Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for solving the problem that blind search power consumption is relatively high when a terminal accesses another communication network, such as a subnet, provided by a network provider in a service area of a communication network to which the terminal belongs, and improving the subnet access efficiency of the terminal. The method comprises: receiving a first message from a terminal, the first message comprising an identifier of a first communication network, the terminal and a first device belonging to a second communication network, the first communication network and the second communication network corresponding to different network providers, such as corresponding to a subnetwork and a public network; obtaining access network information corresponding to the first communication network according to the identifier of the first communication network; and a second message is sent to the terminal, and the second message comprises the access network information of the first communication network and is used for accessing the first communication network.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of communication technologies and the enrichment of application scenarios, based on the existing public mobile communication network (abbreviated as the public network), to meet the specific service requirements of users in specific scenarios, such as application scenarios like office parks, schools, stadiums, mines, or ports, a local area network (or subnet) can be deployed in the above scenarios so that terminals can access the subnet to implement corresponding services. For example, by deploying an enterprise subnet within an office park, users can use terminals within the office park to access the enterprise subnet to implement services such as punching in and out for work, accessing the enterprise internal database, or participating in immersive meetings.

[0003] Among them, when there are network coverages of multiple different network providers (or operators) in the same area, the terminal preferentially selects the network that has been previously saved or accessed, such as usually accessing the network of the operator to which the terminal belongs, rather than selecting the subnet deployed by other network providers to access. Exemplarily, the terminal stores the cell frequency point information of the first communication network. When the terminal enters this cell, it can access the first communication network by searching for the corresponding frequency point information. If the area where the terminal is located is also the coverage area of the second communication network (subnet), and the terminal needs to access the second communication network, it needs to search all frequency points according to the supported frequency band capabilities until it finds the access frequency point corresponding to the second communication network, and then requests to access the second communication network. However, the power consumption of the terminal for blind search is relatively large, and the efficiency of the terminal accessing the subnet is low. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, which are used to solve the problem of relatively large power consumption of terminal blind search when the terminal accesses another communication network (such as a subnet) provided by a network provider in the service area of the home communication network, and improve the efficiency of the terminal accessing the subnet.

[0005] To achieve the above object, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) of the first device. The method includes: receiving a first message from a terminal, where the first message includes an identifier of a first communication network; where the terminal and the first device belong to a second communication network, and the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers; obtaining access network information corresponding to the first communication network according to the identifier of the first communication network; and sending a second message to the terminal, where the second message includes the access network information of the first communication network and is used to access the first communication network.

[0007] In the above embodiments, the terminal may send the identifier of the subnet of interest to the public network to request the access network information of the subnet of interest to the terminal. Thus, the public network may feedback to the terminal the subnet base station identifier or frequency point information for searching or measurement, etc., so that the terminal can search for signals and measure based on the base station identifier or frequency point information of the subnet, avoiding the power consumption caused by the terminal blindly searching for subnet signals, thereby being able to reduce the power consumption of the terminal, improve the battery life of the terminal, and improve the efficiency of the terminal accessing the subnet.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first message includes first indication information for indicating a request to obtain the access network information of the first communication network.

[0009] In the above embodiments, the first message sent by the terminal to the first device of the public network may include first indication information for indicating that the terminal requests to obtain the access network information of the subnet, so that the public network can determine, according to the first indication information, that the terminal needs to access the subnet, and thus provide the access network information of the subnet to the terminal, which can improve the efficiency and flexibility of the terminal accessing the subnet.

[0010] In one embodiment, the access network information includes the frequency point information corresponding to the access node of the first communication network, and / or the identifier of the access node of the first communication network.

[0011] In the above embodiments, the access node or the control plane of the public network may obtain the frequency point information corresponding to the access node of the subnet of interest to the terminal, or the identifier of the access node of the subnet, and feedback it to the terminal, so that the terminal can access the subnet according to the specified frequency point, or access the subnet according to the specified subnet base station, thereby avoiding the power consumption caused by the terminal blindly searching for subnet signals and improving the efficiency and flexibility of the terminal accessing the subnet.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method further includes: sending the identifier of the first communication network to the terminal.

[0013] In the above embodiments, the access node of the public network may obtain the identifiers of one or more subnets sensed and send them to the terminal, for example, broadcast the identifiers of the subnets to the terminals in the cell. Thus, the terminal can determine whether to request to access a certain subnet according to its own needs. Specifically, the terminal may carry the identifier of the subnet of interest and request to access the subnet, improving the efficiency and flexibility of the terminal accessing the subnet.

