Communication method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and a communication device, which are applied to a scene that terminal equipment accesses a network through first access network equipment, the first access network equipment receives first indication information, and the first indication information is used for indicating that the terminal equipment is allowed to access the network through two pieces of access network equipment; further, the first access network device sends a first message to a terminal device based on the first indication information, the first message comprising an identifier of the second access network device. Based on the method, the cooperative configuration of the first access network equipment and the second access network equipment on the terminal equipment is enhanced, so that the transmission performance of the terminal equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] User equipment (UE), radio access network (RAN), user plane function (UPF), and data network (DN) are generally referred to as data plane network functions and entities. The data traffic of a user can be transmitted through a protocol data unit (PDU) established between the UE and the DN, and the transmission will pass through two network function entities, namely the RAN and the UPF.

[0003] With the development of communication technologies, the UE can access the network through two RANs (i.e., the dual-steer scenario), that is, the service data of the PDU session of the terminal device can be transmitted through two RANs. Generally, the process of selecting two RANs is performed by the UE. After selecting two RANs in this way, the UE will split its own capabilities (including radio interface capabilities, transmission power, etc.) to obtain the sub-capabilities of the UE corresponding to each RAN, so that each RAN can be configured (such as radio interface connection configuration, etc.) or transmission scheduled according to the corresponding sub-capabilities of the UE. There may be a situation where the UE splits its capabilities unreasonably, resulting in limited transmission performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can facilitate the collaborative configuration or collaborative scheduling between the first access network device and the second access network device when the terminal device accesses the network through two access network devices (i.e., the first access network device and the second access network device), thereby facilitating the improvement of the transmission performance of the terminal device.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method, which is applied to a scenario where a terminal device accesses the network through a first access network device. The method includes: the first access network device receives first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices; further, the first access network device, based on the first indication information, sends a first message to the terminal device, and the first message includes the identifier of the second access network device.

[0006] By implementing the method described in the first aspect, in the scenario where the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device, if the terminal device can access the network through two access network devices, the first access network device selects (or is understood as determining) the second access network device (i.e., the second access network device in this application), which is conducive to strengthening the collaborative work between the first access network device and the second access network device. That is, the first access network device and the second access network device can perform collaborative configuration or collaborative scheduling on the terminal device, thereby facilitating the improvement of the transmission performance of the terminal device.

[0007] In a possible implementation manner, before the first access network device sends the first message to the terminal device based on the first indication information, the first access network device may further determine the identifier of the second access network device based on the first indication information.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information comes from the first network element, and the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the first message further includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to access the network through the first access network device and the second access network device simultaneously.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, before the first access network device sends the first message to the terminal device based on the first indication information, the first access network device receives first request information from the terminal device, and the first request information is used to request access to the network through two access network devices. By implementing this possible implementation manner, when the terminal device determines that it has a need to access the network through two access network devices, the first access network device can be triggered by the first request information to select the second access network device, which is conducive to improving the flexibility of the triggering method for the first access network device to select the second access network device.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information comes from the second network element, and the second network element is responsible for managing the first session of the terminal device. The first access network device receives the identifier of the first session of the terminal device from the second network element; the first message further includes the identifier of the first session and second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to access the network through the first access network device and the second access network device simultaneously. By implementing this possible implementation manner, the second network element can instruct the terminal device to access the second access network device and establish the first session through the second access network device through the first message, which is conducive to saving signaling overhead.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the first access network device receives condition information from the second network element. The condition information includes that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices when the quality of service (QoS) requirement of the first session is not satisfied. Further, the first access network device sends a first message to the terminal device based on the first indication information and the condition information. By implementing this possible implementation, the terminal device will access the network through two access network devices only when the QoS requirement of the first session is not satisfied; otherwise, the terminal device accesses the network through one access network device. This can reduce the management complexity and air interface configuration complexity of the terminal device while meeting the transmission requirements of the terminal device.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method applicable to a scenario where a terminal device accesses the network through a first access network device. The method includes: The terminal device receives a first message from the first access network device. The first message includes an identifier of a second access network device and a second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device and the second access network device simultaneously. Further, the terminal device accesses the second access network device based on the first message.

[0014] By implementing the method described in the second aspect, in the scenario where the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device, the terminal device accesses the network through the second access network device according to the indication of the first access network device, which is conducive to strengthening the collaborative work between the first access network device and the second access network device. That is, the first access network device and the second access network device can perform collaborative configuration or collaborative scheduling on the terminal device, thereby facilitating the improvement of the transmission performance of the terminal device.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the first message further includes an identifier of the first session, and the terminal device transmits data of the first session through the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the terminal device sends a registration request to a first network element through the first access network device. The registration request includes capability information indicating that the terminal device supports accessing the network through two access network devices, and the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the terminal device sends a session establishment request to a first network element through the first access network device. The session establishment request includes an identifier of the first session and capability information indicating that the terminal device supports accessing the network through two access network devices, and the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device.

[0018] In a possible implementation, before the terminal device receives a first message from the first access network device, the terminal device sends first request information to the first access network device, where the first request information is used to request access to the network through two access network devices. By implementing this possible implementation, when the terminal device determines that it has a need to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal device can request access to the network through two access network devices by means of the first request information, which is beneficial to improving the flexibility of the triggering method for the terminal device to access the network through two access network devices.

[0019] In a possible implementation, before the terminal device sends the first request information to the first access network device, the terminal device receives first indication information, where the first indication information indicates that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices; or, the terminal device determines that it has a need to transmit session data through two access network devices.

[0020] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a scenario where a terminal device accesses the network through a first access network device. The method includes: a first network element obtains third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices; the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device; further, the first network element sends first indication information to the first access network device according to the third indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices.

[0021] By implementing the method described in the third aspect, after the first network element learns that the terminal device can access the network through two access network devices, the first network element sends indication information (i.e., the first indication information) indicating that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices to the first access network device, triggering the first access network device to determine a second access network device, which is beneficial to strengthening the collaborative work between the first access network device and the second access network device, that is, the first access network device and the second access network device can perform collaborative configuration or collaborative scheduling on the terminal device, thereby being beneficial to improving the transmission performance of the terminal device.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the first network element sends the first indication information to the terminal device according to the third indication information.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the first network element receives a registration request from the terminal device, where the registration request includes capability information indicating that the terminal device supports accessing the network through two access network devices; further, the first network element sends the first indication information to the first access network device according to the third indication information and the capability information.

[0024] Fourthly, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to the scenario where a terminal device accesses the network through a first access network device. The method includes: a second network element receives a create session management context message or a session establishment request message. The second network element is responsible for managing a first session of the terminal device, and the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device; the second network element obtains fourth indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices or to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to transmit data of the first session through two access network devices; further, the second network element sends the identifier of the first session of the terminal device and first indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices.

[0025] By implementing the method described in the fourth aspect, after the second network element learns that the terminal device can access the network through two access network devices, the second network element sends indication information (i.e., the first indication information) indicating that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices to the first access network device, triggering the first access network device to determine a second access network device, which is beneficial to strengthening the collaborative work between the first access network device and the second access network device, that is, the first access network device and the second access network device can perform collaborative configuration or collaborative scheduling on the terminal device, thus being beneficial to improving the transmission performance of the terminal device.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner, the create session management context message or the session establishment request message includes capability information that the terminal device supports accessing the network through two access network devices; further, the second network element sends the identifier of the first session of the terminal device and first indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information and the capability information.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the second network element receives indication information of a QoS flow in the first session that does not meet the QoS requirements from the first access network device. The indication information of the QoS flow includes the identifier and / or QoS parameters of the QoS flow; the second network element generates an access traffic control, handover and splitting ATSSS transmission rule corresponding to the first session based on the indication information of the QoS flow; the second network element sends the ATSSS transmission rule to the terminal device.

[0028] Fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a scenario where a terminal device accesses a network through a first access network device. The method includes: the first access network device receives fifth indication information from a second network element, and the fifth indication information is used to indicate that when the quality of service (QoS) parameters of a first session of the terminal device are not satisfied, the second access network device's identifier is sent to the second network element; the second network element is responsible for managing the first session of the terminal device; when the QoS parameters of the first session are not satisfied, the first access network device determines the identifier of the second access network device based on the fourth indication information, and sends the identifier of the second access network device to the second network element.

[0029] By implementing the method described in the fifth aspect, when the QoS parameters of the first session are not satisfied, it triggers the first access network device to determine the second access network device, which is beneficial to strengthening the cooperation between the first access network device and the second access network device. That is, the first access network device and the second access network device can perform cooperative configuration or cooperative scheduling on the terminal device, which is beneficial to improving the transmission performance of the terminal device.

[0030] In a possible implementation manner, the first access network device sends indication information of a QoS flow whose QoS requirements are not satisfied in the first session to the second network element, and the indication information of the QoS flow includes the identifier of the QoS flow and / or QoS parameters.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, the first access network device receives second indication information and the identifier of the second access network device from the second network element, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device and the second access network device; further, the first access network device sends a second message to the terminal device, and the second message is used to indicate that the terminal device establishes the first session through the second access network device, and the second message includes the identifier of the second access network device and the identifier of the first session.

