Multi-access or multi-connection management method and device, core network function and terminal

Abstract

Provided are a multi-access or multi-connection management method and apparatus, a core network function and a terminal, the method comprising: a core network function executing a first operation, the first operation comprising sending a first configuration to a first access network device, and / or receiving first information sent by the first access network device and executing a second operation based on the first information; the second operation comprises at least one of the following: sending a second configuration to the terminal; sending first indication information to the first access network equipment, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating the first access network equipment to send second configuration to the terminal; sending second indication information to the first access network equipment, wherein the second indication information is used for indicating to release the first connection or release the first PDU session; the first connection is an established connection, and the first PDU session is an established PDU session; the first configuration is used for the first access network equipment to send second configuration to the terminal or send first information to a core network function; the second configuration is used for assisting the terminal in establishing a second connection or establishing a second PDU session with the second access network equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a multi-access or multi-connection management method and device, a core network function and a terminal. Background Art

[0002] In related technologies, core network functions can aggregate multiple accesses or multiple connections based on multi-access or multi-connection technologies to provide services for terminal devices, improving network resource utilization, communication reliability, quality of experience (QoE), etc. However, how to manage multiple accesses or multiple connections is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides a multi-access or multi-connection management method and device, core network function and terminal, which can realize effective management of multi-access or multi-connection.

[0004] In a first aspect, a multi-access or multi-connection management method is provided, including:

[0005] The core network function performs a first operation, where the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0006] Sending a first configuration to a first access network device;

[0007] receiving first information sent by a first access network device, and performing a second operation based on the first information;

[0008] The second operation includes at least one of the following:

[0009] Sending a second configuration to the terminal;

[0010] Sending first indication information to the first access network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to send a second configuration to the terminal;

[0011] Sending second indication information to the first access network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate releasing the first connection, or initiating a process of releasing a first protocol data unit PDU session;

[0012] The first connection is a connection between the first access network device and the terminal, and the first PDU session is a PDU session established by the terminal through the first access network device;

[0013] The first configuration is used by the first access network device to send the second configuration to the terminal, or to send the first information to the core network function;

[0014] The second configuration is used to assist the terminal in performing any one of the following:

[0015] Accessing a second access network device;

[0016] Establishing a second connection with a second access network device;

[0017] A second PDU session is established through the second access network device.

[0018] In a second aspect, a multi-access or multi-connection management method is provided, including:

[0019] When the first condition is met, the terminal receives a second configuration sent by the network side;

[0020] The terminal performs any one of the following based on the second configuration:

[0021] Accessing a second access network device;

[0022] Establishing a second connection with a second access network device;

[0023] Establishing a second protocol data unit (PDU) session through a second access network device;

[0024] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0025] Accessing a first access network device;

[0026] Establishing a first connection with a first access network device;

[0027] A first PDU session is established through the first access network device.

[0028] In a third aspect, a multi-access or multi-connection management device is provided, including:

[0029] A communication unit, configured to perform a first operation, wherein the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0030] Sending a first configuration to a first access network device;

[0031] receiving first information sent by a first access network device, and performing a second operation based on the first information;

[0032] The second operation includes at least one of the following:

[0033] Sending a second configuration to the terminal;

[0034] Sending first indication information to the first access network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to send a second configuration to the terminal;

[0035] Sending second indication information to the first access network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate releasing the first connection, or initiating a process of releasing a first protocol data unit PDU session;

[0036] The first connection is a connection between the first access network device and the terminal, and the first PDU session is a PDU session established by the terminal through the first access network device;

[0037] The first configuration is used by the first access network device to send the second configuration to the terminal, or to send the first information to the core network function;

[0038] The second configuration is used to assist the terminal in performing any one of the following:

[0039] Accessing a second access network device;

[0040] Establishing a second connection with a second access network device;

[0041] A second PDU session is established through the second access network device.

[0042] In a fourth aspect, a multi-access or multi-connection management device is provided, including:

[0043] A communication unit, configured to receive a second configuration sent by the network function when the first condition is met;

[0044] A processing unit, configured to perform any one of the following based on the second configuration:

[0045] Accessing a second access network device;

[0046] Establishing a second connection with a second access network device;

[0047] Establishing a second protocol data unit (PDU) session through a second access network device;

[0048] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0049] Accessing a first access network device;

[0050] Establishing a first connection with a first access network device;

[0051] A first protocol data unit (PDU) session is established through the first access network device.

[0052] In the fifth aspect, a core network function is provided, including a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer programs, and the processor is used to call and run the computer programs stored in the memory to execute the methods in the above-mentioned first aspect or its various implementation methods.

[0053] In a sixth aspect, a terminal is provided, comprising a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the method in the above-mentioned second aspect or its various implementation methods.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided for implementing the method in any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations. Specifically, the chip includes: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, so that a device equipped with the chip executes the method in any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations.

[0055] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program, wherein the computer program enables a computer to execute the method of any one of the first to second aspects or any of their implementations.

[0056] In a ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, wherein the communication system includes the core network function as described in the fifth aspect and the terminal as described in the sixth aspect.

[0057] Based on the above technical solution, the core network function can directly or indirectly send configurations related to multi-connection or multi-access to the terminal, thereby effectively managing the multi-access or multi-connection of the terminal, improving the reliability and stability of connection establishment, reducing the establishment delay of multi-access or multi-connection, and improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these accompanying drawings without paying creative labor.

[0059] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0060] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a dual connection or dual access provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of another dual connection or dual access provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0062] Figure 4 It is a schematic flowchart of the multi-access or multi-connection management method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0063] Figures 5 to 7It is a schematic diagram of the second operation provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0064] Figure 8 It is a schematic flowchart of another multi-access or multi-connection management method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0065] Fig. 9 It is a schematic interactive diagram of a multi-access or multi-connection management method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0066] Fig.10 It is a schematic interaction diagram of another multi-access or multi-connection management method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0067] Fig.11 This is a schematic interaction diagram of another multi-access or multi-connection management method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0068] Fig.12 This is a schematic interaction diagram of another multi-access or multi-connection management method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] Fig.13 It is a schematic block diagram of a multi-access or multi-connection management device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0070] Fig.14 It is a schematic block diagram of another multi-access or multi-connection management device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] Fig.15 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0072] Fig.16 It is a schematic block diagram of a chip provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0073] Fig.17 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] The following will describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. For the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0075] The terms used in the embodiments of the present application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of the present application, rather than to limit the present application. The terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" in the specification and claims of the present application and the drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, the process, method, system, product or equipment comprising a series of steps or units need not be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or equipment. In addition, "and / or" is used in the specification and claims to represent at least one of the connected objects, such as A and / or B and / or C, indicating that A alone, B alone, C alone, and A and B all exist, B and C all exist, A and C all exist, and 7 situations in which A, B and C all exist.

[0076] It should be understood that the "indication" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be a direct indication, an indirect indication, or an indication of an association relationship. For example, A indicates B, which can mean that A directly indicates B, such as B can be obtained through A, such as A includes B; it can also mean that A indirectly indicates B, such as A indicates C, B can be obtained through C; it can also mean that there is an association relationship between A and B.

[0077] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "corresponding" may indicate a direct or indirect correspondence between two items, or an association relationship between the two items, or a relationship between indication and being indicated, configuration and being configured, and the like.

[0078] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) system, New Radio (NR) system, NR system evolution system, LTE on unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) system, NR on unlicensed spectrum (NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum, NR-U) system, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Internet of Things (IoT), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Fifth Generation Communication (5G) system, Sixth Generation Communication (6G) system or other evolved communication systems.

[0079] For example, the communication system 100 used in the embodiment of the present application can be as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 may include a terminal device 110, an access network device 120, and a core network function 130, wherein the terminal device 110 may be connected to the core network function 130 through the access network device 120. The access network device 120 may provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area, and may communicate with terminal devices located in the coverage area. Specifically, for example, the terminal device 110 may also be referred to as a user equipment (UE), a terminal, or other similar names.