[0014] In one embodiment, obtaining the access network information corresponding to the first communication network includes: sending a third message to a second device, the third message including the identifier of the first communication network; receiving a fourth message from the second device, the fourth message including the access network information corresponding to the first communication network.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the first device can obtain the access network information corresponding to the identifier of the subnet requested by the terminal by querying the local database. Alternatively, the first device can also request the second device to obtain the access network information of the subnet. Exemplarily, the second device can be a control plane function, a management function, a management node, a management network element, a base station management function, a Domain Name System (DNS) server, or a network storage function in the first communication network. It can be understood that the method provided in this application for the terminal to obtain the access network information of the subnet is relatively flexible, which can improve the efficiency and flexibility of the terminal accessing the subnet.

[0016] In one embodiment, the third message further includes at least one of the following information: the location information of the terminal, the location information of the first device, and the area information of the first communication network.

[0017] In the above embodiment, when the first device requests the second device to obtain the access network information of the subnet, it can carry location information such as the location of the terminal, the location of the public network base station accessed by the terminal, or the area of the subnet of interest to the terminal. Thus, the second device can accurately query the access network information corresponding to the subnet that the terminal can access based on the above location information, improving the efficiency and flexibility of the terminal accessing the subnet.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second device is a control plane function, a management function, a management node, a management network element, a DNS server, or a Network Repository Function (NRF) in the first communication network.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first device is an access node of the second communication network.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first device is a control plane function of the second communication network, the first message is a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) request, and the second message is a NAS response corresponding to the NAS request.

[0021] In the above embodiment, the terminal can request the access network information of the subnet from the control plane function of the public network. The public network control plane function can query the local database according to the identifier of the subnet, obtain the access network information of the subnet, and feedback it to the terminal. Thus, it is not necessary for the public network base station to parse the relevant signaling, which can reduce the processing complexity of the public network base station and improve the efficiency and flexibility of the terminal accessing the subnet.

[0022] Second aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device or by a module (such as a chip or a circuit) of the first device. The method includes: sending an identifier of a first communication network and access network information of the first communication network to a terminal for the terminal to access the first communication network; wherein, the terminal and the first device belong to a second communication network, and the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers.

[0023] In the above embodiment, the public network base station can send the identifiers of one or more subnets and access network information sensed to the terminal. For example, it broadcasts the identifiers of the subnets and access network information to the terminals in the cell, so that the terminal can determine whether to request access to a certain subnet according to its own needs. For example, the terminal can request access to the subnet according to the frequency band of the subnet it is interested in, improving the efficiency and flexibility of the terminal accessing the subnet, reducing the power consumption related to the terminal accessing the subnet, and improving the communication efficiency.

[0024] Third aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second device or by a module (such as a chip or a circuit) of the second device. The method includes: receiving a third message from the first device, the third message including an identifier of a first communication network; wherein, the first device belongs to a second communication network, and the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers; sending a fourth message to the first device, the fourth message including access network information corresponding to the first communication network.

[0025] Fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal or by a module (such as a chip or a circuit) of the terminal. The method includes: receiving an identifier of a first communication network and access network information of the first communication network, wherein, the terminal belongs to a second communication network, and the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers; starting signal measurement and / or cell search according to the access network information of the first communication network, and triggering access to the first communication network.

[0026] In one embodiment, receiving the access network information of the first communication network includes: sending a first message to the first device, the first message including an identifier of a first communication network; wherein, the first device belongs to a second communication network; receiving a second message from the first device, the second message including the access network information of the first communication network.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first message includes first indication information for indicating a request to obtain the access network information of the first communication network.

[0028] In one embodiment, the access network information includes the frequency point information corresponding to the access node of the first communication network, and / or the identifier of the access node of the first communication network.

[0029] In one embodiment, receiving the identifier of the first communication network includes: establishing a connection with the first device; receiving the identifier of the first communication network from the first device.

[0030] In one embodiment, the method further includes: obtaining the identifiers of at least one candidate network, where the at least one candidate network includes the first communication network; if the identifier in the at least one candidate network matches the identifier of the first communication network, determining to access the first communication network.

[0031] In the above embodiments, the terminal can actively obtain or be notified of the identifiers of the candidate subnets that it can access through an application. For example, the server of the first application can send the corresponding subnet identifier to the terminal, and the terminal can access the subnet to implement specific services in the first application. If the subnet identifier obtained by the terminal from the broadcast of the base station of the serving cell matches the identifier of the candidate subnet, the terminal can determine that the subnet is the subnet of interest to the terminal and can request to access the subnet. It should be understood that multiple ways for the terminal to obtain the candidate subnet identifier are provided in the embodiments of the present application, which can improve the efficiency and flexibility of the terminal to access the subnet.