[0032] In a possible implementation manner, the first access network device determines that the QoS parameters of the first session are satisfied; the first access network device sends sixth indication information to the second network element, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate that the QoS parameters of the first session are satisfied, and the sixth indication information is used to trigger the release of the connection between the second access network device and the terminal device.

[0033] Sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a scenario where a terminal device accesses a network through a first access network device. The method includes: a second network element obtains fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices or to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to transmit data of a first session through two access network devices, and the second network element is responsible for managing the first session of the terminal device; the second network element sends fifth indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information, where the fifth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to send the identifier of the second access network device to the second network element when the quality of service (QoS) parameters of the protocol data unit of the first session are not satisfied; the second network element receives the identifier of the second access network device from the first access network device.

[0034] By implementing the method described in the sixth aspect, when the second network element learns that the terminal device can access the network through two access network devices or the terminal device can transmit data of the first session through two access network devices, the second network element instructs the first access network device to determine the second access network device when the QoS parameters of the first session are not satisfied, which is beneficial to strengthening the collaborative work between the first access network device and the second access network device, that is, the first access network device and the second access network device can perform collaborative configuration or collaborative scheduling on the terminal device, thereby being beneficial to improving the transmission performance of the terminal device.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, the second network element receives a create session management context message or a session establishment request message from the first access network device, and the create session management context message or the session establishment request message includes the capability information that the terminal device supports accessing the network through two access network devices; further, the second network element sends the fifth indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information and the capability information.

[0036] In a possible implementation manner, the second network element sends second indication information and the identifier of the second access network device to the first access network device based on the identifier of the second access network device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to access the network through the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0037] In a possible implementation manner, the second network element sends second indication information, the identifier of the first session, and the identifier of the second access network device to the terminal device based on the identifier of the second access network device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to access the network through the first access network device and the second access network device simultaneously.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the second network element receives indication information of QoS flows in the first session that do not meet the QoS requirements from the first access network device, where the indication information of the QoS flows includes the identifiers and / or QoS parameters of the QoS flows; the second network element generates an access traffic control, handover, and splitting (ATSSS) transmission rule corresponding to the first session based on the indication information of the QoS flows; and the second network element sends the ATSSS transmission rule to the terminal device.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the second network element receives sixth indication information from the first access network device, where the sixth indication information is used to indicate that the QoS parameters of the first session are met, and the sixth indication information is used to trigger the release of the connection between the second access network device and the terminal device.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device. For example, the communication device can be a first access network device or a module applied to the first access network device, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system. It can also be a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first access network device. Again, the communication device can be a terminal device or a module applied to the terminal device, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system. It can also be a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Further, the communication device can be a first network element or a module applied to the first network element, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system. It can also be a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network element. Additionally, the communication device can be a second network element or a module applied to the second network element, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system. It can also be a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network element. The communication device includes a module / unit for executing any method in the first aspect to the sixth aspect and their possible implementations.

[0041] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, including a processor, where the processor is coupled to a memory, and the memory is used to store programs or instructions. When the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the device is caused to execute the method described in any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect above.

[0042] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip, which includes a processor and an interface, and the processor is coupled to the interface; the interface is used to receive or output signals, and the processor is used to execute code instructions so that the chip executes the method described in any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect above.

[0043] Tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-executable instructions are stored. When the computer-executable instructions are called, any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect described above is executed.

[0044] Eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code. When the computer program code is run, any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect described above is executed.

[0045] Twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes one or more of a first access network device for executing the method described in the first aspect above, a terminal device for executing the second aspect, a first network element for executing the third aspect, or a second network element for executing the fourth aspect; alternatively, the communication system includes a first access network device for executing the fifth aspect and a second network element for executing the sixth aspect described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided by the present application;

[0047] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a CN 200 provided by the present application;

[0048] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of an architecture supporting the ATSSS feature provided by the present application;

[0049] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a dual steer architecture based on the ATSSS architecture provided by the present application;

[0050] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a dual steer architecture provided by the present application;

[0051] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a process for establishing a MAPDU session provided by the present application;

[0052] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a process of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0053] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a process for a first access network device to determine a second access network device provided by the present application;

[0054] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of a process of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0055] Figure 10Schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by this application;

[0056] Figure 11 Schematic flowchart of yet another communication method provided by this application;

[0057] Figure 12 Schematic flowchart of yet another communication method provided by this application;

[0058] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1300 provided by this application;

[0059] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device 1400 provided by this application. Detailed implementation manners

[0060] The following further describes in detail specific embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Terms such as "first" and "second" in the description, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0062] Referring to "embodiments" herein means that specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments can be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The phrase appears in various places in the specification and does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0063] In this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "a plurality" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two, three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the relationship of associated objects and indicates that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. "At least one (of the following)" or its similar expression means any combination of these items, including any combination of single item(s) or plural item(s). For example, at least one (of) a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0064] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the system architecture related to the embodiments of this application will be introduced first as follows:

[0065] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, 5th generation (5G) system or New Radio (NR) and communication systems evolved after 5G such as 6th generation mobile communication (6G) system, etc.

[0066] Next, take Figure 1 The system architecture shown for exemplary explanation. AsFigure 1 As shown, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one access network device (such as Figure 1 110a and 110b in Figure 1 , collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as Figure 1 120a - 120j in

[0067] , collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, for example, wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices ( Figure 1 not shown in

[0067] ) etc. The terminal device 120 is connected to the access network device 110 wirelessly. The access network device 110 is connected to the CN 200 wirelessly or by wire. The core network devices (or network functions) in the CN 200 and the access network devices 110 in the RAN 100 may be different physical devices respectively, or may be the same physical device integrating the core network logical function and the radio access network logical function. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may further include a data network (DN) 300. Multiple application servers corresponding to various services may be deployed in the DN 300 to provide various possible services for the terminal devices. The terminal device, RAN, and CN involved in the system architecture will be described in detail below.

[0068] I. Terminal Device

[0069] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver functions, which can be used to provide users with voice or data connectivity, send signals to a base station, or receive signals from a base station. A terminal device can also be referred to as a UE, mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal devices can be widely applied in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), internet of things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, remote healthcare, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart city, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablet computers, computers with wireless transceiver functions, intelligent point of sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), wearable devices (such as smart watches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), vehicles, flying devices (such as smart robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), ships (such as steamships), robots, robotic arms, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, TVs, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.). Terminal devices can also be vehicle devices, such as a whole vehicle device, in-vehicle module, in-vehicle chip, on board unit (OBU), or telematics box (T-BOX). Terminal devices can also be road side units (RSUs), or chips, etc. Embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the terminal device.

[0070] II. RAN

[0071] RAN 100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, and a radio access system evolved after NR defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN100 can also include two or more different radio access systems as described above. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), etc. RAN 100 can also be a communication system integrating two or more of the above systems.

[0072] The RAN may include one or more RAN nodes, also referred to as access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes. The multiple access network devices 110 in the communication system 1000 may be of the same type of node or different types of nodes. In some scenarios, the roles of the access network device 110 and the terminal device 120 are relative. For example, Figure 1 the network element 120i may be a helicopter or a drone, which may be configured as a mobile access network device. For the terminal devices 120j accessing the RAN 100 through the network element 120i, the network element 120i is an access network device; but for the access network device 110a, the network element 120i is a terminal device. The access network device 110 and the terminal device 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, Figure 1 the network elements 110a and 110b in the figure can be understood as communication devices with the function of an access network device, and the network elements 120a - 120j can be understood as communication devices with the function of a terminal.

[0073] In a possible scenario, the access network device may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a next generation base station in a mobile communication system evolved after 5G such as 6G, a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, an access network device in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, that is, it can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or a satellite, etc. The access network device may be a macro base station (such as Figure 1 110a in the figure), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as Figure 1 110b in the figure), a relay node or a donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. The access network device may also be a device that serves as a base station function in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, or machine communication. Optionally, the access network device may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or an in-vehicle device, etc. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology may be a road side unit (RSU).

[0074] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices cooperate to assist a terminal in achieving wireless access, and different access network devices respectively implement some functions of a base station. For example, the access network device can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU can be set separately, or can also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as included in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). It can be understood that the access network device can be a CU node, or a DU node, or a device including a CU node and a DU node. In addition, the CU can be classified as an access network device in the radio access network (RAN), or the CU can be classified as an access network device in the core network (CN), which is not limited here.

[0075] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU can also be called an O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be called an O-DU, the CU-CP can also be called an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be called an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be called an O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU are used as examples in this application. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0076] In the embodiments of this application, the form of the access network device is not limited. The device for implementing the functions of the access network device can be the access network device; it can also be a device capable of supporting the access network device to implement this function, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the access network device or used in matching with the access network device.

[0077] III. CN

[0078] CN 200 may include one or more CN devices, also referred to as network element devices, network elements, or network functions (NFs). Hereinafter, CN devices will be collectively referred to as network functions (such as the user plane network function and session management network function hereinafter).