[0080] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Tablet Personal Computer), a laptop computer (Laptop Computer), a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (Ultra-mobile Personal Computer, UMPC), a mobile Internet device (Mobile Internet Device, MID), an augmented reality (Augmented Reality, AR), a virtual reality (Virtual Reality, VR) device, a robot, a wearable device (Wearable Device), an aircraft (flight vehicle), a vehicle user equipment (VUE), a shipborne equipment, a pedestrian terminal (Pedestrian User Equipment, PUE), a smart home (home appliances with wireless communication functions, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines or furniture, etc.), a game console, a personal computer (Personal Computer, PC), a teller machine or a self-service machine and other terminal side devices. Wearable devices include: smart watches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart bracelets, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. Among them, vehicle-mounted equipment can also be called vehicle-mounted terminals, vehicle-mounted controllers, vehicle-mounted modules, vehicle-mounted components, vehicle-mounted chips or vehicle-mounted units, etc.

[0081] In some embodiments, the access network device 120 may also be referred to as a radio access network (RAN) device, a radio access network node, a radio access network function, or a radio access network unit. The access network device may include a base station, a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AS), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) node, etc. Among them, the base station can be called Node B (Node B, NB), Evolved Node B (Evolved Node B, eNB), the next generation Node B (the next generation Node B, gNB), New Radio Node B (New Radio Node B, NR Node B), access point, Relay Base Station (RBS), Serving Base Station (SBS), Base Transceiver Station (Base Transceiver Station, BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, Basic Service Set (Basic Service Set, BSS), Extended Service Set (Extended Service Set, ESS), home Node B (home evolved NodeB, HNB), home evolved NodeB (home evolved NodeB), Transmission Reception Point (Transmission Reception Point, TRP) or other appropriate terms in the field. As long as the same technical effect is achieved, the base station is not limited to specific technical vocabulary.

[0082] In some embodiments, the access network device 120 may have a mobile feature, for example, the access network device 120 may be a satellite or a balloon station. For example, the satellite may be a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, etc. In some embodiments, the access network device 120 may also be a base station set up in a location such as land or water.

[0083] In some embodiments, the core network function 130 may also be referred to as a core network (CN) device, a core network node or a core network unit, etc. For example, the core network function 130 may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: 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 (L-NEF), Binding Support Function (BSF), Application Function (ASF), etc. Function, AF) etc.

[0084] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, access traffic steering, switching and splitting (ATSSS) is explained.

[0085] ATSSS is a feature that allows the terminal and the network to communicate through both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access. This feature can be implemented based on the following two steering functions:

[0086] Based on high-layer multi-path Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) protocol;

[0087] Based on the low-layer ATSSS function.

[0088] In some embodiments, the steering mode (also called session steering mode, multi-access PDU session mode) may include but is not limited to the following modes:

[0089] Active-standby mode, Load-balance mode, Smallest-Delay, Priority-based mode, and Redundant mode.

[0090] For Active-Standby mode, when the active access is unavailable, the service data flow (SDF) is switched to other available access. When the active access is available again, it is switched back to the active access.

[0091] For the Smallest-Delay mode, the SDF is switched to access with the shortest round trip time (RTT), wherein the RTT can be obtained through measurement of the UE or UPF.

[0092] In load-balance mode, when both accesses are available, data can be split between the two accesses and data can be transmitted between the two accesses based on the SDF congestion rate (traffic percentage).

[0093] For the Priority-based mode, data can be transmitted on the high-priority access first. When the access is congested, the data can be transmitted on the low-priority access by splitting.

[0094] In Redundant mode, data is transmitted repeatedly on two accesses.

[0095] The Smallest-Delay mode, Load-balance mode and Priority-based mode are only used for Non-Guaranteed Bit Rate (Non-GBR) SDF. When the priority access is not available, another access is used.

[0096] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, dual access (DA) or dual connection (DC) or dual steering technology is described.

[0097] Dual access or dual connection or dual steering refers to terminals that support dual wireless capabilities and access or connect to two 3GPP networks at the same time. Based on dual access or dual connection technology, the core network function can aggregate multiple accesses or connections to provide services for UE, which can improve network resource utilization, communication reliability, quality of experience (QoE) and other performance.

[0098] In some scenarios, the two 3GPP networks are the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), or different PLMNs, or one is a PLMN and the other is a non-public network (NPN). Figure 2 and Figure 3 Two dual access or dual connection scenarios are shown. Figure 2 In the example, the terminal accesses or connects to the RAN1 node and the RAN2 node, and the RAN1 node and the RAN2 node are connected to the CN node in the same PLMN, and further connected to the data network (Data Network, DN) through the CN node. Figure 3 In the present invention, the terminal accesses or connects to the RAN1 node, which is connected to the CN node in PLMN1 (referred to as PLMN1-CN), and the terminal accesses or connects to the RAN2 node through the NTN, which is connected to the CN node in PLMN2 (referred to as PLMN2-CN). The PLMN1-CN can serve as an anchor CN node, and the UE can be connected to the DN through the PLMN1-CN.

[0099] It should be understood that the radio access types (Radio Access Type, RAN) of the two 3GPP networks to which the terminal is connected may be the same or different. For example, the RAT of the 3GPP network may be NR, LTE, E-UTRA, etc., and the NR may be a new radio terrestrial communication network (New Radio TN, NR-TN), or may be a new radio non-terrestrial communication network (NewRadio NTN, NR-NTN), for example, the terminal uses a satellite to access the NR network.

[0100] As an example, the combination of the two 3GPP networks may be a combination of NR and NR, a combination of NR and E-UTRA, or a combination of NR-TN and NR-NTN, or a combination of NR-NTN and NR-NTN, and so on.

[0101] In the following scenarios, the core network may need to aggregate two independent 3GPP accesses to improve transmission performance.

[0102] For example, two access networks of a PLMN correspond to different RATs, and the PLMN does not support EN-DC or NE-DC.

[0103] For another example, for the combination of PLMN1+PLMN2 / NPN, the two PLMNs cannot share the access network (RAN sharing), or RAN sharing cannot be used between PLMN1 and an NPN. For example, when a large-scale event or activity is held in a stadium, a PLMN2 or NPN is used to provide additional network resources.

[0104] For another example, in the combination of NTN+TN, NTN provides additional resources for TN.

[0105] However, in the related art, there is no definition of how to establish the second connection or the second access, and there is no definition of how to release the second connection or the second access. Therefore, how to manage multiple accesses or multiple connections is an issue that needs to be solved urgently.

[0106] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions of the present application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above related technologies can be combined arbitrarily with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application as optional solutions, and they all belong to the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application include at least part of the following contents.

[0107] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of a multi-access or multi-connection management method 400 according to an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the multi-access or multi-connection management method 400 may include at least part of the following contents:

[0108] S410, the core network function performs a first operation.

[0109] In some embodiments, the core network function may include but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0110] MME, AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, PCRF, EASDF, UDM, UDR, HSS, CNC, NRF, NEF, L-NEF, BSF, AF, or other core network functions introduced with the evolution of standards, which is not limited in this application.

[0111] In some embodiments, when a first condition is met, the core network function performs the first operation.

[0112] The first condition includes any one of the following:

[0113] The terminal accesses the first access network device, which is recorded as the first access;

[0114] The terminal establishes a first connection with the first access network device;

[0115] The terminal establishes a first PDU session through the first access network device.

[0116] That is, when the terminal already has a first access, a first connection, a first PDU session, or when the terminal already has a leg, which is recorded as the first leg, the core network function performs the first operation.

[0117] It should be understood that, when the first condition is met, it can be considered that the terminal has only one connection, or it can also be considered that the terminal has at least one connection.

[0118] It should be noted that in an embodiment of the present application, access, connection, PDU session, and leg can be replaced with each other. For example, the first access, the first connection, the first PDU session, and the first leg can be replaced with each other, and the second access, the second connection, the second PDU session, and the second leg can be replaced with each other, etc.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first operation may be an operation for multi-access or multi-connection management, or in other words, the first operation is a multi-access or multi-connection management-related operation. The multi-access or multi-connection management-related operations here may include, but are not limited to, multi-access or multi-connection establishment operations and / or multi-access or multi-connection release operations. For example, the first operation is used to establish multi-access or multi-connections, specifically, for example, to initiate a second access, establish a second connection, establish a second PDU session, establish a second leg, etc., or, it may also be used for the release or recovery of multi-access or multi-connections, for example, to release a second connection, release a second PDU session, release a second leg, etc.