[0032] In one embodiment, a first application is deployed on the terminal, and the first application implements a first service through the first communication network, and the first application cannot implement the first service through the second communication network.

[0033] In one embodiment, the terminal includes a first module and a second module, where the first module is used to access the first communication network, and the second module is used to access the second communication network.

[0034] In the above embodiments, by configuring at least a first module and a second module for the terminal, the terminal can access the communication networks corresponding to at least two different network providers through the same SIM card without changing the number or the card. Further, it can be realized to connect to the public network and the subnet simultaneously, which can increase the number of connections between the terminal and the network and improve the communication performance.

[0035] In one embodiment, the second module controls the turning on and / or off of the first module.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the second module can control the activation and / or deactivation of the first module to save the power consumption of the terminal. For example, the first module is default deactivated, and when the terminal needs to access the subnet, the second module can control the activation of the first module, so that the first module can access the subnet according to the specified frequency point, instead of blindly searching for the subnet, improving the efficiency of the terminal accessing the subnet. Further, the activation of the first module can be controlled by the second module, which can prevent the terminal from blindly searching or performing ineffective network searches in non-subnet service areas, saving power for the terminal.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first device is an access node of the second communication network.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first device is a control plane function of the second communication network, the first message is a non-access stratum (NAS) request, and the second message is a NAS response corresponding to the NAS request.

[0039] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above method. The communication device may be the first device in the first aspect above, or the first device in the second aspect, or the second device in the third aspect, or the terminal in the fourth aspect; or the communication device may be a node or device including the above first device, second device or terminal, or a module in the above first device, second device or terminal, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or software capable of implementing part or all of the functions.

[0040] The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the above method. The modules, units, or means may be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0041] In combination with the above fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module may be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation manners thereof. The processing module may be a processor, for example. The transceiver module, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation manners thereof. The transceiver module may be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0042] In combination with the above fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver module includes a sending module and a receiving module, which are respectively used to implement the sending and receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation manners thereof.

[0043] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processor; the processor is used to be coupled with a memory, and after reading instructions in the memory, execute the method described in any of the above aspects according to the instructions. The communication device may be the first device in the first aspect above, or the first device in the second aspect, or the second device in the third aspect, or the terminal in the fourth aspect; or the communication device may be a node or device including the above first device, second device or terminal, or a module in the above first device, second device or terminal, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or software capable of implementing part or all of the functions.

[0044] Combined with the above sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory, and the memory is used to store necessary program instructions and data.

[0045] Combined with the above sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor is used to execute the computer program or instructions so that the communication device executes the method described in any of the above aspects. The communication device may be the first device in the first aspect above, or the first device in the second aspect, or the second device in the third aspect, or the terminal in the fourth aspect; or the communication device may be a node or device including the above first device, second device or terminal, or a module in the above first device, second device or terminal, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or software capable of implementing part or all of the functions.

[0047] Combined with the above seventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0048] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, and instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium. When it runs on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the method described in any of the above aspects.

[0049] In a ninth aspect, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When it runs on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the method described in any of the above aspects.

[0050] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first device for implementing any possible implementation manner in the above first aspect or second aspect, and a terminal for implementing any possible implementation manner in the above fourth aspect.

[0051] In combination with the above tenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the communication system may further include a second device for implementing any possible implementation manner in the above third aspect.

[0052] Among them, for the technical effects brought by any possible implementation manner in the second aspect to the tenth aspect, reference may be made to the technical effects brought by different possible implementation manners in the above first aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0053] It can be understood that on the premise that the solutions do not conflict, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a system of a first communication network and a second communication network provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 4 It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a system of a public network and a subnet provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 6 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 7 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 8 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 9 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 10 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0065] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0066] It should be noted that in this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0067] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0068] First, the implementation environment and application scenarios of the embodiments of the present application will be briefly introduced.

[0069] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to Figure 1 the service-oriented architecture shown. Among them, Figure 1Taking the network service architecture of the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system as an example, the interaction relationships between network functions (NFs) and entities and the corresponding interfaces are shown. Among them, the network functions and entities included in the service-based architecture (SBA) of the 5G system defined by the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) mainly include: User Equipment (UE), at least one access network (AN) or radio access network (RAN) node, user plane function (UPF), data network (DN), access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), policy control function (PCF), application function (AF), unified data management (UDM), network exposure function (NEF), Unified Data Repository (UDR), authentication server function (AUSF), Security Anchor Functionality (SEAF), and NF repository function (NRF), etc.