[0079] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 which is a schematic structural diagram of a CN 200 provided by this application. In Figure 2 the shown CN 200 includes multiple network functions: network slice selection function (NSSF), network exposure function (NEF), network function repository function (NRF), policy control function (PCF), unified data management (UDM), application function (AF), network control function (NCF), authentication server function (AUSF), access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF). It can be understood that Figure 2 the CN 200 in Figure 2 may also include other network functions (

[0080] not shown in

[0080] ), for example, network slice specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF), Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF), service communication proxy (SCP), etc. Among them:

[0080] The AMF is mainly responsible for the signaling processing part, such as functions like access control, mobility management, attachment and detachment, and gateway selection. When the AMF provides services for a session in a terminal device, it will provide control plane storage resources for the session to store session identifiers, SMF network element identifiers associated with the session identifiers, etc.

[0081] The SMF is responsible for user plane network element selection, user plane network element redirection, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, establishment, modification, and release of bearers, and Quality of Service (QoS) control.

[0082] The UPF is responsible for the forwarding and reception of user data in a terminal device. It can receive user data from a data network and transmit it to the terminal device through an access network device; the UPF can also receive user data from the terminal device through the access network device and forward it to the data network. The transmission resources and scheduling functions provided for the terminal device in the UPF are managed and controlled by the SMF.

[0083] The NEF mainly supports the interaction between the 3GPP network and third-party application security.

[0084] The AF mainly supports interacting with the 3GPP core network to provide services, such as influencing data routing decisions, policy control functions, or providing some third-party services to the network side.

[0085] The PCF is mainly used for managing user subscription data, policy control, charging policy control, QoS control, etc., and is mainly used to provide policies for PDU sessions to the SMF. Among them, the policies can include charging-related policies, QoS-related policies, and authorization-related policies, etc.

[0086] The NSSF is mainly responsible for network slice selection, and determines the network slice instances that the UE is allowed to access according to the slice selection assistance information, subscription information, etc. of the UE.

[0087] The UDM is mainly used for managing user subscription data and authentication data, as well as performing authentication credit processing, user identification processing, access authorization, registration / mobility management, subscription management, and short message management, etc. In some embodiments, the UDM may also include a Unified Data Repository (UDR). Among them, the UDR is used for storing and retrieving for PCF policies, storing and retrieving open structured data, and storing user information for application function requests, etc.

[0088] The AUSF supports access authentication for 3GPP and non-3GPP.

[0089] The NRF supports the registration and discovery of network functions.

[0090] It should be noted that in the 5G communication system, for the network functions mentioned in this application, each network function can be Figure 2 the name of each network function shown in Figure 2 In a communication system evolved after 5G (such as a 6G communication system), each network function can still be

[0091] the name of each network function shown in Figure 2 or can also have other names. For example, in the 5G communication system, the session management function can be SMF. In a communication system evolved after 5G (such as a 6G communication system), the session management function can still be SMF, or can also have other names, which is not limited in this application. Figure 2 Figure 2 Figure 2 It should also be noted that in the 5G communication system, the functions implemented by each network function can be as

[0092] Figure 2 shown to be independent. In a communication system evolved after 5G (such as a 6G communication system), each network function can still be in the independent state as

[0093] shown, or can also be the functions of multiple network functions implemented by an integrated network function. For example, in the 5G communication system, the functions related to the user plane are implemented by UPF, and the functions related to access and mobility management are implemented by AMF. In a communication system evolved after 5G (such as a 6G communication system), the functions related to the user plane can still be implemented by UPF, and the functions related to access and mobility management can still be implemented by AMF, or can also be that an integrated network function simultaneously implements the functions related to the user plane and the functions related to access and mobility management, which is not limited in this application.

[0094] 1. Access Traffic Steering, Switching, Splitting (ATSSS)

[0095] Please refer to Figure 3 shown as Figure 3This is an architecture diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application that supports the ATSSS feature. In this architecture diagram, both the terminal device and the UPF support the ATSSS feature, that is, the terminal device and the UPF can transmit the service flow data to be sent through both 3GPP access technology and non-3GPP access technology simultaneously to improve the transmission efficiency. It should be noted that the non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) and the trusted non-3GPP gateway function (TNGF) both belong to non-3GPP access, and the RAN belongs to 3GPP access.

[0096] Specifically, the terminal device establishes a multi-access (MA) protocol data unit (PDU) session, that is, a PDU session can be established on 3GPP access and non-3GPP access. The terminal device and the UPF use different traffic splitting modes to split and transmit or select paths for data streams / QoS streams on 3GPP access and non-3GPP access according to the policy information (or understood as transmission rules) sent by the SMF.

[0097] 2. Dual 3GPP access

[0098] Please refer to Figure 4 as shown Figure 4 This is a dual-steer architecture based on the ATSSS architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 4 it, the terminal device can access the network through two 3GPP Accesses and transmit the service flow data of an MA PDU session through the two 3GPP Accesses (that is, replace the Non-3GPP Access in the Figure 3 shown architecture with 3GPP Access). It should be understood that if a PDU session is established on two RANs, this PDU session is called a MAPDU session, and the data transmission paths of this session include two: ①. The path from the terminal device to the first access network device (i.e., the 3GPP Access RAN1 in Figure 4 ) to the UPF session anchor (PDU session anchor, PSA); ②. The path from the terminal device to the second access network device (i.e., the 3GPP Access RAN2 in Figure 4 ) to the UPF PSA. That is to say, the data splitting point of this MA PDU session is at the terminal device and the UPF PSA.

[0099] TakeFigure 4 Taking the RAN1 of the MAPDU session belonging to 5G NR and the RAN2 belonging to 6G NR as an example, the MAPDU session can be referred to as Figure 5 shown. In Figure 5 the session anchor point of the MAPDU session is the UPF PSA, and the UPF PSA can be located in the 5G core network (5G core network, 5GC) or the 6GC core network (6G core network, 6GC).

[0100] 3. Establishing a MA PDU session

[0101] The process of the terminal device establishing a MA PDU session through two access network devices (i.e., RAN1 and RAN2) is as Figure 6 shown. Among them:

[0102] S0: The terminal device receives a routing selection policy (UE route selection policy, URSP) from the PCF / UDM.

[0103] The terminal device registers to the network and receives the URSP from the PCF / UDM. The URSP includes indication information for indicating the service data flow (SDF) that allows dual 3GPP access (also known as dual 3GPP access), that is, the indication information is used to indicate the SDF allowed to be transmitted on two access network devices or the indication information is used to indicate which SDFs are allowed to be transmitted on two access network devices. For example, the URSP includes indication information #1, and the indication information #1 is used to indicate that the SDF #1 allows dual 3GPP access, that is, the indication information #1 is used to indicate that the SDF #1 can be transmitted on two access network devices. The service data flow SDF can be the identifier of the service or the address information for transmitting the service.

[0104] S1: The terminal device selects the first access network device (i.e., Figure 6 RAN1 shown in

[0105] The terminal device searches for cell information and obtains the cell identifier and signal strength of cell #1. Further, the terminal device determines whether the cell #1 meets the cell selection rule. For example, the cell selection rule includes that the signal strength of the selected cell is greater than or equal to the signal strength threshold. If the signal strength of cell #1 is greater than the signal strength threshold, the terminal device accesses the cell #1 (i.e., accesses the access network device RAN1 corresponding to the cell #1). It should be noted that the process of the terminal device selecting an access network device and accessing the access network device mentioned in this application can be referred to in the protocol 3GPP TS 38.300.

[0106] S2. The terminal device sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF.

[0107] After the terminal device accesses RAN1, the terminal device establishes a PDU session through RAN1. Specifically, the terminal device sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF through RAN1 and the AMF. The PDU session establishment request includes the identification information of the PDU session. It can be understood that at this time, the PDU session is only established on one access network device (i.e., RAN1). It should be noted that for the PDU session establishment process mentioned in this application, reference can be made to Protocol 3GPP TS23.502.

[0108] S3. The terminal device selects a second access network device (i.e., Figure 6 RAN2 shown in

[0109] The terminal device performs cell search to obtain the cell identification and signal strength of cell #2. Further, the terminal device determines whether cell #2 meets the cell selection rules. For example, if the signal strength of cell #2 is greater than the signal strength threshold indicated in the cell selection rules, the terminal device accesses cell #2 (i.e., accesses the access network device RAN2 corresponding to cell #2).

[0110] In a possible implementation, after the terminal device determines according to the URSP that SDF #1 corresponding to the PDU session is allowed to be transmitted on two RANs, the terminal device performs cell search to obtain the cell identification and signal strength of cell #2.

[0111] S4. The terminal device sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF.

[0112] After the terminal device accesses RAN2, the terminal device establishes a MA PDU session through RAN2. Specifically, the terminal device sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF through RAN2 and the AMF. The PDU session identification information in the PDU session establishment request is the same as the PDU session identification information included in the PDU session establishment request in S2, and the PDU session also includes MA PDU request (MAPDU Request) indication information. The MA PDU request indication information is used to request to establish the PDU session on two different access network devices (i.e., the data of the same PDU session can be transmitted through different access network devices). Further, the SMF determines that the PDU session is established on two different RANs according to the MA PDU request indication information.