[0120] It should be noted that the first operation is for multi-access or multi-connection management related operations, which may refer to the first operation being directly used for multi-access or multi-connection management, or may also refer to the first operation being used to assist in multi-access or multi-connection management. For example, the core network function may directly configure the terminal with configuration information for establishing a second access, a second connection, or a second PDU session, or may assist the first access network device (i.e., the access network device corresponding to the existing access or connection or PDU session) to configure the terminal with configuration information for establishing a second access, a second connection, or a second PDU session.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0122] Sending a first configuration to a first access network device;

[0123] Receive first information sent by a first access network device, and perform a second operation based on the first information.

[0124] In some embodiments, the second operation may be an operation for multi-access or multi-connection management, or in other words, the second operation is a multi-access or multi-connection management related operation. For example, the second operation is used for establishing multi-access or multi-connection, such as initiating a second access, establishing a second connection, establishing a second PDU session, establishing a second leg, etc., or may also be used for releasing or recovering multi-access or multi-connection, such as releasing a second connection, releasing a second PDU session, releasing a second leg, etc.

[0125] It should be noted that the second operation is for multi-access or multi-connection management related operations, which may refer to the second operation being directly used for multi-access or multi-connection management, or may also refer to the first operation being used to assist in multi-access or multi-connection management. For example, the core network function may directly configure the terminal with configuration information for establishing a second access, a second connection, or a second PDU session, or may assist the first access network device (i.e., the access network device corresponding to the existing access or connection or PDU session) to configure the terminal with configuration information for establishing a second access, a second connection, or a second PDU session.

[0126] In some embodiments, Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the second operation includes one or more of the following operations:

[0127] S510, sending a second configuration to the terminal;

[0128] S610, sending first indication information to the first access network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to send a second configuration to the terminal;

[0129] S710: Send second indication information to the first access network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate releasing the first connection, or to initiate a process of releasing a PDU session;

[0130] The first connection is a connection between the first access network device and the terminal, and the first PDU session is a PDU session established by the terminal through the first access network device.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second configuration is used to assist the terminal in performing any of the following:

[0132] Accessing a second access network device;

[0133] Establishing a second connection with a second access network device;

[0134] Establishing a second PDU session through a second access network device;

[0135] Build the second leg.

[0136] For example, the terminal may initiate a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session or a second leg establishment process based on the second configuration. Optionally, when initiating the establishment process, the terminal may set the establishment cause value to multiple access or multiple connections, or to other cause values ​​related to the uplink (Mobile originate, MO).

[0137] In some embodiments, the core network function sending the second configuration to the terminal may include:

[0138] The core network sends the second configuration to the terminal through a non-access stratum (NAS) message.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first access network device sending the second configuration to the terminal may include:

[0140] The first access network device sends the second configuration to the terminal through a radio resource control (Radio Resource Control, RRC) message.

[0141] In some embodiments, the process of the terminal accessing the second access network device may adopt the cell initial access process, and the terminal establishing the second connection with the second access network device may adopt the RRC connection establishment process.

[0142] In some embodiments, after the terminal establishes a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session or a second leg, the terminal may be considered to have two primary cells (PCells).

[0143] In some embodiments, the first information may be request information from the first access network device to the core network function to perform multi-access or multi-connection management related operations, or the first information may be trigger information from the first access network device to trigger the core network function to perform multi-access or multi-connection management related operations.

[0144] In this case, performing the second operation based on the first information may include:

[0145] The core network function may perform a second operation based on the request information or the trigger information.

[0146] That is to say, the core network function can trigger the execution of multi-access or multi-connection management related operations by itself (for example, sending the second configuration directly to the terminal), or it can execute multi-access or multi-connection management related operations based on the request or trigger of the first access network device, such as instructing the first access network device to send the second configuration to the terminal.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first configuration is used by the first access network device to send the second configuration to the terminal.

[0148] It should be understood that the first configuration is used by the first access network device to send the second configuration to the terminal, which may include but is not limited to one or more of the following:

[0149] The first configuration is used to trigger the first access network device to send the second configuration to the terminal. In this case, the first access network device can send the second configuration to the terminal after receiving the first configuration;

[0150] The first configuration is used to configure a trigger event or trigger condition for performing multi-access or multi-connection related operations. In this case, the first access network device may send a second configuration to the terminal when the trigger event or trigger condition is met;

[0151] The specific configuration in the second configuration can be determined according to the first configuration or obtained from the first configuration. For example, the first configuration can indicate the session steering mode adopted for performing multi-access or multi-management, and the second configuration can adopt the session steering mode indicated in the first configuration.

[0152] In some other embodiments, the first configuration is used by the first access network device to send the first information to the core network function.

[0153] For example, the first configuration is used to configure a trigger event or trigger condition for performing multi-access or multi-connection related operations. When the trigger event or trigger condition is met, the first access network device can send a first information to the core network function to request or trigger the execution of multi-access or multi-connection related operations. Further, the core network function can perform a second operation based on the first information.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0155] The third indication information is used to indicate the execution of a multi-access or multi-connection operation;

[0156] Fourth indication information, used to indicate that the core network function supports multi-access or multi-connection;

[0157] Fifth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal supports multi-access or multi-connection;

[0158] Events for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0159] Conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0160] The session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0161] Auxiliary information for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0162] First access information, wherein the first access information is related to the second access network device.

[0163] In some embodiments, when the first configuration includes the third indication information, it may indicate that the core network function indicates to immediately perform a multi-access or multi-connection operation, and the first access network device may immediately send a second configuration to the terminal based on the third indication information. Further, the terminal may initiate a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session, or a second leg establishment process based on the second configuration.

[0164] In some embodiments, events for executing multi-access or multi-connection may include but are not limited to:

[0165] Congestion occurs, the transmission delay is greater than a first threshold, the quality of service (QoS) of the first connection is lower than a second threshold, and the signal quality of the first connection is lower than a third threshold. Optionally, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold may be network configured or predefined. The network here may be a core network function or an access network device.

[0166] When the network is congested, the current data transmission delay is greater than a certain threshold, the QoS of the service provided by the current connection (i.e., the first connection) cannot meet the requirements, or the signal quality of the cell of the current connection (i.e., the first connection) is poor, multiple access or multiple connections are established for the terminal to provide data transmission services to the terminal by performing multi-access or multi-connection operations, which is beneficial to reducing data transmission delay.

[0167] In some embodiments, the conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection may include but are not limited to:

[0168] The signal quality of the cell used to establish the second access or the second connection is greater than a fourth threshold, and the area information of the second access or the second connection allowed. Optionally, the fourth threshold is configured by the network or predefined. The network here can be a core network function or an access network device.

[0169] Optionally, the signal quality of the cell used for the second access or the second connection being greater than the fourth threshold may mean that the signal quality of the cell in which the terminal initiates the second access or establishes the second connection needs to meet certain requirements so that the established second access or second connection can better provide data transmission services for the terminal.

[0170] Optionally, the area information of the allowed second access or second connection may mean that the terminal is allowed to initiate establishment of the second access or the second connection with an access network device in the area indicated by the area information.

[0171] In some embodiments, the signal quality of the cell may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0172] Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI).

[0173] In some embodiments, the session steering mode (or Multi-Access PDU Session steering mode mode) adopted for performing multi-access or multi-connection may include but is not limited to one or more of the following:

[0174] Active-standby mode, Load-balance mode, Smallest-Delay, Priority-based mode, and Redundant mode.

[0175] Among them, the specific implementation of the above-mentioned conversation steering mode refers to the relevant description of the aforementioned embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0176] In some embodiments, auxiliary information for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations may refer to information used to assist in determining whether multi-access or multi-connection operations need to be performed. For example, the auxiliary information may include but is not limited to quality of service (QoS) information, transmission delay information, QoE information, signal quality, etc.

[0177] For example, when the first access network device determines that the first connection cannot provide the QoS of the service provided and cannot meet the requirements, the first access network device sends the first information to the core network function to trigger the core network function to perform the second operation.

[0178] For another example, when the first access network device determines that the signal quality of the cell corresponding to the first connection is lower than a certain threshold, the first access network device sends the first information to the core network function to trigger the core network function to perform the second operation.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first access information may be access information related to a second access network device, used to assist in executing a second access, a second connection, or a second PDU session establishment process, or to assist in determining a second configuration, or to assist in selecting a cell for establishing a second connection.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first access information includes at least one of the following:

[0181] RAT, such as NR, LTE, E-UTRAN, etc.