[0070] Among them, UE, (R)AN node, UPF, and DN are generally referred to as user plane network functions and entities (or user plane network elements), and the other parts are generally referred to as control plane network functions and entities (or control plane network elements). The control plane network elements are defined by 3GPP with processing functions in a network. The control plane network elements have function behaviors defined by 3GPP and interfaces defined by 3GPP. An NF can be a network element running on proprietary hardware, or a software instance running on proprietary hardware, or a virtual function instantiated on a suitable platform, such as being implemented on a cloud infrastructure.

[0071] The main functions of each network element will be specifically introduced below.

[0072] Among them, the user plane network functions in the communication system include:

[0073] (R)AN node: (R)AN can be AN, or RAN, and can also be called an access network device, RAN entity, access node, etc., which constitutes a part of the communication system and is used to help the terminal access the communication network. For example, (R)AN can be various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations, radio controllers, relay stations, access points, or in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, or network devices in a future-evolved public land mobile network (PLMN). (R)AN is mainly responsible for radio resource management, service quality management, data compression, and encryption on the air interface side.

[0074] In addition, the (R)AN node can also be an access node in an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, or an access node in a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0075] In a possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a next generation base station in a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. The RAN node can be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, a relay node or a donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can 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 can be a road side unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0076] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes cooperate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement some functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node 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 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).

[0077] 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.

[0078] UE: It can also be called a terminal, a terminal device, a mobile station, a mobile terminal, etc. The terminal can be widely used in various scenarios. For example, 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 medical treatment, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a wearable device, a vehicle, a drone, a helicopter, an airplane, a ship, a robot, a robotic arm, a smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0079] UPF: It is mainly responsible for the forwarding and reception of user data. The UPF can receive downlink data from the DN and then transmit the downlink data to the UE through the (R)AN. The UPF can also receive uplink data from the UE through the (R)AN and then forward the uplink data to the DN.

[0080] DN: For example, the DN can be an operator service network, an Internet access, or a third-party service network, etc. The DN can interact with the UE through a PDU session. Among them, the PDU session can be divided into multiple types, such as Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4), IPv6, etc.

[0081] In addition, the control plane network functions in the communication system include:

[0082] AMF: It is mainly responsible for the processing of control plane messages and is responsible for the mobility management of users, including mobility status management, allocation of user temporary identity identifiers, authentication and authorization of users. For example, access control, mobility management, registration and deregistration, and network element selection, etc.

[0083] SMF: It is mainly used for session management, session establishment, IP address allocation and management of the UE, responsible for the establishment, modification and release of sessions, and quality of service (QoS) control, etc.

[0084] UDM: It is mainly used for authentication credit processing, responsible for managing subscription data, user identity processing, access authorization, registration / mobility management, subscription management, and short message management, etc. For example, when the subscription data of a user is modified, the UDM is responsible for notifying the corresponding network elements.

[0085] PCF: It is mainly used for policy management, responsible for managing policy-related data in the network, and can provide policy rules, etc. to control plane functions (such as AMF, SMF, etc.) in the network.

[0086] NEF: It is mainly used to provide corresponding security guarantees to ensure the security of external applications accessing the communication network, and provides functions such as opening of external application QoS customization capabilities, subscription to mobility status events, and distribution of AF requests.

[0087] NRF: It is mainly used to provide internal / external addressing functions, etc.

[0088] AF: It is mainly used to send application impact data routing information to the network side and perform policy control through interaction between the network open function network element and the policy framework.

[0089] AUSF: It is mainly used for authentication processing functions and realizes two-way authentication and certification between the terminal and the network.

[0090] SEAF: Primarily responsible for providing authentication functions through the AMF in the service network.

[0091] Among them, Figure 1 For the functions of other network elements included, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in conventional technologies and will not be elaborated here.

[0092] It should be noted that Figure 1 The network architecture shown is only for illustration and not for limiting the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in the specific implementation process, other network elements or devices may also be included, and at the same time, the number of access network devices, terminals, and / or core network devices can also be determined according to specific needs.

[0093] Optionally, Figure 1 Each network element shown in can be a device, or a functional module within the device, or a logical functional unit. It can be understood that the above functions can be either network elements in hardware devices, such as communication chips in mobile phones, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., cloud platform).

[0094] In addition, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to Figure 2 the communication system shown, as Figure 2 shown, the terminal can simultaneously use the services of the first communication network and the second communication network, that is, the terminal is simultaneously connected to the first communication network and the second communication network, where the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers. Exemplarily, the first communication network is provided by the first network provider, and the second communication network is provided by the second network provider. For example, the first communication network can be the aforementioned local area network such as a subnet, private network, campus network, local network, small network, and the second communication network can be the public mobile communication network to which the terminal belongs, that is, the public network or the large network.