[0113] After selecting two access network devices in this way, the terminal device will split its own capabilities (including air interface capabilities, transmission power, etc.) to obtain the sub-capabilities of the terminal device corresponding to each access network device, so that each access network device can perform configurations (such as air interface connection configurations, etc.) or transmission scheduling according to the corresponding sub-capabilities of the terminal device. There may be a situation where the terminal device splits its capabilities unreasonably, resulting in limited transmission performance.

[0114] In order to improve the transmission performance of the terminal device in the dual steer scenario. The present application provides several communication methods and devices, and further introduces the communication methods and communication devices provided by the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. It can be understood that in the present application, the terminal device, the access network device (including the first access network device and the second access network device), the first network element, and the second network element are used as examples of the execution subjects of this interaction schematic, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction schematic. For example, the terminal device in the method provided by the present application can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor applied to the terminal device, and can also be a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device; the access network device in the method provided by the present application can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor applied to the access network device, and can also be a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the access network device; the first network element in the method provided by the present application can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor applied to the first network element, and can also be a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network element; the first network element in the method provided by the present application can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor applied to the second network element, and can also be a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network element.

[0115] It should be noted that the first network element mentioned in the present application is responsible for the access management of the terminal device. The first network element can be called the AMF, or the access management network element, etc. The present application does not specifically limit the name of the first network element. The second network element mentioned in the present application is responsible for managing the first session of the terminal device. The second network element can be called the AMF, or the access management network element, etc. The present application does not specifically limit the name of the second network element.

[0116] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 which is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Among them:

[0117] S701. The first access network device receives first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices.

[0118] After the terminal device registers and accesses the network through the first access network device, the first access network device is the only access network device to which the terminal device is currently connected. The first access network device receives first indication information from a network element of the core network, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices.

[0119] Among them, the network element of the core network may be the first network element or the second network element. That is to say, the first indication information may come from the first network element or may also come from the second network element. For the sake of convenience of description, the first access network device receiving the first indication information from the first network element and the first access network device receiving the first indication information from the second network element will not be described in detail here. For specific descriptions, please refer to the following text Figures 9 to 12 in the specific description.

[0120] It should be noted that the process of the terminal device registering and accessing the network through the first access network device mentioned in this application can be found in the protocol 3GPP TS 23.502, and this application will not elaborate. Optionally, during the process of the terminal device registering and accessing the network, when the terminal device sends a registration request (Registration Request) to the first network element through the first access network device, the registration request includes the capability information of the terminal device supporting access to the network through two access network devices (for example, DualSteer capability); further, based on the capability information of the terminal device supporting access to the network through two access network devices, the network element (the first network element or the second network element) of the core network sends the first indication information to the first access network device.

[0121] It should also be noted that the indication information (including the first indication information to the sixth indication information) in this application is only for the convenience of describing the function corresponding to the indication information, and this application does not limit the specific name of the indication information. For example, the first indication information may also be called Dual Steer allowed indication, and the second indication information may also be called DualSteer indication, etc.

[0122] S702. The first access network device sends a first message to the terminal device based on the first indication information, and the first message includes the identifier of the second access network device.

[0123] After the first access network device knows, based on the first indication information, that the terminal device is allowed (or understood as authorized) to access the network through two access network devices, the first access network device indicates, through a first message, the identifier of another access network device (denoted as the second access network device in this application) to which the terminal device can access. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives, through the first message, the identifier of the second access network device from the first access network device. The first message is used to instruct the terminal device to access the second access network device. In addition to including the identifier of the second access network device, the first message may further include the radio resource control of the second access network device (the radio resource control of the second access network device is used for the terminal device to access the second access network device), etc.

[0124] Regarding the first message, in a possible implementation manner, the first message may further include second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to access the network through the first access network device and the second access network device simultaneously. In this case, the terminal device maintains access to the network through the first access network device and accesses the second access network device according to the identifier of the second access network device (i.e., performs S703).

[0125] Alternatively, in another possible implementation manner, the first message may further include the second indication information and the identifier of the first session. In this case, the terminal device receives both the second indication information and the identifier of the first session. Further, the terminal device maintains access to the network through the first access network device and accesses the second access network device according to the identifier of the second access network device (i.e., performs S703), and the terminal device transmits the data of the first session through the first access network device and the second access network device (or understood as the terminal device establishes the first session through the first access network device and the second access network device).

[0126] It should be noted that the first session mentioned in this application may be a PDU session or other sessions, and this application does not limit this. The messages mentioned in this application (such as the first message or the second message) may be radio resource control (RRC) messages or other messages, and this application does not limit this. The identifier of the access network device mentioned in this application (such as the identifier of the second access network device) may be a physical cell identifier (PCI) or other identifiers, and this application also does not limit this.

[0127] In a possible implementation manner of S702, the first access network device determines the identifier of the second access network device based on the first indication information and sends a first message for indicating the identifier of the second access network device to the terminal device.

[0128] Exemplarily, the process is asFigure 8 As shown in Figure 8 After the first access network device receives the first indication information, the first access network device sends measurement configuration information to the terminal device. The measurement configuration information instructs the terminal device to perform cell measurements on those frequency points. The terminal device performs cell measurements according to the measurement configuration information and sends a measurement report to the first access network device. The measurement report includes at least one measured PCI and the measurement results (MeasResults) corresponding to each PCI. The measurement results include the reference signal received power (RSRP) and / or the received signal strength indicator (RSSI). Further, the first access network device determines PCI#1 from at least one PCI included in the measurement report (the access network device corresponding to this PCI#1 can be understood as the second access network device mentioned in this application), and the measurement results corresponding to this PCI#1 are higher than the preconfigured threshold. The first access network device sends a secondary station addition request (also known as SqNB addition request) to the second access network device corresponding to this PCI#1. The secondary station addition request is used to request that the terminal device access the second access network device. The second access network device sends a secondary station addition request confirmation (also known as SqNB addition request ACK) message to the first access network device. The secondary station addition request confirmation message includes the radio resource configuration (radio resource config) information of the second access network device. Further, the first access network device sends a first message to the terminal device. The first message includes the PCI#1 corresponding to the second access network device and the radio resource configuration information of the second access network device.

[0129] In a possible implementation manner, the first access network device sends the first message to the terminal device based on the request of the terminal device. That is to say, before the first access network device sends the first message to the terminal device (or it can be understood that the terminal device receives the first message from the first access network device), the terminal device can also send a first request information to the first access network device. The first request information is used to request to access the network through two access network devices. Further, the first access network device sends the first message to the terminal device based on the first request information.

[0130] Exemplarily, when the terminal device has the ability to support accessing the network through two access network devices, the terminal device may actively send first request information to the first access network device; or, when the terminal device has a need to transmit data of a first session through two access network devices (for example, the terminal device determines according to URSP that there is a need to transmit data of the first session through two access network devices), the terminal device sends the first request information to the first access network device; or, when the terminal device receives first indication information from a network element of the core network through the first access network device, the terminal device sends the first request information to the first access network device.

[0131] It should be noted that the present application does not specifically limit the name of the first request information. For example, the first request information may be referred to as a dual steer request. For example, the first request information may be carried in an RRC message, or the first request information is a message. It should also be noted that the present application does not limit the execution order between the step of the terminal device sending the first request information and S701. That is, the terminal device may first send the first request information to the first access network device, and then the first access network device executes S701. It may also be that after the first access network device executes S701, the terminal device sends the first request information to the first access network device, and then the first access network device executes S702.

[0132] S703. The terminal device accesses the second access network device based on the first message.

[0133] That is to say, the terminal device accesses the second access network device based on the information of the second access network device in the first message (including the identifier of the second access network device and / or the radio resource configuration information of the second access network device, etc.).

[0134] In a possible implementation manner, when the first message includes the information of the second access network device and second indication information, the terminal device accesses the second access network device according to the second indication information and the information of the second access network device. Optionally, after the terminal device accesses the second access network device, the terminal device may determine according to URSP that the data of the first session of the terminal device can be transmitted through two access network devices; further, the terminal device establishes a first session on the first access network device and the second access network device, and transmits the data of the first session through the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0135] In another possible implementation, when the first message includes information of a second access network device, second indication information, and an identifier of a first session, the terminal device accesses the second access network device according to the second indication information and the information of the second access network device, establishes the first session on the second access network device and the first access network device, and transmits data of the first session through the first access network device and the second access network device. That is to say, after the terminal device establishes the first session through the first access network device (specifically, refer to the description of step S2 in Figure 6 ), the terminal device receives the information of the second access network device, the second indication information, and the identifier of the first session from the first access network device. Further, the terminal device accesses the second access network device according to the second indication information and the information of the second access network device, and establishes the first session through the second access network device (specifically, refer to the description of step S4 in Figure 6 ).