[0182] Frequency information;

[0183] Community information;

[0184] Network type, such as TN, NTN or NPN, etc.;

[0185] PLMN information, such as PLMN identification, whether the PLMN supports multi-access or multi-connection operation, etc.

[0186] NPN information, such as NPN identification, whether NPN supports multi-access or multi-connection operation, etc.

[0187] In some embodiments, the cell information includes at least one of the following:

[0188] Cell identification information;

[0189] Cell type, such as TN, NTN or NPN, etc.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first access information is used to indicate access information that allows the second connection to be established (ie, whitelist information), or may indicate access information that does not allow the second connection to be established (ie, blacklist information).

[0191] Optionally, the cell information may indicate a cell that allows establishment of the second connection and / or a cell type that allows establishment of the second connection.

[0192] In one embodiment, the first access network device sends the second configuration to the terminal, including:

[0193] When both the core network function and the terminal support multi-access or multi-connection, and the core network function performs multi-access or multi-connection operations, the first access network device sends a second configuration to the terminal.

[0194] For example, when the first configuration includes third indication information, fourth indication information, and fifth indication information, the first access network device may send the second configuration to the terminal.

[0195] In one embodiment, the first access network device sends the second configuration to the terminal, including:

[0196] When both the core network function and the terminal support multi-access or multi-connection, and an event for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations occurs or the conditions for performing multi-access or multi-operations are met, the first access network device can send a second configuration to the terminal.

[0197] For example, when the core network function and the terminal both support multiple access or multiple connections, and congestion occurs or the transmission delay is greater than the first threshold or the signal quality of the cell of the first connection is lower than the third threshold, the first access network device can send a second configuration to the terminal.

[0198] In some embodiments, the second configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0199] Sixth indication information, used to instruct to perform a multi-access or multi-connection operation;

[0200] The seventh indication information is used to indicate that the core network function supports multi-access or multi-connection;

[0201] The eighth indication information is used to indicate that the network supports multiple access or multiple connections;

[0202] Events for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0203] Conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0204] The session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0205] Second access information, wherein the second access information is used by the terminal to access a second access network device.

[0206] Among them, the specific implementation of the events of performing multi-access or multi-connection operations, the conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations, and the session steering mode adopted for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations in the second configuration can refer to the relevant descriptions of the events of performing multi-access or multi-connection operations, the conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations, and the session steering mode adopted for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations in the first configuration. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0207] In some embodiments, the second configuration may be the first configuration. For example, after receiving the first configuration of the core network function, the first access network device may send the first configuration as the second configuration to the terminal; or, the second configuration may also be determined according to the first configuration. For example, the sixth indication information in the second configuration may be determined according to the third indication information in the first configuration, or it may be determined by the first access network device itself. The event of performing multi-access or multi-connection operation, the condition of performing multi-access or multi-connection operation and the session steering mode adopted for performing multi-access or multi-connection operation may be obtained from the first configuration, or it may be determined by the first access network device itself. The second access information may be determined according to the first access information, or it may be determined by the first access network device itself.

[0208] In some embodiments, when the second configuration includes the sixth indication information, it may indicate that the first access network device indicates to immediately perform a multi-access or multi-connection operation. In this case, the terminal may immediately initiate a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session, or a second leg establishment process based on the sixth indication information.

[0209] That is to say, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal does not autonomously initiate the process of establishing a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session or a second leg, but initiates the process of establishing a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session or a second leg based on the instruction of the first access network device, which is conducive to ensuring the probability of successful establishment of multiple accesses or multiple connections.

[0210] In some embodiments, the eighth indication information is used to indicate that the network supports multiple access or multiple connections. The network here may include a core network function and a first access network device, that is, both the core network function and the first access network device support multiple access or multiple connections.

[0211] In one embodiment, the method 400 further includes:

[0212] When both the network and the terminal support multiple access or multiple connections, and the first access network device instructs to perform multiple access or multiple connection operations, the terminal initiates the establishment process of a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session or a second leg.

[0213] In one embodiment, the method 400 further includes:

[0214] When both the network and the terminal support multi-access or multi-connection, and an event for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations occurs or the conditions for performing multi-access or multi-operations are met, the terminal initiates a process of establishing a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session or a second leg.

[0215] In some embodiments, the second access information includes at least one of the following:

[0216] Radio access type RAT;

[0217] Frequency information;

[0218] Community information;

[0219] Network type;

[0220] PLMN information;

[0221] Private network NPN information;

[0222] Capability information of the cell.

[0223] The specific implementation of each information in the second access information refers to the description of the corresponding information in the first access information, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0224] In some embodiments, the capability information of the cell may include capability information related to multiple access or multiple connections of the cell, for example, including but not limited to at least one of the following:

[0225] The ninth indication information is used to indicate that the cell supports the multi-access or multi-connection operation;

[0226] The tenth indication information is used to indicate that the cell supports the change of terminal capability.

[0227] In some embodiments, the change in terminal capability may refer to a change in the number of access network devices accessed or connected by the terminal, such as an increase in the number of access network devices accessed or connected, such as a change from a single access or single connection to multiple accesses or multiple connections, or a decrease in the number of access network devices accessed or connected, such as a change from multiple accesses or multiple connections to single access or single connection. When the number of access network devices accessed or connected by the terminal changes, the capabilities of the terminal are reallocated, and therefore, the capabilities of the terminal on one connection change.

[0228] In some embodiments, the terminal may select a cell for establishing the second connection based on the second configuration. For example, the cell may satisfy one or more of the access information indicated by the second access information. For example, the cell satisfies one or more of the following:

[0229] Support multi-access or multi-connection operation;

[0230] Support terminal capability changes;

[0231] The RAT of the cell belongs to the RAT indicated by the second access information;

[0232] The frequency of the cell belongs to the frequency indicated by the second access information;

[0233] The cell belongs to the list of cells indicated by the second access information that are allowed to establish the second connection;

[0234] The cell type of the cell belongs to the cell type list indicated by the second access information and allowed to establish the second connection;

[0235] The network type of the cell belongs to the network type indicated by the second access information that allows establishment of the second connection;

[0236] The PLMN to which the cell belongs belongs to the PLMN indicated by the second access information;

[0237] The NPN to which the cell belongs belongs to the NPN indicated by the second access information.

[0238] In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the second access network device, the cell specified by the second configuration is used as the access cell; or, the cell specified by the second configuration is set as the priority access cell; or, the access cell is selected based on the second configuration; or, the priority access cell is set based on the second configuration.

[0239] Since the network side can obtain characteristics such as cell load, whether the cell supports terminal capability changes, and whether the cell supports multiple connections or multiple accesses, the network side can know which cells are more suitable for establishing the second connection compared to the terminal. Therefore, the terminal establishes the second connection based on the second access information, which can accelerate the establishment of the second connection. For example, the terminal can measure the designated cell based on the second access information, which reduces the measurement complexity of the terminal and is beneficial to power saving of the terminal.

[0240] In some embodiments, the session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection can be used to determine whether to release the first connection after establishing the second connection. For example, when the session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection includes the Active-standby mode, the first connection is released, and when the session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection does not include the Load-balance mode, the first connection is maintained.

[0241] In some embodiments, when the session steering mode adopted for executing multi-access or multi-connection includes a Priority-based mode, the first access network device may decide whether to execute the multi-access or multi-connection operation immediately or execute the multi-access or multi-connection operation when a triggering event for executing the multi-access or multi-connection operation occurs or a triggering condition for executing the multi-access or multi-connection operation is met according to the priority of the access or connection. For example, if the first access or the first connection has the highest priority, the multi-access or multi-connection operation is executed when a triggering event for executing the multi-access or multi-connection operation occurs or the triggering condition for executing the multi-access or multi-connection operation is met, and if the second access or the second connection has the highest priority, the multi-access or multi-connection operation is executed immediately.

[0242] In some embodiments, the core network function sends the second indication information to the first access network device, including:

[0243] After the connection between the terminal and the second access network device is established, the core network function sends the second indication information to the first access network device.

[0244] For example, the second connection is established when the first connection cannot provide the required QoS service or congestion or large transmission delay occurs. After the second connection is established, the core network function can instruct the first access network device to release the first connection or the first PDU session.

