additionally, the relay terminal then transitions to a CM-connected state with RRC inactive.

[0102] In some embodiments, when the access network device sends a second wireless connection suspension message to at least one communication terminal, the access network device performs the step of sending a first wireless connection suspension message to the relay terminal.

[0103] In other embodiments, when the access network device sends a second wireless connection suspension message to some of the multiple communication terminals and a second wireless connection release message to the other multiple communication terminals, the access network device performs the step of sending a first wireless connection suspension message to the relay terminal.

[0104] For example, Figure 7 A flowchart of a state transition method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the communication terminal establishes a short-range communication connection with the relay terminal. The relay terminal establishes a connection with its core network through the connected access network device, and then exchanges NAS messages with the core network to which the relay terminal belongs. The communication terminal establishes a connection with the access network device through the relay terminal, and then establishes a connection with its core network to which the communication terminal belongs, and exchanges NAS messages with the core network to which the communication terminal belongs. The access network device sends a wireless connection suspension message to the communication terminal. When it is determined that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the connection state with the access network device, the access network device sends a wireless connection suspension message to the relay terminal.

[0105] in, Figure 6 Examples and Figure 7 The embodiments are merely illustrative examples of this application. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The process of establishing a connection between the communication terminal and the access network equipment through the relay terminal is merely an illustrative example and does not limit steps 501-504 in this application to be performed based on the process of establishing a connection between the communication terminal and the access network equipment through the relay terminal.

[0106] The second point to note is that the embodiments in this application are only illustrated by the example of the access network device determining the disconnection status of all communication terminals connected to the access network device via relay terminals. In another embodiment, the access network device not only determines the disconnection status of all communication terminals connected to the access network device via relay terminals, but also sends first control information to the relay terminal when it is determined that the relay terminal itself also has no service transmission with the connected core network. This improves the accuracy of the relay terminal's disconnection status.

[0107] The third point to note is that the embodiments in this application only illustrate the connection state of the relay terminal leaving the access network device. In another embodiment, if the relay terminal needs to transmit services, the relay terminal switches to the CM-connected state, at which point it can continue to transmit data with the core network to which the relay terminal belongs.

[0108] The method provided in this application embodiment, when the access network device determines that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the connection state with the access network device, indicates that the relay terminal no longer needs to be in the connection state with the access network device. The access network device controls the relay terminal to leave the connection state with the access network device, preventing the relay terminal from still being in the connection state with the access network device and continuing to consume resources, thus saving the relay terminal's resource consumption and improving the communication quality of the relay terminal.

[0109] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a block diagram of a state transition apparatus provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, applied in an access network device. A relay terminal is connected to the access network device, and the relay terminal is connected to at least one communication terminal. The communication terminal is connected to the access network device through the relay terminal. The apparatus includes:

[0110] Control module 801 is used to control the connection status of at least one communication terminal leaving the access network device;

[0111] The sending module 802 is used to send a first control message to the relay terminal when it is determined that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the connection with the access network device. The first control message is used to indicate the connection status of the relay terminal leaving the access network device.

[0112] In some embodiments, the state in which a relay terminal leaves the connection with the access network device includes the relay terminal entering a Connection Management Idle (CM-idle) state and / or a Radio Resource Control (RRC-idle) state. The first control message is a first radio connection release message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to a CM-idle state and / or an RRC-idle state.

[0113] In some embodiments, the sending module 802 is further configured to send a context release message to the core network to which the relay terminal is connected, the context release message being used to instruct the core network to which the relay terminal is connected to release the context information of the relay terminal.

[0114] In some embodiments, the state in which a relay terminal leaves the connection with an access network device includes the relay terminal entering a radio resource control (RRR) inactive state, and the first control message is a first radio connection suspension message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to the RRR inactive state.

[0115] In some embodiments, the control module 801 is configured to send a second wireless connection release message to at least one communication terminal, the second wireless connection release message being used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to CM-idle state.

[0116] In some embodiments, the control module 801 is configured to send a second wireless connection suspension message to at least one communication terminal, the second wireless connection suspension message being used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to a wireless resource control inactive state.