[0136] After the terminal device accesses the second access network device, the first access network device can be used as the master node (MN) of the terminal device, and the second access network device can be used as the secondary node (SN) of the terminal device. The first access network device coordinates the configuration cooperation on both sides (that is, the configurations for the terminal device to access the first access network device and the second access network device need to be coordinated, which is also referred to as cooperative configuration in this application). It should be noted that the content of the cooperative configuration between the first access network device and the second access network device includes but is not limited to: sharing of the radio access capabilities of the terminal device (that is, each access network device utilizes part of the radio access capabilities of the terminal device), and / or sharing of the uplink transmission power of the terminal device (that is, each access network device utilizes part of the uplink transmission power of the terminal device), etc.

[0137] By implementing the Figure 7 described method, in a scenario where the terminal device accesses the network through one access network device (i.e., the first access network device mentioned in this application), if the terminal device can access the network through two access network devices, the first access network device selects the second access network device that the terminal device can access (i.e., the second access network device in this application) for the terminal device. Compared with the method where the terminal device determines the second access network device, it is beneficial to strengthen the cooperative work between the first access network device and the second access network device, that is, the first access network device and the second access network device can perform cooperative configuration or cooperative scheduling on the terminal device, thereby being beneficial to improving the transmission performance of the terminal device.

[0138] For the convenience of understanding Figure 7 the described method, the following further details the case where the first indication information in S701 comes from the first network element and the case where the first indication information comes from the second network element. Specifically, in Figure 9 andFigure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the first indication information comes from the first network element; in Figure 11 the illustrated embodiment, the first indication information comes from the second network element.

[0139] Please refer to Figure 9 as shown, in Figure 9 the provided communication method, steps S900 to S906 are included, where:

[0140] S900 (optional), the terminal device registers with the network through the first access network device.

[0141] Among them, the process of the terminal device registering with the network through the first access network device mentioned in this application can be referred to in the protocol TS23.502.

[0142] Optionally, during the process of the terminal device registering with the network, when the terminal device sends a registration request to the first network element through the first access network device, the registration request includes the capability information of the terminal device to support accessing the network through two access network devices. Further, the first network element stores the capability information in the context of the terminal.

[0143] S901, the first network element obtains third indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices.

[0144] The first network element obtains the subscription / policy information of the terminal device from the PCF / UDM. The subscription / policy information includes the third indication information and the URSP. The third indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed (or understood as authorized) to access the network through two access network devices. The URSP is used to indicate the indication information (such as the identifier of the SDF) of the SDF allowed for dual 3GPP access or to indicate which SDFs are allowed to be transmitted on two access network devices. It should be noted that the third execution information and the URSP can come from the same network element or different network elements. For example, the first network element obtains the URSP of the terminal device from the PCF and obtains the third indication information from the UDM.

[0145] Optionally, after the first network element obtains the capability information of the terminal device to support accessing the network through two access network devices, the first network element sends the capability information to the PCF / UDM. Further, the PCF / UDM sends the third indication information and the URSP to the first network element based on the capability information.

[0146] It should be noted that S900 is not a necessary step for S901 to execute. In one possibility, S901 can be triggered by S900. For example, during the execution of S900, the terminal device sends a registration request to the first network element through the first access network device. The registration request includes the capability information indicating that the terminal device can access the network through two access network devices. Further, the first network element obtains the third indication information through S901. In another possibility, S901 can be triggered by other events other than S900. For example, the terminal device sends a session establishment request to the first network element through the first access network device. The session establishment request includes the identifier of the first session and the capability information that the terminal device supports accessing the network through two access network devices. Further, the first network element obtains the third indication information through S901.

[0147] S902. The first network element sends the first indication information to the first access network device according to the third indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices.

[0148] It can be understood that the first network element controls whether the terminal device can access the network through two access network devices according to the third indication information. After the first network element obtains the third indication information, the first network element sends the first indication information to the first access network device to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices. Or it can be understood that the first access network device will only allow the terminal device to access the network through two access network devices after receiving the first indication information from the first network element.

[0149] Optionally, when the first network element fails to obtain the third indication information, or when the first network element determines according to the subscription / policy information that the terminal device cannot access the network through two access network devices, the first access network device does not allow the terminal device to access the network through two access network devices.

[0150] In a possible implementation manner, when the registration request in S900 includes the capability information that the terminal device supports accessing the network through two access network devices, the first network element sends the first indication information to the first access network device according to the third indication information and the capability information. It can be understood that only when the first network element obtains the third indication information and also knows that the terminal device has the capability information to support accessing the network through two access network devices, the first network element sends the first indication information to the first access network device.

[0151] In a possible implementation manner, the third indication information is the same as the first indication information, that is, S901 is replaced by the first network element obtaining the first indication information. Or, it can also be understood that the first network element obtains the third indication information from the PCF / UDM and sends the third indication information to the first access network device.

[0152] S903 (Optional), the first network element sends a URSP to the terminal device via the first access network device.

[0153] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the URSP from the first network element via the first access network device. That is, the first network element sends the URSP to the first access network device, and the first access network device forwards the URSP to the terminal device.

[0154] Optionally, the first network element may also send first indication information to the terminal device via the first access network device, and the terminal device knows through the first indication information that it is allowed to access the network through two access network devices. The first indication information may be sent in the same message as the URSP or in different messages from the URSP respectively, and the present application does not make specific limitations.

[0155] S904. Based on the first indication information, the first access network device sends a first message to the terminal device, and the first message includes the identifier of the second access network device.

[0156] After the terminal device establishes a first session through the first access network device and the first access network device knows through the first indication information that the terminal device is allowed (or understood as authorized) to access the network through two access network devices, the first access network device indicates to the terminal device the identifier of another access network device (denoted as the second access network device in the present application) that the terminal device can access through the first message. The first message is used to instruct the terminal device to access the second access network device. In addition to including the identifier of the second access network device, the first message may also include radio resource control of the second access network device, etc.

[0157] Optionally, the first message may further include second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to access the network through the first access network device and the second access network device simultaneously.

[0158] In a possible implementation manner, after the first access network device receives the first indication information, the first access network device determines the identifier of the second access network device based on the first indication information and sends a first message for indicating the identifier of the second access network device to the terminal device. For example, reference may be made to the specific description in S702 above. Figure 8 of

[0159] S905. The terminal device accesses the second access network device based on the first message.

[0160] The terminal device accesses the second access network device based on the information of the second access network device (including the identifier of the second access network device and / or radio resource configuration information of the second access network device, etc.) in the first message.

[0161] S906 (Optional): The terminal device sends a session establishment request to the second network element through the second access network device. The session establishment request includes the identifier of the first session and MAPDU request indication information.

[0162] After the terminal device accesses the second access network device based on the first message, the terminal device can, according to the URSP in S903, determine, from the sessions established by the terminal device through the first access network device, a session that can be transmitted through the two access network devices (denoted as the first session). Further, the terminal device sends a session establishment request for establishing the first session to the second network element through the second access network device and the first network element. The session establishment request includes the identifier of the first session and MAPDU request indication information. The MAPDU request indication information is used to request to establish the first session on the two access network devices, or can be understood as used to indicate that the data of the first session can be transmitted through the two different access network devices (i.e., the first access network device and the second access network device mentioned in this application). Further, the second network element determines, according to the MAPDU request indication information, that the first session can be established on the two different access network devices, and sends a transmission rule for the data of the first session to the terminal device. After the terminal device establishes the first session through the first access network device and the second access network device, the terminal device sends the data of the first session through the first access network device and the second access network device based on the transmission rule.

[0163] It should be noted that the optional steps mentioned in this application are steps that can be executed or not executed. The same applies throughout the text. Without logical conflicts, some or all of the optional steps can be combined for execution. For example, in Figure 9 In the communication method shown, the terminal device obtains the URSP through S903. Further, the terminal device can determine the first session that can be transmitted through the two access network devices based on the URSP in S903, and then sends a session establishment request for establishing the first session to the second network element through S906.

[0164] Please refer to Figure 10 shown in Figure 10 The communication method provided includes steps S1000 to S1007, where:

[0165] S1000 (Optional): The terminal device registers to access the network through the first access network device.

[0166] S1001: The first network element obtains third indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through the two access network devices.

[0167] S1002. The first network element sends first indication information to the first access network device according to the third indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices.

[0168] S1003 (optional). The first network element sends a URSP to the terminal device through the first access network device.

[0169] For the specific implementation manners of S1000 to S1003, reference may be made to the description of the specific implementation manners of S900 to S903 in Figure 9 which will not be elaborated herein.

[0170] S1004. The terminal device sends first request information to the first access network device, where the first request information is used to request access to the network through two access network devices.

[0171] After the terminal device establishes a first session through the first access network device, the terminal device determines that the first session can access the network through two access network devices (for example, the terminal device determines that the first session can access the network through two access network devices according to the URSP in S1003). Further, the terminal device sends the first request information to the first access network device.

[0172] Exemplarily, when the terminal device has the ability to support access to the network through two access network devices, the terminal device may send the first request information to the first access network device; or, when the terminal device has a need to transmit data of a certain session (such as the first session) through two access network devices, the terminal device may send the first request information to the first access network device; or, when the terminal device receives first indication information from a network element of the core network through the first access network device, the terminal device may send the first request information to the first access network device.

[0173] S1005. Based on the first indication information, the first access network device sends a first message to the terminal device, where the first message includes the identifier of the second access network device.