[0245] For another example, if the session steering mode used for executing multi-access or multi-connection includes Active-standby mode, after the terminal and the second access network device establish a second connection, the core network function can send a second indication message to the first access network device, instructing the release of the first connection or the first PDU session.

[0246] In some embodiments, before the core network function performs the first operation, the method 400 further includes:

[0247] The core network function receives capability information reported by the terminal.

[0248] In some embodiments, the capability information may include capability information of the terminal supporting multiple access or multiple connections.

[0249] For example, the multi-access or multi-connection capability information includes at least one of the following:

[0250] Support multiple access or multiple connections;

[0251] Supported session steering modes.

[0252] For example, the terminal may directly report capability information to the core network function, for example, by reporting capability information to the core network function through a NAS message, or may report capability information to the core network function through a first access network device. For example, the capability information is first reported to the first access network device through an RRC message, and then the first access network device sends the capability information to the core network function.

[0253] In some embodiments, the core network function sending the first configuration to the first access network device includes:

[0254] The core network function sends the first configuration to the first access network device based on the capability information.

[0255] For example, when the terminal supports multiple accesses or multiple connections, the core network function sends a first configuration to the first access network device.

[0256] In some embodiments, performing a second operation based on the first information includes:

[0257] Based on the first information and the capability information, the second operation is performed.

[0258] For example, when the first information of the first access network device is received and the terminal supports multi-access or multi-connection, the core network function performs the second operation. Optionally, the core network function may determine the second configuration to be sent to the terminal according to the capability information.

[0259] In some embodiments, after the core network function learns the capability information of the terminal, the capability information may be sent to the first access network device, so that the first access network device determines the second configuration to be sent to the terminal according to the capability information.

[0260] In summary, the core network function can directly or indirectly send configurations related to multiple connections or multiple accesses to the terminal, thereby effectively managing the multiple accesses or multiple connections of the terminal. Compared with the terminal directly initiating multiple accesses or multiple connection operations, it is helpful to avoid the problem of failure in establishing multiple accesses or multiple connections, improve the reliability and stability of connection establishment, and reduce the establishment delay of multiple accesses or multiple connections, thereby improving the user experience.

[0261] Combination of the above Figures 4 to 7 , describes in detail the core network function side embodiment of the present application, and the following is combined with Figure 8 , the terminal side embodiments of the present application are described in detail. It should be understood that the core network function side embodiments correspond to the terminal side embodiments, and similar descriptions can refer to the core network function side embodiments.

[0262] Figure 8 is a schematic flow chart of another multi-access or multi-connection management method provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 8 As shown, the method 800 may include at least part of the following:

[0263] S810: When the first condition is met, the terminal receives a second configuration sent by the network function.

[0264] S820: The terminal performs any one of the following based on the second configuration:

[0265] Accessing a second access network device;

[0266] Establishing a second connection with a second access network device;

[0267] Establishing a second protocol data unit (PDU) session through a second access network device;

[0268] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0269] Accessing a first access network device;

[0270] Establishing a first connection with a first access network device;

[0271] A first protocol data unit (PDU) session is established through the first access network device.

[0272] In some embodiments, the network function may be an access network device, such as a first access network device (ie, an access network device corresponding to an existing access or connection or PDU session), or it may be a core network function.

[0273] For example, the core network function may include but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0274] MME, AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, PCRF, EASDF, UDM, UDR, HSS, CNC, NRF, NEF, L-NEF, BSF, AF.

[0275] In some embodiments, the terminal receiving the second configuration sent by the network function may include:

[0276] When the network function is an access network device, the terminal may receive a second configuration sent by the access network device through an RRC message; or

[0277] When the network function is a core network function, the terminal may receive a second configuration sent by the core network function through a NAS message.

[0278] In some embodiments, the terminal accesses the second access network device, including:

[0279] Use the cell specified by the second configuration as the accessed cell; or,

[0280] Setting the cell specified by the second configuration as a priority access cell; or,

[0281] Selecting a cell to access based on a second configuration; or,

[0282] A cell for priority access is set based on the second configuration.

[0283] Optionally, the priority access cell may refer to a cell with a high priority, and the terminal preferentially selects to access the cell. If the access to the cell fails, the terminal selects other cells for access.

[0284] In some embodiments, the second configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0285] Sixth indication information, used to instruct to perform a multi-access or multi-connection operation;

[0286] The seventh indication information is used to indicate that the core network function supports multi-access or multi-connection;

[0287] Eighth indication information, used to indicate that the network side supports multi-access or multi-connection;

[0288] Events for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0289] Conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0290] The session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0291] Second access information, wherein the second access information is used by the terminal to access the second access network device.

[0292] In some embodiments, the second access information includes at least one of the following:

[0293] Radio access type RAT;

[0294] Frequency information;

[0295] Community information;

[0296] Network type;

[0297] PLMN information;

[0298] Private network NPN information;

[0299] Capability information of the cell.

[0300] In some embodiments, the cell information includes at least one of the following:

[0301] Cell identification information, cell type.

[0302] In some embodiments, the capability information of the cell includes at least one of the following:

[0303] ninth indication information, used to indicate that the cell supports the multi-access or multi-connection operation;

[0304] The tenth indication information is used to indicate that the cell supports terminal capability change.

[0305] In some embodiments, the method 800 further includes:

[0306] The terminal reports capability information to the core network function, where the capability information is used by the network function to send the second configuration.

[0307] For example, the terminal may directly report capability information to the core network function, such as reporting capability information through a NAS message, or may report capability information to the core network function through the first access network device. For example, first report to the first access network device through an RRC message, and then the first access network device sends it to the core network function.

[0308] In some embodiments, the capability information includes capability information of the terminal supporting multiple access or multiple connections, wherein the capability information of the multiple access or multiple connections includes at least one of the following:

[0309] Support multiple access or multiple connections;

[0310] Supported session steering modes.

[0311] In the method 800 , the specific implementation of the first condition, the second configuration, and the capability information refers to the relevant description in the method 400 , and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0312] The following, combined Figures 9 to 12 , from the perspective of device interaction, the multi-access or multi-connection management method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described.

[0313] In the embodiments 1 to 3, the terminal has accessed the first access network device, or has established a first connection with the first access network device, or has established a first PDU session through the first access network device, or has established a first leg. The embodiments 1 to 3 involve the establishment of multiple accesses or multiple connections.

[0314] In Embodiment 4, the terminal has accessed the first access network device and the second access network device, or has established a first connection with the first access network device and a second connection with the second access network device, or has established a first PDU session through the first access network device and a second PDU round through the second access network device, or has established a first leg and a second leg. Embodiment 4 relates to the release of multiple accesses or multiple connections.

[0315] Example 1

[0316] like Fig. 9 As shown, the management method may include the following steps:

[0317] S910 (optional step), the terminal reports capability information to the core network function.

[0318] In some embodiments, the capability information includes capability information of the terminal supporting multiple access or multiple connections, wherein the capability information of the multiple access or multiple connections includes at least one of the following:

[0319] Support multiple access or multiple connections;

[0320] Supported session steering modes.

[0321] S920. The core network function sends a first configuration to the first access network device.

[0322] For example, when the terminal supports multiple access or multiple connections and satisfies a first condition, the first configuration is sent to the first access network device. The first condition includes any one of the following:

[0323] The terminal accesses a first access network device;

[0324] The terminal establishes a first connection with a first access network device;

[0325] The terminal establishes a first PDU session through a first access network device.

[0326] S930. The first access network device may send a second configuration to the terminal based on the first configuration.

[0327] For example, the first access network device may send the second configuration to the terminal through an RRC message.

[0328] In some embodiments, the second configuration may be the same as the first configuration, that is, the first access network device may directly send the first configuration sent by the core network function as the second configuration to the terminal, or the second configuration may also be determined according to the first configuration, for example, the first configuration is used to indicate a strategy for executing multi-access or multi-connection (for example, an event or condition for executing multi-connection or multi-access), and the first access network device determines the second configuration according to the measurement. The specific contents included in the first configuration and the second configuration refer to the relevant description of the aforementioned embodiment, and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0329] Therefore, in this embodiment 1, the core network function can send a first configuration to the first access network device, and the first configuration can indicate a strategy for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations. Further, the first access network device can send a second configuration to the terminal based on the first configuration, for example, immediately sending the second configuration to the terminal, or, in the event of performing multi-access or multi-connection operations, or when the triggering conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations are met, sending the second configuration to the terminal.