[0117] In some embodiments, see Figure 9 The device also includes:

[0118] The receiving module 803 is used to receive connection establishment requests sent by the relay terminal;

[0119] Connection establishment module 804 is used to establish a wireless connection with the relay terminal.

[0120] Figure 10 The diagram illustrates a block diagram of a state transition apparatus provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, applied to a relay terminal. The relay terminal is connected to an access network device and is also connected to at least one communication terminal, which is connected to the access network device through the relay terminal. The apparatus includes:

[0121] The receiving module 1001 is used to receive a first control message sent by the access network device. The first control message is sent by the access network device after determining that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the connection status with the access network device.

[0122] The departure module 1002 is used to leave the connection state with the access network device based on the first control message.

[0123] In some embodiments, leaving the connection state with the access network device includes entering a CM-idle state and / or an RRC-idle state, and the first control message is a first radio connection release message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to a CM-idle state and / or an RRC-idle state.

[0124] In some embodiments, leaving the connection state with the access network device includes entering a radio resource control inactive state, and the first control message is a first radio connection suspension message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to the radio resource control inactive state.

[0125] In some embodiments, see Figure 11 The device also includes:

[0126] The transmitting module 1003 is used to send a connection establishment request to the access network device through a wireless connection with the communication terminal;

[0127] The connection establishment module 1004 is used to establish a wireless connection with the access network device.

[0128] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. The communication device includes: a processor 1201, a receiver 1202, a transmitter 1203, a memory 1204, and a bus 1205.

[0129] The processor 1201 includes one or more processing cores. The processor 1201 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0130] The receiver 1202 and the transmitter 1203 can be implemented as a communication component, which can be a communication chip.

[0131] The memory 1204 is connected to the processor 1201 via the bus 1205.

[0132] The memory 1204 can be used to store at least one instruction, and the processor 1201 can execute the at least one instruction to implement the various steps in the above method embodiments.

[0133] The communication device is either an access network device or a relay terminal.

[0134] Furthermore, the memory 1204 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory (PROM).

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, wherein executable program code is stored in the storage medium, the executable program code being loaded and executed by the processor to implement the state transition method performed by the communication device provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, a chip is also provided, the chip including programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is running on an access network device or a relay terminal, is used to implement the state transition method described above.

[0137] In an exemplary embodiment, a computer program product is also provided, which, when executed by a processor of an access network device or a relay terminal, is used to implement the above-described state transition method.

[0138] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0139] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A state transition method, characterized in that, An access network device is used whereby a relay terminal is connected to the access network device and is connected to at least one communication terminal, the communication terminal being connected to the access network device through the relay terminal. The method includes: Control the at least one communication terminal to leave the CM-connected state of the connection management system with the access network device; If it is determined that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the CM-connected state with the access network device, a first control message is sent to the relay terminal, the first control message being used to indicate that the relay terminal has left the CM-connected state with the access network device; The control of the at least one communication terminal leaving the CM-connected state with the access network device includes: Send a second wireless connection release message to the at least one communication terminal, the second wireless connection release message being used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to a connection management idle (CM-idle) state; or, A second wireless connection suspension message is sent to the at least one communication terminal, the second wireless connection suspension message being used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to a radio resource control inactive state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relay terminal leaving the CM-connected state with the access network device includes the relay terminal entering the CM-idle state and / or the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state. The first control message is a first radio connection release message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to the CM-idle state and / or the RRC-idle state.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: A context release message is sent to the core network to which the relay terminal is connected. The context release message is used to instruct the core network to which the relay terminal is connected to release the context information of the relay terminal.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relay terminal leaving the CM-connected state with the access network device includes the relay terminal entering the radio resource control inactive state. The first control message is a first radio connection suspension message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to the radio resource control inactive state.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the connection establishment request sent by the relay terminal; Establish a wireless connection with the relay terminal.