[0174] The first access network device sends a first message including the identifier of the second access network device to the terminal device according to the first request message and the first indication information.

[0175] S1006. The terminal device accesses the second access network device based on the first message.

[0176] S1007 (optional). The terminal device sends a session establishment request to the second network element through the second access network device, including the identifier of the first session and MAPDU request indication information.

[0177] Among them, for the specific implementation manners of S1005 to S1007, reference can be made to the description of the specific implementation manners of S904 to S906 in Figure 9 and will not be elaborated herein.

[0178] Please refer to Figure 11 as shown. In Figure 11 the provided communication method, steps S1100 to S1108 are included, where:

[0179] S1100 (optional), the terminal device registers and accesses the network through the first access network device.

[0180] Among them, for the specific implementation manner of S1101, reference can be made to the description of the specific implementation manner of the foregoing S901 and will not be elaborated herein.

[0181] S1101 (optional), the second network element receives a create session management context message or a session establishment request message.

[0182] It can be understood that when the terminal device needs to establish a first session, the terminal device initiates a session establishment process to the second network element through the first access network device. Specifically, in one possible implementation manner, the terminal device may send a session establishment request message to the second network element through the first access network device. In another possible implementation manner, the terminal device may send a session establishment request message to the first network element through the first access network device; after receiving the session establishment request message, the first network element sends a create session management context message to the second network element; among them, the create session management context message may include the session establishment request message.

[0183] Optionally, the create session management context message or the session establishment request message includes the capability information of the terminal device to support accessing the network through two access network devices.

[0184] S1102, the second network element obtains fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices, or the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to transmit data of the first session through two access network devices.

[0185] After the second network element receives the create session management context message or the session establishment request message, the second network element obtains the fourth indication information from the PCF / UDM.

[0186] It should be noted that the second network element mentioned in this application obtains the fourth indication information from the PCF / UDM. It can be that the second network element obtains the subscription / policy information of the terminal device from the PCF / UDM and determines the fourth indication information based on the subscription / policy information. Alternatively, the second network element obtains the capability information of the terminal device supporting access through two access network devices, and the second network element sends this capability information to the PCF / UDM. The PCF / UDM determines the fourth indication information based on the stored subscription / policy information of the terminal device and sends the fourth indication information to the second network element.

[0187] S1103. The second network element sends the identifier of the first session of the terminal device and the first indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices.

[0188] It can be understood that the second network element controls whether the terminal device can access the network through two access network devices according to the fourth indication information. After the second network element obtains the fourth indication information, the second network element sends the first indication information to the first access network device to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices. Or it can be understood that the first access network device will allow the terminal device to access the network through two access network devices only after receiving the first indication information from the second network element.

[0189] Optionally, when the second network element fails to obtain the fourth indication information, or when the second network element determines according to the subscription / policy information that the terminal device cannot access the network through two access network devices, the first access network device does not allow the terminal device to access the network through two access network devices.

[0190] In a possible implementation manner, if the create session management context message or the session establishment request message includes the capability information of the terminal device supporting access through two access network devices, in S1103, the second network element sends the identifier of the first session of the terminal device and the first indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information and the capability information.

[0191] In a possible implementation manner, the second network element may also send condition information to the first access network device. The condition information includes that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices when the QoS requirement of the first session is not met.

[0192] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth indication information is the same as the first indication information, that is, S1102 is replaced by the second network element obtaining the first indication information. Or it can also be understood that the second network element obtains the fourth indication information from the PCF / UDM and sends the fourth indication information to the first access network device.

[0193] S1104. The first access network device sends a first message to the terminal device based on the first indication information, where the first message includes the identifier of the second access network device.

[0194] For the specific implementation of S1104, reference may be made to the description of the specific implementation of the foregoing S904, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0195] It should be understood that when the first access network device also receives the condition information from the second network element, the first access network device sends the first message to the terminal device based on the first indication information and the condition information.

[0196] Optionally, the first message further includes the identifier of the first session. It can be understood that the first access network device instructs the terminal device to access the second access network device through the first message and establish the first session through the second access network device.

[0197] S1105. The terminal device accesses the second access network device based on the first message.

[0198] S1106. The terminal device sends a session establishment request to the second network element through the second access network device, where the session establishment request includes the identifier of the first session and the MAPDU request indication information.

[0199] For the specific implementation of S1106 - S1107, reference may be made to the description of the specific implementation of the foregoing S905 - S906, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0200] Optionally, when the first message received by the terminal device includes the identifier of the first session, the session establishment request sent by the terminal device includes the identifier of the first session.

[0201] S1107 (optional). The first access network device sends indication information of the QoS flow in the first session whose QoS requirements are not met to the second network element, where the indication information of the QoS flow includes the identifier and / or QoS parameters of the QoS flow.

[0202] When the QoS requirements of the first session are not met, the first access network device may also indicate to the second network element the indication information of the QoS flow in the first session whose QoS requirements are not met. Among them, the QoS parameters include rate, packet error rate, etc. It should be noted that the indication information of the QoS flow in the first session whose QoS requirements are not met can be carried in a QoS notification message or other messages, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0203] It should be noted that when S1107 to S1108 are executed, S1107 can be executed after S1103 and before any one of S1104, S1105 or S1106; S1108 is executed after the terminal device establishes a session through the second access network device (i.e., S1106).

[0204] S1108 (optional), the second network element generates an ATSSS transmission rule for the first session based on the indication information of the QoS flow.

[0205] After the second network element receives the session establishment request sent by the terminal device through the second access network device in S1107, the second network element knows that the first session is established on multiple access network devices. Further, the second network element generates an ATSSS transmission rule according to the QoS flow indication information in S1108. For example, when the QoS flow indication information indicates that the packet error rate (or transmission reliability) of the first session is not satisfied, the ATSSS transmission rule includes a redundant transmission indication; for another example, when the QoS flow indication information indicates that the transmission rate of the first session is not satisfied, the ATSSS transmission rule includes a split transmission indication. Optionally, the QoS flow indication information may be a QoS flow identifier (QoS flow ID, QFI). Further, the second network element sends the ATSSS transmission rule to the terminal device. Subsequently, the terminal device can send the data of the first session through the first access network device and the second access network device based on the ATSSS transmission rule.

[0206] Please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 which is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by this application. Wherein:

[0207] S1200 (optional), the terminal device registers and accesses the network through the first access network device.

[0208] S1201 (optional), the second network element receives a create session management context message or a session establishment request message.

[0209] S1202, the second network element obtains fourth indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices or to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to transmit the data of the first session through two access network devices.

[0210] Among them, for the specific implementation manners of S1200 to S1202, reference can be made to the description of the specific implementation manners of the foregoing S1100 to S1102, which will not be elaborated here.

[0211] S1203. The second network element sends fifth indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information. The fifth indication information is used to indicate that when the QoS parameters of the first session of the terminal device are not satisfied, the identity of the second access network device is sent to the second network element.

[0212] Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the fifth indication information from the second network element. That is to say, after the second network element obtains the fourth indication information, when the QoS parameters of the first session are not satisfied, the second network element sends, through the fifth indication information, to the first access network device the identity of another access network device that can be accessed by the terminal device and determined by the first access network device. The QoS parameters include, but are not limited to, one or more of transmission delay, rate, or packet loss rate.

[0213] In a possible implementation manner, when the second network element sends the fifth indication information, the second network element also sends the identity of the first session, the identity of the first QoS flow of the first session, and / or QoS parameter notification control to the first access network device. It can be understood that when the second network element sends the fifth indication information and the identity of the first session to the first access network device, if the QoS parameters of the first session are not satisfied, the first access network device sends the identity of the second access network device to the second network element; when the second network element sends the fifth indication information and the identity of the first QoS flow of the first session to the first access network device, if the QoS parameters of the first QoS flow of the first session are not satisfied, the first access network device sends the identity of the second access network device to the second network element; when the second network element sends the fifth indication information and QoS parameter notification control to the first access network device, if the QoS parameters of the first session are not satisfied, the first access network device sends a notification message to the second network element.

[0214] In a possible implementation manner, if the session management context message or session establishment request message in S1201 includes the capability information that the terminal device supports accessing the network through two access network devices, the second network element sends the fifth indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information and the capability information.

[0215] S1204. When the QoS parameters of the first session are not satisfied, the first access network device determines the identity of the second access network device based on the fifth indication information.

[0216] After the terminal device establishes a first session through a first access network device, and the first access network device knows through fourth indication information that the terminal device is allowed (or understood as authorized) to access the network through two access network devices, if the first access network device determines that the QoS parameters of the first session are not satisfied, the first access network device determines the identifier of another accessible access network device (denoted as the second access network device in this application) based on the fourth indication information. Among them, for the process in which the first access network device determines the identifier of the second access network device, reference can be made to the specific description of Figure 8 in the foregoing S702.

[0217] S1205. The first access network device sends the identifier of the second access network device to a second network element.

[0218] After the first access network device determines the identifier of the second access network device, it sends the identifier of the second access network device to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the identifier of the second access network device from the first access network device.