[0330] Further, the terminal may initiate a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session or a second leg establishment process based on the second configuration.

[0331] Example 2

[0332] like Fig.10 As shown, the management method may include the following steps:

[0333] S1010 (optional step), the terminal reports capability information to the core network function.

[0334] In some embodiments, the capability information includes capability information of the terminal supporting multiple access or multiple connections, wherein the capability information of the multiple access or multiple connections includes at least one of the following:

[0335] Support multiple access or multiple connections;

[0336] Supported session steering modes.

[0337] S1020 (optional step): the core network function sends a first configuration to the first access network device.

[0338] For example, when the terminal supports multiple access or multiple connections and satisfies a first condition, the first configuration is sent to the first access network device. The first condition includes any one of the following:

[0339] The terminal accesses a first access network device;

[0340] The terminal establishes a first connection with a first access network device;

[0341] The terminal establishes a first PDU session through a first access network device.

[0342] S1030, the first access network device may send first information to the core network function.

[0343] For example, the first access network device may send first information to the core network function based on the first configuration.

[0344] In some embodiments, the first information may be request information for the first access network device to request the core network function to perform a multi-access or multi-connection establishment operation, or the first information may also be trigger information for the first access network device to trigger the core network function to perform a multi-access or multi-connection establishment operation. For example, the first information is used to request or trigger the core network function to send a second configuration to the terminal for multi-access or multi-connection establishment.

[0345] In some embodiments, the first access network device sending the first information to the core network function based on the first configuration may include:

[0346] The first configuration is used to configure a trigger event or trigger condition for performing multi-access or multi-connection related operations. When the trigger event or trigger condition is met, the first access network device can send a first information to the core network function to request or trigger the core network function to perform a multi-access or multi-connection establishment operation, such as requesting or triggering the core network function to send a second configuration to the terminal.

[0347] S1040, the core network function sends a second configuration to the terminal based on the first information.

[0348] In some embodiments, the core network function may send the second configuration to the terminal via a NAS message.

[0349] Therefore, in this embodiment 2, the first access network device can request or trigger the core network function to perform a multi-access or multi-connection establishment operation (for example, sending a second configuration to the terminal) through the first information, and the first information can be sent based on the first configuration. Further, the core network function can send the second configuration to the terminal based on the first information, and then the terminal can initiate a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session or a second leg establishment process based on the second configuration.

[0350] Example 3

[0351] like Fig.11 As shown, the management method may include the following steps:

[0352] S1110 (optional step), the terminal reports capability information to the core network function.

[0353] In some embodiments, the capability information includes capability information of the terminal supporting multiple access or multiple connections, wherein the capability information of the multiple access or multiple connections includes at least one of the following:

[0354] Support multiple access or multiple connections;

[0355] Supported session steering modes.

[0356] S1120 (optional step): the core network function sends a first configuration to the first access network device.

[0357] For example, when the terminal supports multiple access or multiple connections and satisfies a first condition, the first configuration is sent to the first access network device. The first condition includes any one of the following:

[0358] The terminal accesses a first access network device;

[0359] The terminal establishes a first connection with a first access network device;

[0360] The terminal establishes a first PDU session through a first access network device.

[0361] S1130, the first access network device may send first information to the core network function.

[0362] For example, the first access network device may send first information to the core network function based on the first configuration.

[0363] In some embodiments, the first information may be request information from the first access network device to the core network function to perform a multi-access or multi-connection management establishment operation, or the first information may be trigger information from the first access network device to trigger the core network function to perform a multi-access or multi-connection establishment operation.

[0364] In some embodiments, the first access network device sending the first information to the core network function based on the first configuration may include:

[0365] The first configuration is used to configure a trigger event or trigger condition for performing multi-access or multi-connection related operations. When the trigger event or trigger condition is met, the first access network device can send a first information to the core network function to request or trigger the core network function to perform a multi-access or multi-connection establishment operation.

[0366] S1140, the core network function sends first indication information to the first access network device based on the first information, used to instruct sending the second configuration to the terminal.

[0367] S1150: The first access network device sends a second configuration to the terminal based on the first indication information.

[0368] For example, the first access network device sends the second configuration to the terminal through an RRC message.

[0369] Further, the terminal may initiate a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session or a second leg establishment process based on the second configuration.

[0370] Therefore, in this embodiment 3, the first access network device can request the core network function to perform a multi-access or multi-connection establishment operation through a first message, and the first message can be sent based on the first configuration. Further, the core network function can send a first indication message to the first access network device based on the first message, for instructing the first access network device to send a second configuration to the terminal. Then the first access network device can send a second configuration to the terminal based on the first indication message, so that the terminal can initiate a second access, a second connection, a second PDU session or a second leg establishment process based on the second configuration.

[0371] Example 4

[0372] like Fig.12 As shown, the management method may include the following steps:

[0373] S1210 (optional step), the terminal reports capability information to the core network function.

[0374] In some embodiments, the capability information includes capability information of the terminal supporting multiple access or multiple connections, wherein the capability information of the multiple access or multiple connections includes at least one of the following:

[0375] Support multiple access or multiple connections;

[0376] Supported session steering modes.

[0377] S1220 (optional step): the core network function sends a first configuration to the first access network device.

[0378] For example, when the terminal supports multiple access or multiple connections and satisfies a first condition, the first configuration is sent to the first access network device. The first condition includes any one of the following:

[0379] The terminal accesses a first access network device;

[0380] The terminal establishes a first connection with a first access network device;

[0381] The terminal establishes a first PDU session through a first access network device.

[0382] S1230, the first access network device may send first information to the core network function.

[0383] For example, the first access network device may send first information to the core network function based on the first configuration.

[0384] In some embodiments, the first information may be request information from the first access network device to the core network function to perform a release operation of multi-access or multi-connection management, or the first information may be trigger information from the first access network device to trigger the core network function to perform a release operation of multi-access or multi-connection management.

[0385] In some embodiments, after the second connection is established, the first access network device may send first information to the core network function to request or trigger the core network function to perform a multi-access or multi-connection release operation.

[0386] For example, the second connection is established when the first connection cannot provide the required QoS service or congestion occurs or the transmission delay is large. After the second connection is established, the first access network device sends the first information to the core network function, requesting or triggering the core network function to perform a multi-access or multi-connection release operation.

[0387] For another example, if the session steering mode used to execute multiple access or multiple connections includes an Active-standby mode, after the terminal and the second access network device establish a second connection, the first access network device sends a first message to the core network function, requesting or triggering the core network function to perform a multiple access or multiple connection release operation.

[0388] S1240, the core network function sends second indication information to the first access network device based on the first information, to indicate the release of the first connection or the first PDU session.

[0389] S1250: The first access network device releases the first connection or the first PDU session.

[0390] Therefore, in this embodiment 4, the first access network device may request or trigger the core network function to perform a release operation of multiple accesses or multiple connections through the first information, and the first information may be sent based on the first configuration. Further, the core network function may instruct the first access network device to initiate a release process of a second access, a second connection, or a second PDU session.

[0391] In summary, in the embodiments of the present application, the core network function can manage the multi-access or multi-connection related operations of the terminal, or the core network function and the access network device can jointly manage the multi-access or multi-connection related operations of the terminal. Compared with the terminal actively initiating multi-access or multi-connection, it is helpful to avoid the problem of failure in establishing multiple access or multiple connections, reduce the establishment delay of multiple access or multiple connections, and improve the user experience.

[0392] Combination of the above Figures 4 to 12 , describes in detail the method embodiment of the present application, and the following is combined with Figures 13 to 17 , the device embodiments of the present application are described in detail. It should be understood that the device embodiments and the method embodiments correspond to each other, and similar descriptions can refer to the method embodiments.

[0393] Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a multi-access or multi-connection management device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig.13 As shown, the management device 1300 includes:

[0394] The communication unit 1310 is configured to perform a first operation, where the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0395] Sending a first configuration to a first access network device;

[0396] receiving first information sent by a first access network device, and performing a second operation based on the first information;

[0397] The second operation includes at least one of the following:

[0398] Sending a second configuration to the terminal;

[0399] Sending first indication information to the first access network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to send a second configuration to the terminal;

[0400] Sending second indication information to the first access network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate releasing the first connection, or initiating a process of releasing a first protocol data unit PDU session;

[0401] The first connection is a connection between the first access network device and the terminal, and the first PDU session is a PDU session established by the terminal through the first access network device;

[0402] The first configuration is used by the first access network device to send a second configuration to the terminal, or to send the first information to the management device;

[0403] The second configuration is used to assist the terminal in performing any one of the following:

[0404] Accessing a second access network device;

[0405] Establishing a second connection with a second access network device;

[0406] A second PDU session is established through the second access network device.