6. A state transition method, characterized in that, An application to a relay terminal, wherein the relay terminal is connected to an access network device and is connected to at least one communication terminal, the communication terminal being connected to the access network device through the relay terminal, the method comprising: Receive a first control message sent by the access network device, the first control message being sent by the access network device after determining that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the CM-connected state of the access network device; Based on the first control message, leave the CM-connected state with the access network device; The departure of the communication terminal from the CM-connected state of the access network device is determined based on a second wireless connection release message or a second wireless connection suspension message. The second wireless connection release message is used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to the CM-idle state, and the second wireless connection suspension message is used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to the radio resource control inactive state.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The departure from the CM-connected state with the access network device includes entering the CM-idle state and / or the RRC-idle state. The first control message is a first radio connection release message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to the CM-idle state and / or the RRC-idle state.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The departure from the CM-connected state with the access network device includes entering the Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state. The first control message is a first radio connection suspension message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to the RRC inactive state.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A connection establishment request is sent to the access network device via a wireless connection with the communication terminal. Establish a wireless connection with the access network device.

10. A state transition device, characterized in that, An apparatus for use in access network equipment, wherein a relay terminal is connected to the access network equipment and the relay terminal is connected to at least one communication terminal, the communication terminal being connected to the access network equipment through the relay terminal, the apparatus comprising: A control module is used to control the at least one communication terminal to leave the CM-connected state with the access network device; The sending module is configured to send a first control message to the relay terminal when it is determined that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the CM-connected state with the access network device. The first control message is used to indicate that the relay terminal has left the CM-connected state with the access network device. The control module is further configured to send a second wireless connection release message to the at least one communication terminal, the second wireless connection release message being used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to CM-idle state; or, The control module is further configured to send a second wireless connection suspension message to the at least one communication terminal, the second wireless connection suspension message being used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to a wireless resource control inactive state.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The relay terminal leaving the CM-connected state with the access network device includes the relay terminal entering the Connection Management Idle (CM-idle) state and / or the Radio Resource Control (RRC-idle) state. The first control message is a first radio connection release message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to the CM-idle state and / or the RRC-idle state.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The sending module is further configured to send a context release message to the core network to which the relay terminal is connected, the context release message being used to instruct the core network to which the relay terminal is connected to release the context information of the relay terminal.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The relay terminal leaving the CM-connected state with the access network device includes the relay terminal entering the radio resource control inactive state. The first control message is a first radio connection suspension message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to the radio resource control inactive state.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device further includes: The receiving module is used to receive the connection establishment request sent by the relay terminal; A connection establishment module is used to establish a wireless connection with the relay terminal.

15. A state transition device, characterized in that, An apparatus for use in relay terminals, wherein the relay terminal is connected to an access network device and is connected to at least one communication terminal, the communication terminal being connected to the access network device via the relay terminal, the apparatus comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive a first control message sent by the access network device. The first control message is sent by the access network device after determining that all communication terminals connected to the access network device through the relay terminal have left the CM-connected state of the access network device. The departure module is used to leave the CM-connected state with the access network device based on the first control message; The departure of the communication terminal from the CM-connected state of the access network device is determined based on a second wireless connection release message or a second wireless connection suspension message. The second wireless connection release message is used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to the CM-idle state, and the second wireless connection suspension message is used to instruct the communication terminal to switch to the radio resource control inactive state.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The departure from the CM-connected state with the access network device includes entering the CM-idle state and / or the RRC-idle state. The first control message is a first radio connection release message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to the CM-idle state and / or the RRC-idle state.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The departure from the CM-connected state with the access network device includes entering the Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state. The first control message is a first radio connection suspension message, which is used to instruct the relay terminal to switch to the RRC inactive state.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The device further includes: The sending module is used to send a connection establishment request to the access network device through a wireless connection with the communication terminal; A connection establishment module is used to establish a wireless connection with the access network device.

19. An access network device, characterized in that, The access network equipment includes: processor; A transceiver connected to the processor; Memory for storing the executable program code of the processor; The processor is configured to load and execute the executable program code to implement the state transition method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

20. A relay terminal, characterized in that, The relay terminal includes: processor; A transceiver connected to the processor; Memory for storing the executable program code of the processor; The processor is configured to load and execute the executable program code to implement the state transition method as described in any one of claims 6 to 9.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores executable program code, which is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the state transition method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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