[0219] S1206. The terminal device receives the identifier of the second access network device.

[0220] Specifically, the terminal device can receive the identifier of the second access network device according to Figure 12 Branch 1 or Branch 2 in.

[0221] In Branch 1, the second network element sends second indication information and the identifier of the second access network device to the first access network device based on the identifier of the second access network device. The second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device and the second access network device. Further, the first access network device sends a second message to the terminal device. The second message is used to indicate that the terminal device establishes the first session through the second access network device. The second message includes the identifier of the second access network device and the identifier of the first session.

[0222] That is to say, in Branch 1, after the second network element receives the identifier of the second access network device, it determines that the terminal device can access the network through the first access network device and the second access network device at the same time. Further, the second network element sends second indication information and the identifier of the second access network device to the first access network device, and then the first access network device instructs the terminal device to establish the first session through the second access network device through the second message. The second message includes information of the second access network device (such as the identifier of the second access network device and / or the radio resource configuration of the second access network device, etc.) and the identifier of the first session. Optionally, the second message further includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device can access the network through two access network devices.

[0223] In branch two, the second network element sends second indication information, the identifier of the first session, and the identifier of the second access network device to the terminal device based on the identifier of the second access network device. The second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to access the network through both the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0224] That is to say, in branch two, after the second network element receives the identifier of the second access network device in S1205, the second network element instructs the terminal device to access the second access network device, establish the first session through the second access network device, and transmit the data of the first session through the first access network device and the second access network device. Optionally, the second network element also sends the radio resource configuration of the second access network device to the terminal device.

[0225] S1207. The terminal device accesses the second access network device.

[0226] S1208 (optional). The terminal device sends a session establishment request to the second network element through the second access network device. The session establishment request includes the identifier of the first session and MAPDU request indication information.

[0227] S1209 (optional). The first access network device sends indication information of the QoS flow whose QoS requirements in the first session are not met to the second network element. The indication information of the QoS flow includes the identifier and / or QoS parameters of the QoS flow.

[0228] S1210 (optional). The second network element generates an ATSSS transmission rule corresponding to the first session based on the indication information of the QoS flow.

[0229] Among them, for the specific implementation manners of S1207 to S1210, reference may be made to the description of the specific implementation manners of the foregoing S1105 to S1108, which will not be elaborated here.

[0230] In a possible implementation manner, after S1207, if the first access network device determines that the QoS requirements of the first session can be met, the first access network device triggers the terminal device to release the connection with the second access network device. Or, the first access network device sends sixth indication information to the second network element. The sixth indication information indicates that the QoS parameters of the first session are met, and the sixth indication information is used to trigger the release of the connection between the second access network device and the terminal device. Further, the second network element triggers the terminal device to release the connection with the second access network device according to the sixth indication information.

[0231] By implementing Figure 12In the described method, when the second network element learns that the terminal device can access the network through two access network devices or the terminal device can transmit data of the first session through two access network devices, the second network element instructs the first access network device to trigger the first access network device to determine the second access network device when the QoS parameters of the first session are not satisfied, which is beneficial to strengthening the collaborative work between the first access network device and the second access network device, that is, the first access network device and the second access network device can perform collaborative configuration or collaborative scheduling on the terminal device, thereby being beneficial to improving the transmission performance of the terminal device.

[0232] This application provides a communication device, which can be used to implement the functions of the above terminal device, access network device (the first access network device or the second access network device), first network element or second network element. The communication device can be a terminal device, an access network device, a first network element or a second network element. The communication device includes modules or units corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions executed by the terminal device, access network device, first network element or second network element in the above method embodiments. The unit can be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software. Please refer to Figure 13 , Figure 13 FIG. shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1300 may include an interface unit 1301 and a processing unit 1302. Specifically, the processing unit 1302 is configured to process signaling and / or data, and the signaling and / or data may be data received by the interface unit 1301, and the processed signaling and / or data may also be sent by the interface unit 1301.

[0233] In one embodiment, when the communication device 1300 is the first access network device, the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device, where: the interface unit 1301 is configured to receive first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices; the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send a first message to the terminal device based on the first indication information, and the first message includes an identifier of the second access network device.

[0234] In a possible embodiment, the processing unit 1302 is configured to determine an identifier of the second access network device based on the first indication information.

[0235] In a possible embodiment, the first indication information comes from the first network element, and the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device.

[0236] In a possible embodiment, the first message further includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device and the second access network device at the same time.

[0237] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to receive first request information from a terminal device, where the first request information is used to request access to the network through two access network devices.

[0238] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to receive an identifier of a first session of a terminal device from a second network element; the second network element is responsible for managing the first session of the terminal device; the first message further includes the identifier of the first session and second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through a first access network device and a second access network device simultaneously.

[0239] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to receive condition information from a second network element, where the condition information includes that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices when the quality of service (QoS) requirements of the first session are not met; the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send a first message to the terminal device based on the first indication information and the condition information.

[0240] In an implementation manner, when the communication device 1300 is a terminal device, the terminal device accesses the network through a first access network device, where:

[0241] The interface unit 1301 is configured to receive a first message from the first access network device, where the first message includes an identifier of a second access network device and second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device and the second access network device simultaneously; the processing unit 1302 is configured to access the second access network device based on the first message.

[0242] In a possible embodiment, the first message further includes an identifier of a first session, and the terminal device transmits data of the first session through the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0243] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send a registration request to a first network element through the first access network device, where the registration request includes capability information of the terminal device supporting access to the network through two access network devices, and the first network element is responsible for access management of the terminal device.

[0244] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send a session establishment request to a first network element through the first access network device, where the session establishment request includes the identifier of the first session and the capability information of the terminal device supporting access to the network through two access network devices, and the first network element is responsible for access management of the terminal device.

[0245] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send first request information to the first access network device, where the first request information is used to request access to the network through two access network devices.

[0246] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to receive first indication information, where the first indication information indicates that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices; or, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to determine a need to transmit session data through two access network devices.

[0247] In an implementation manner, when the communication device 1300 is a first network element, the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device, where: the interface unit 1301 is configured to obtain third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices; the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device; the processing unit 1302 is configured to send first indication information to the first access network device according to the third indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices.

[0248] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send first indication information to the terminal device according to the third indication information.

[0249] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to receive a registration request from the terminal device, where the registration request includes capability information of the terminal device supporting access to the network through two access network devices; the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send first indication information to the first access network device according to the third indication information and the capability information.

[0250] In an implementation manner, when the communication device 1300 is a second network element, the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device, where:

[0251] The interface unit 1301 is configured to receive a create session management context message or a session establishment request message; the second network element is responsible for managing the first session of the terminal device, and the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device; the interface unit 1301 is further configured to obtain fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices or indicate that the terminal device is allowed to transmit data of the first session through two access network devices; the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send an identifier of the first session of the terminal device and first indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices.

[0252] In a possible embodiment, the create session management context message or the session establishment request message includes the capability information of the terminal device to support accessing the network through two access network devices; the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send the identifier of the first session of the terminal device and the first indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information and the capability information.

[0253] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to receive the indication information of the QoS flow in the first session that does not meet the QoS requirements from the first access network device, where the indication information of the QoS flow includes the identifier and / or QoS parameters of the QoS flow; the processing unit 1302 is further configured to generate the access traffic control, handover, and splitting ATSSS transmission rules corresponding to the first session based on the indication information of the QoS flow; the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send the ATSSS transmission rules to the terminal device.

[0254] In an implementation manner, when the communication device 1300 is the first access network device, the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device, where: the interface unit 1301 is configured to receive the fifth indication information from the second network element, and the fifth indication information is used to indicate that when the QoS parameters of the first session of the terminal device are not met, send the identifier of the second access network device to the second network element; the second network element is responsible for managing the first session of the terminal device; the processing unit 1302 is configured to determine the identifier of the second access network device based on the fourth indication information when the QoS parameters of the first session are not met; the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send the identifier of the second access network device to the second network element.

[0255] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send the indication information of the QoS flow in the first session that does not meet the QoS requirements to the second network element, where the indication information of the QoS flow includes the identifier and / or QoS parameters of the QoS flow.

[0256] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to receive the second indication information and the identifier of the second access network device from the second network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device and the second access network device; send a second message to the terminal device, where the second message is used to indicate that the terminal device establishes the first session through the second access network device, and the second message includes the identifier of the second access network device and the identifier of the first session.

[0257] In a possible embodiment, the processing unit 1302 is further configured to determine that the QoS parameters of the first session are satisfied; the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send sixth indication information to the second network element, where the sixth indication information is used to indicate that the QoS parameters of the first session are satisfied, and the sixth indication information is used to trigger the release of the connection between the second access network device and the terminal device.

[0258] In an implementation manner, when the communication device 1300 is the second network element, the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device, where:

[0259] The interface unit 1301 is configured to obtain fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices or indicate that the terminal device is allowed to transmit data of the first session through two access network devices, and the second network element is responsible for managing the first session of the terminal device; the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send fifth indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information, where the fifth indication information is used to indicate that when the quality of service QoS parameters of the protocol data unit first session of the terminal device are not satisfied, the identifier of the second access network device is sent to the second network element; the interface unit 1301 is further configured to receive the identifier of the second access network device from the first access network device.