[0407] In some embodiments, the first configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0408] The third indication information is used to indicate the execution of a multi-access or multi-connection operation;

[0409] Fourth indication information, used to indicate that the management device supports multi-access or multi-connection;

[0410] Fifth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal supports multi-access or multi-connection;

[0411] Events for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0412] Conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0413] The session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0414] Auxiliary information for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0415] First access information, wherein the first access information is related to the second access network device.

[0416] In some embodiments, the first access information includes at least one of the following:

[0417] Radio access type RAT;

[0418] Frequency information;

[0419] Community information;

[0420] Network type;

[0421] Public land mobile network PLMN information;

[0422] Private network NPN information.

[0423] In some embodiments, the auxiliary information for performing multiple access or multiple connection operations includes quality of service QoS information.

[0424] In some embodiments, the second configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0425] Sixth indication information, used to instruct to perform a multi-access or multi-connection operation;

[0426] seventh indication information, used to indicate that the management device supports multi-access or multi-connection;

[0427] The eighth indication information is used to indicate that the network supports multiple access or multiple connections;

[0428] Events for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0429] Conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0430] The session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0431] Second access information, wherein the second access information is used by the terminal to access a second access network device.

[0432] In some embodiments, the second access information includes at least one of the following:

[0433] Radio access type RAT;

[0434] Frequency information;

[0435] Community information;

[0436] Network type;

[0437] PLMN information;

[0438] Private network NPN information;

[0439] Capability information of the cell.

[0440] In some embodiments, the cell information includes at least one of the following:

[0441] Cell identification information, cell type.

[0442] In some embodiments, the capability information of the cell includes at least one of the following:

[0443] ninth indication information, used to indicate that the cell supports the multi-access or multi-connection operation;

[0444] The tenth indication information is used to indicate that the cell supports terminal capability change.

[0445] In some embodiments, the communication unit is further configured to:

[0446] After the connection between the terminal and the second access network device is established, the second indication information is sent to the first access network device.

[0447] In some embodiments, the communication unit 1310 is further configured to:

[0448] Receiving capability information reported by the terminal;

[0449] The communication unit 1310 is further configured to:

[0450] Sending the first configuration to the first access network device based on the capability information;

[0451] The communication unit 1310 is further configured to:

[0452] Based on the first information and the capability information, the second operation is performed.

[0453] In some embodiments, the capability information includes capability information of the terminal supporting multiple access or multiple connections, and the capability information of the multiple access or multiple connections includes at least one of the following:

[0454] Support multiple access or multiple connections;

[0455] Supported session steering modes.

[0456] In some embodiments, the communication unit 1310 is further configured to:

[0457] When a first condition is met, the first operation is performed, wherein the first condition includes any one of the following:

[0458] The terminal accesses a first access network device;

[0459] The terminal establishes a first connection with a first access network device;

[0460] The terminal establishes a first PDU session through a first access network device.

[0461] Optionally, in some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or a transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system on chip.

[0462] It should be understood that the management device 1300 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the core network function in the embodiment of the method of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the management device 1300 are respectively to implement Figures 4 to 12 The corresponding process of the core network function in the method embodiment shown in is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0463] Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a multi-access or multi-connection management device 1400 according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig.14 As shown, the management device 1400 includes:

[0464] The communication unit 1410 is configured to receive a second configuration sent by the network function when the first condition is met;

[0465] The processing unit 1420 is configured to perform any one of the following based on the second configuration:

[0466] Accessing a second access network device;

[0467] Establishing a second connection with a second access network device;

[0468] Establishing a second protocol data unit (PDU) session through a second access network device;

[0469] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0470] Accessing a first access network device;

[0471] Establishing a first connection with a first access network device;

[0472] A first protocol data unit (PDU) session is established through the first access network device.

[0473] In some embodiments, the accessing the second access network device includes:

[0474] Use the cell specified by the second configuration as the accessed cell; or,

[0475] Setting the cell specified by the second configuration as a priority access cell; or,

[0476] Selecting a cell to access based on the second configuration; or,

[0477] A cell for priority access is set based on the second configuration.

[0478] In some embodiments, the second configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0479] Sixth indication information, used to instruct to perform a multi-access or multi-connection operation;

[0480] The seventh indication information is used to indicate that the core network function supports multi-access or multi-connection;

[0481] Eighth indication information, used to indicate that the network side supports multi-access or multi-connection;

[0482] Events for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0483] Conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0484] The session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection operations;

[0485] Second access information, wherein the second access information is used by the management device to access the second access network device.

[0486] In some embodiments, the second access information includes at least one of the following:

[0487] Radio access type RAT;

[0488] Frequency information;

[0489] Community information;

[0490] Network type;

[0491] PLMN information;

[0492] Private network NPN information;

[0493] Capability information of the cell.

[0494] In some embodiments, the cell information includes at least one of the following:

[0495] Cell identification information, cell type.

[0496] In some embodiments, the capability information of the cell includes at least one of the following:

[0497] ninth indication information, used to indicate that the cell supports the multi-access or multi-connection operation;

[0498] The tenth indication information is used to indicate the change of the capability of the cell support management device.

[0499] In some embodiments, the communication unit 1410 is further configured to:

[0500] Report capability information to the core network function, where the capability information is used by the network function to send the second configuration.

[0501] In some embodiments, the capability information includes capability information of the management device supporting multiple access or multiple connections, wherein the capability information of the multiple access or multiple connections includes at least one of the following:

[0502] Support multiple access or multiple connections;

[0503] Supported session steering modes.

[0504] Optionally, in some embodiments, the communication unit may be a communication interface or a transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or a system on chip.

[0505] It should be understood that the management device 1400 according to the embodiment of the present application may correspond to the terminal device in the method embodiment of the present application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the management device 1400 are respectively to implement Figures 4 to 12 The corresponding process of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0506] Fig.15 It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.15 The communication device 1500 shown includes a processor 1510, and the processor 1510 can call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0507] In some embodiments, Fig.15 As shown, the communication device 1500 may further include a memory 1520. The processor 1510 may call and run a computer program from the memory 1520 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0508] The memory 1520 may be a separate device independent of the processor 1510 , or may be integrated into the processor 1510 .

[0509] In some embodiments, Fig.15 As shown, the communication device 1500 may further include a transceiver 1530, and the processor 1510 may control the transceiver 1530 to communicate with other devices, specifically, may send information or data to other devices, or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0510] The transceiver 1530 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 1530 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0511] In some embodiments, the transceiver 1530 may implement the functions of a communication unit in a core network function, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0512] In some embodiments, the transceiver 1530 may implement the function of a communication unit in the terminal, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0513] In some embodiments, the processor 1510 may implement the functions of a processing unit in the terminal, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0514] In some embodiments, the communication device 1500 may specifically be the core network function of the embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1500 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the core network function in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0515] In some embodiments, the communication device 1500 may specifically be a terminal of an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1500 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal in each method of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0516] Fig.16 It is a schematic structural diagram of the chip of an embodiment of the present application. Fig.16 The chip 1600 shown includes a processor 1610, which can call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0517] In some embodiments, Fig.16 As shown, the chip 1600 may further include a memory 1620. The processor 1610 may call and run a computer program from the memory 1620 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0518] The memory 1620 may be a separate device independent of the processor 1610 , or may be integrated into the processor 1610 .

[0519] In some embodiments, the chip 1600 may further include an input interface 1630. The processor 1610 may control the input interface 1630 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may obtain information or data sent by other devices or chips. Optionally, the processor 1610 may be located inside or outside the chip.

[0520] In some embodiments, the chip 1600 may further include an output interface 1640. The processor 1610 may control the output interface 1640 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may output information or data to other devices or chips. Optionally, the processor 1610 may be located inside or outside the chip.

[0521] In some embodiments, the input interface 1630 and the output interface 1640 may implement the function of a communication unit in the terminal.

[0522] In some embodiments, processor 1610 may implement the functionality of a processing unit in a terminal.

[0523] In some embodiments, the input interface 1630 and the output interface 1640 may implement the functions of a communication unit in a core network function.

[0524] In some embodiments, the chip can be applied to the core network function in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the core network function in each method of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0525] In some embodiments, the chip can be applied to the terminal in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal in each method of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0526] In some embodiments, the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may also be a chip, for example, a system-level chip, a system chip, a chip system, or a system-on-chip chip.

[0527] Fig.17 1700 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 1700 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.17 As shown, the communication system 1700 includes a terminal device 1710 , an access network device 1720 and a core network function 1730 .

[0528] Among them, the terminal device 1710 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the terminal in the above method, the access network device 1720 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the access network device (for example, the first access network device, the second access network device) in the above method, and the core network device 1730 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the core network function in the above method. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0529] It should be understood that the processor of the embodiment of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by the hardware integrated logic circuit or software instructions in the processor. The above processor can be a general processor, a digital signal processor (Digital Signal Processor, DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC), a field programmable gate array (Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components. The methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiment of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware decoding processor to perform, or the hardware and software modules in the decoding processor are combined and performed. The software module can be located in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, and other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0530] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory, or may be a non-transient memory. It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include but is not limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0531] It should be understood that the above-mentioned memory is exemplary but not restrictive. For example, the memory in the embodiments of the present application may also be static random access memory (static RAM, SRAM), dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM, DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (double data rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (synch link DRAM, SLDRAM) and direct memory bus random access memory (Direct Rambus RAM, DR RAM), etc. That is to say, the memory in the embodiments of the present application is intended to include but not limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0532] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0533] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0534] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0535] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0536] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0537] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. In view of such an understanding, the technical solution of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product in essence or in other words, the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0538] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-access or multi-connection management method, characterized in that: include: The core network function performs a first operation, where the first operation includes at least one of the following: Sending a first configuration to a first access network device; receiving first information sent by a first access network device, and performing a second operation based on the first information; The second operation includes at least one of the following: Sending a second configuration to the terminal; Sending first indication information to the first access network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to send a second configuration to the terminal; Sending second indication information to the first access network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate releasing the first connection, or initiating a process of releasing a first protocol data unit PDU session; The first connection is a connection between the first access network device and the terminal, and the first PDU session is a PDU session established by the terminal through the first access network device; The first configuration is used by the first access network device to send the second configuration to the terminal, or to send the first information to the core network function; The second configuration is used to assist the terminal in performing any one of the following: Accessing a second access network device; Establishing a second connection with a second access network device; A second PDU session is established through the second access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first configuration includes at least one of the following: The third indication information is used to indicate the execution of a multi-access or multi-connection operation; Fourth indication information, used to indicate that the core network function supports multi-access or multi-connection; Fifth indication information, used to indicate that the terminal supports multi-access or multi-connection; Events for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations; Conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations; The session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection operations; Auxiliary information for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations; First access information, wherein the first access information is related to the second access network device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first access information includes at least one of the following: Radio access type RAT; Frequency information; Community information; Network type; Public land mobile network PLMN information; Private network NPN information.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The auxiliary information for performing multiple access or multiple connection operations includes quality of service QoS information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The second configuration includes at least one of the following: Sixth indication information, used to instruct to perform a multi-access or multi-connection operation; The seventh indication information is used to indicate that the core network function supports multi-access or multi-connection; The eighth indication information is used to indicate that the network supports multiple access or multiple connections; Events for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations; Conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations; The session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection operations; Second access information, wherein the second access information is used by the terminal to access a second access network device.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The second access information includes at least one of the following: Radio access type RAT; Frequency information; Community information; Network type; PLMN information; Private network NPN information; Capability information of the cell.

7. The method according to claim 3 or 6, characterized in that: The cell information includes at least one of the following: Cell identification information, cell type.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The cell capability information includes at least one of the following: ninth indication information, used to indicate that the cell supports the multi-access or multi-connection operation; The tenth indication information is used to indicate that the cell supports terminal capability change.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The sending the second indication information to the first access network device includes: After the connection between the terminal and the second access network device is established, the core network function sends the second indication information to the first access network device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that Before the core network function performs the first operation, the method further includes: The core network function receives capability information reported by the terminal; The core network function sending the first configuration to the first access network device includes: The core network function sends the first configuration to the first access network device based on the capability information; The performing a second operation based on the first information includes: Based on the first information and the capability information, the second operation is performed.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The capability information includes capability information of the terminal supporting multiple access or multiple connection, and the capability information of the multiple access or multiple connection includes at least one of the following: Support multiple access or multiple connections; Supported session steering modes.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The core network function performs a first operation, including: When the first condition is met, the core network function performs the first operation; The first condition includes any one of the following: The terminal accesses a first access network device; The terminal establishes a first connection with a first access network device; The terminal establishes a first PDU session through a first access network device.

13. A multi-access or multi-connection management method, characterized in that: include: When the first condition is met, the terminal receives a second configuration sent by the network function; The terminal performs any one of the following based on the second configuration: Accessing a second access network device; Establishing a second connection with a second access network device; Establishing a second protocol data unit (PDU) session through a second access network device; The first condition includes at least one of the following: Accessing a first access network device; Establishing a first connection with a first access network device; A first protocol data unit (PDU) session is established through the first access network device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The device for accessing the second access network includes: Use the cell specified by the second configuration as the accessed cell; or, Setting the cell specified by the second configuration as a priority access cell; or, Selecting a cell to access based on the second configuration; or, A cell for priority access is set based on the second configuration.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The second configuration includes at least one of the following: Sixth indication information, used to instruct to perform a multi-access or multi-connection operation; The seventh indication information is used to indicate that the core network function supports multiple access or multiple connections; Eighth indication information, used to indicate that the network side supports multi-access or multi-connection; Events for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations; Conditions for performing multi-access or multi-connection operations; The session steering mode used to perform multi-access or multi-connection operations; Second access information, wherein the second access information is used by the terminal to access the second access network device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The second access information includes at least one of the following: Radio access type RAT; Frequency information; Community information; Network type; PLMN information; Private network NPN information; Capability information of the cell.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The cell information includes at least one of the following: Cell identification information, cell type.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The cell capability information includes at least one of the following: ninth indication information, used to indicate that the cell supports the multi-access or multi-connection operation; The tenth indication information is used to indicate that the cell supports terminal capability change.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The terminal reports capability information to the core network function, and the capability information is used by the network function to send the second configuration.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The capability information includes capability information of the terminal supporting multiple access or multiple connections, wherein the capability information of the multiple access or multiple connections includes at least one of the following: Support multiple access or multiple connections; Supported session steering modes.

21. A multi-access or multi-connection management device, characterized in that: include: A communication unit, configured to perform a first operation, wherein the first operation includes at least one of the following: Sending a first configuration to a first access network device; receiving first information sent by a first access network device, and performing a second operation based on the first information; The second operation includes at least one of the following: Sending a second configuration to the terminal; Sending first indication information to the first access network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first access network device to send a second configuration to the terminal; Sending second indication information to the first access network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate releasing the first connection, or initiating a process of releasing a first protocol data unit PDU session; The first connection is a connection between the first access network device and the terminal, and the first PDU session is a PDU session established by the terminal through the first access network device; The first configuration is used by the first access network device to send the second configuration to the terminal, or to send the first information to a core network function; The second configuration is used to assist the terminal in performing any one of the following: Accessing a second access network device; Establishing a second connection with a second access network device; A second PDU session is established through the second access network device.

22. A multi-access or multi-connection management device, characterized in that: include: A communication unit, configured to receive a second configuration sent by the network function when the first condition is met; The terminal performs any one of the following based on the second configuration: Accessing a second access network device; Establishing a second connection with a second access network device; Establishing a second protocol data unit (PDU) session through a second access network device; The first condition includes at least one of the following: Accessing a first access network device; Establishing a first connection with a first access network device; A first protocol data unit (PDU) session is established through the first access network device.

23. A core network function, characterized in that: include: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the computer program implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 when executed by the processor.

24. A terminal, characterized in that: include: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the computer program implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 13 to 20 when executed by the processor.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: Used to store a computer program, the computer program causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 20.

Images