[0260] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to receive a create session management context message or a session establishment request message from the first access network device, where the create session management context message or the session establishment request message includes the capability information that the terminal device supports accessing the network through two access network devices; and send fifth indication information to the first access network device according to the fourth indication information and the capability information.

[0261] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send second indication information and the identifier of the second access network device to the first access network device based on the identifier of the second access network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0262] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send second indication information, the identifier of the first session, and the identifier of the second access network device to the terminal device based on the identifier of the second access network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device and the second access network device simultaneously.

[0263] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to receive indication information of QoS flows whose QoS requirements are not met in the first session from the first access network device, where the indication information of the QoS flows includes the identifiers and / or QoS parameters of the QoS flows; the processing unit 1302 is further configured to generate an access traffic control, handover, and splitting ATSSS transmission rule corresponding to the first session based on the indication information of the QoS flows; and the interface unit 1301 is further configured to send the ATSSS transmission rule from the second network element to the terminal device.

[0264] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 1301 is further configured to receive sixth indication information from the first access network device, where the sixth indication information is used to indicate that the QoS parameters of the first session are met, and the sixth indication information is used to trigger the release of the connection between the second access network device and the terminal device.

[0265] As Figure 14 shown in the figure is a communication device 1400 provided by an embodiment of the present application, which is used to implement the functions of the above terminal device, access network device (first access network device or second access network device), first network element, or second network element. The device may be a communication device or a device used in a communication device. The communication device may be a terminal device, an access network device (first access network device or second access network device), a first network element, or a second network element. The device used in the communication device may be a chip system or a chip in the communication device. Among them, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0266] The communication device 1400 includes at least one processor 1410, which is used to implement the processing functions of the devices (such as terminal devices, access network devices (first access network devices or second access network devices), first network elements, or second network elements) in the method provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 1400 may further include a communication interface 1420, which is used to implement the transceiver operations of the devices (such as terminal devices, access network devices (first access network devices or second access network devices), first network elements, or second network elements) in the method provided by the embodiments of the present application. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication interface may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces, and is used to communicate with other devices through a transmission medium. For example, the communication interface 1420 is used for the device in the communication device 1400 to communicate with other devices. The processor 1410 uses the communication interface 1420 to send and receive data, and is used to implement the method described in the above method embodiments.

[0267] The communication device 1400 may further include at least one memory 1430 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1430 is coupled to the processor 1410. The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical or other forms for information interaction between devices, units or modules. The processor 1410 may cooperate with the memory 1430. The processor 1410 may execute the program instructions stored in the memory 1430. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0268] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific connection medium between the communication interface 1420, the processor 1410 and the memory 1430 is not limited. In the embodiments of the present application Figure 14 it is shown that the memory 1430, the processor 1410 and the communication interface 1420 are connected through a bus, and the bus is Figure 14 represented by a thick line. The connection manners between other components are only for illustrative purposes and are not limiting. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the sake of convenience of representation, Figure 14 only one thick line is used to represent it in the figure, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0269] When the communication device 1400 is specifically a device for a device (such as a terminal device, an access network device (a first access network device or a second access network device), a first network element or a second network element), for example, when the communication device 1400 is specifically a chip or a chip system, the baseband signal may be output or received by the communication interface 1420. When the communication device 1400 is specifically a device (such as a terminal device, an access network device (a first access network device or a second access network device), a first network element or a second network element), the radio frequency signal may be output or received by the communication interface 1420. In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, and may implement or execute the various methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0270] It should be noted that the above communication interface 1420 may be used to execute the functions of the foregoing interface unit 1301, and the above processor 1410 may be used to execute the functions of the foregoing processing unit 1302, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0271] When the above communication device is a chip applied to a terminal device, an access network device (the first access network device or the second access network device), the first network element, or the second network element, the chip implements the functions of the terminal device, the access network device (the first access network device or the second access network device), the first network element, or the second network element in the above method embodiments, and the chip receives information from other network elements; alternatively, the chip sends information to other network elements.

[0272] It can be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0273] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented in a hardware manner or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions may be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules may be stored in a random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be located in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may be located in a core network device or a terminal. Of course, the processor and the storage medium may also exist as discrete components in a terminal device, an access network device (the first access network device or the second access network device), the first network element, or the second network element.

[0274] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are executed in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted through the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible by the computer or a data storage device such as a server integrating one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a DVD; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid state disk (SSD).

[0275] In various embodiments of the present application, if there is no special description and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0276] It can be understood that the various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The magnitude of the sequence numbers of the above processes does not mean the order of execution, and the order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0277] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-executable instructions are stored. When the computer-executable instructions are executed, the methods executed by the terminal device, the access network device (the first access network device or the second access network device), the first network element, or the second network element in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0278] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the methods executed by the terminal device, the access network device (the first access network device or the second access network device), the first network element, or the second network element in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0279] The embodiments of the present application also provide a communication system, which includes a terminal device, an access network device (the first access network device or the second access network device), a first network element, or a second network element. Among them, the terminal device, the access network device (the first access network device or the second access network device), the first network element, or the second network element are used to execute the aboveFigures 7 to 12 The method embodiments shown in

[0280] It should be noted that, for the foregoing method embodiments, for the sake of simple description, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations. However, those skilled in the art should know that this application is not limited by the described action sequence, because according to this application, certain steps can be performed in other sequences or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also know that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0281] The descriptions of the embodiments provided in this application can be referred to each other. The descriptions of each embodiment have their own focuses. For the parts not detailed in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. For the convenience and conciseness of description, for example, the functions and steps performed by the various devices and equipment provided in the embodiments of this application can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments of this application. The method embodiments can also refer to, combine or cite each other among the device embodiments.

[0282] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, not to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, applied to a scenario where a terminal device accesses a network through a first access network device, characterized in that The method includes: The first access network device receives first indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices; Based on the first indication information, the first access network device sends a first message to the terminal device, and the first message includes the identifier of the second access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before the first access network device sends the first message to the terminal device based on the first indication information, the method further includes: The first access network device determines the identifier of the second access network device based on the first indication information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first indication information comes from a first network element, and the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The first message further includes second indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device and the second access network device simultaneously.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Before the first access network device sends the first message to the terminal device based on the first indication information, the method further includes: The first access network device receives first request information from the terminal device, and the first request information is used to request to access the network through two access network devices.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first indication information comes from a second network element, and the method further includes: The first access network device receives the identifier of the first session of the terminal device from the second network element; the second network element is responsible for managing the first session of the terminal device; The first message further includes the identifier of the first session and second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device and the second access network device simultaneously.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The method further includes: The first access network device receives condition information from the second network element, and the condition information includes that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices when the quality of service (QoS) requirements of the first session are not met; Based on the first indication information, the first access network device sends the first message to the terminal device, including: The first access network device sends the first message to the terminal device based on the first indication information and the condition information.

8. A communication method, characterized in that Applied to the scenario where a terminal device accesses the network through a first access network device, the method is characterized in that the method includes: The terminal device receives a first message from the first access network device, and the first message includes the identifier of the second access network device and second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device accesses the network through the first access network device and the second access network device simultaneously; The terminal device accesses the second access network device based on the first message.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first message further includes the identifier of the first session, and the terminal device transmits data of the first session through the first access network device and the second access network device.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The method further includes: The terminal device sends a registration request to a first network element through the first access network device, where the registration request includes the capability information of the terminal device supporting access to the network through two access network devices, and the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 - 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device sends a session establishment request to a first network element through the first access network device, where the session establishment request includes the identifier of the first session and the capability information of the terminal device supporting access to the network through two access network devices, and the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, Before the terminal device receives a first message from the first access network device, the method further includes: The terminal device sends first request information to the first access network device, where the first request information is used to request access to the network through two access network devices.

13. The method according to any one of claims 12, wherein Before the terminal device sends the first request information to the first access network device, the method further includes: The terminal device receives first indication information, where the first indication information indicates that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices; Alternatively, the terminal device determines that there is a need to transmit session data through two access network devices.

14. A communication method, characterized in that Applied to the scenario where a terminal device accesses a network through a first access network device, the method is characterized in that the method includes: A first network element obtains third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices; the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal device; The first network element sends first indication information to the first access network device according to the third indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the network through two access network devices.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The method further includes: The first network element sends first indication information to the terminal device according to the third indication information.

16. According to the method of claim 14 or 15, the method is characterized in that The first network element receives a registration request from the terminal device, where the registration request includes the capability information of the terminal device supporting access to the network through two access network devices; The first network element sending the first indication information to the first access network device according to the third indication information includes: The first network element sends the first indication information to the first access network device according to the third indication information and the capability information.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the processor and the memory are coupled, and the processor is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. A chip, characterized in that, It includes a processor and an interface, the processor and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to receive or output signals, and the processor is used to execute code instructions so that the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16 is executed.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Computer-executable instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer-executable instructions are called by the computer, the computer is made to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16 above.

Images