[0095] Such as Figure 2 shown, the first communication network can include network elements such as a subnet base station (access network), subnet user plane, subnet control plane, and DN1. The second communication network can include network elements such as a public network base station (access network), public network user plane, public network control plane, and DN2. Among them, the public network control plane can support the UE to access the public network, and the subnet control plane supports the UE to access the subnet. For example, when the terminal is within the service range of the first communication network, it can access the first communication network through the public network control plane; when the terminal is within the service range of the second communication network, it can access the second communication network through the subnet control plane.

[0096] Exemplarily, the user plane function can be the UPF in 5G, or a network element with such user plane function in 6G or future communication systems, etc. The control plane function can be network elements such as AMF, SMF, UDM, PCF in 5G, or network elements with control plane function in 6G or future communication systems, etc. This application does not make any limitations in this regard.

[0097] It can be understood that devices or network elements in the above Figure 1 or Figure 2 communication system can communicate directly with each other, or can communicate through the forwarding of other nodes or devices. This application embodiment does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0098] It can be understood that the above Figure 2 is only a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solutions provided by this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in the specific implementation process, the communication system may include fewer devices or network elements than Figure 2 shown, or the communication system may further include other devices or other network elements, and at the same time, the number of devices or network elements in the communication system can also be determined according to specific needs.

[0099] It should be noted that Figure 1 or Figure 2 the communication system shown is only for illustration and is not used to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in the specific implementation process, the communication system may further include other devices or network elements, and at the same time, the number of each network element can also be determined according to specific needs.

[0100] Optionally, each network element in the embodiment of this application Figure 1 or Figure 2 can be a functional module within a device. It can be understood that the above functions can be either network elements in hardware devices, such as communication chips in mobile phones, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform).

[0101] For example, Figure 1 or Figure 2 each network element in Figure 3 can be implemented through the communication device 300 in Figure 3 Shown is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to the embodiment of this application. The communication device 300 includes at least one processor 301, a communication line 302, a memory 303, and at least one communication interface 304.

[0102] The processor 301 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the solution of the present application.

[0103] The communication line 302 may include a path for transmitting information between the above components, such as a bus.

[0104] The communication interface 304 uses any device such as a transceiver to communicate with other devices or communication networks, such as an Ethernet interface, a RAN interface, a wireless local area networks (WLAN) interface, etc.

[0105] The memory 303 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, or may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be connected to the processor through the communication line 302. The memory may also be integrated with the processor. The memory provided in the embodiments of the present application generally has non-volatility. Among them, the memory 303 is used to store the computer execution instructions involved in executing the solution of the present application, and is controlled by the processor 301 to execute. The processor 301 is used to execute the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 303, so as to implement the method provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0106] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations thereto.

[0107] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 301 may include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 3 CPU0 and CPU1 in

[0108] In a specific implementation, as an example, the communication device 300 may include multiple processors, such as Figure 3 the processor 301 and the processor 307 in []. Each of these processors may be a single-CPU processor or a multi-CPU processor. The processor here may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (such as computer program instructions).

[0109] In a specific implementation, as an example, the communication device 300 may further include an output device 305 and an input device 306. The output device 305 communicates with the processor 301 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 305 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 306 communicates with the processor 301 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 306 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensing device, etc.

[0110] The above-mentioned communication device 300 may be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. In a specific implementation, the communication device 300 may be a portable computer, a network server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal, an embedded device, or a device with a Figure 3 similar structure in []. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of the communication device 300.

[0111] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be specifically described below.

[0112] It should be noted that the message names between each network element or the names of each parameter in the message in the following embodiments of the present application are only examples. In a specific implementation, they may also be other names, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0113] It can be understood that some or all of the steps in the embodiments of the present application are only examples. The embodiments of the present application may also perform other steps or various deformations of the steps. In addition, each step may be executed in a different order presented by the embodiments of the present application, and it is possible not to execute all the steps in the embodiments of the present application.

[0114] In the prior art, when there are network coverages of multiple different network providers in the same area, the terminal preferentially selects the network that has been saved or accessed before for access. For example, the terminal usually accesses the network of the operator to which it belongs, rather than selecting a subnet deployed by other network providers for access. Exemplarily, as Figure 2 shown, the terminal belongs to the second communication network, has accessed a cell of the second communication network and stores the cell frequency information of the second communication network. When the terminal enters this cell, it can access the second communication network by searching for the corresponding frequency information. If the area where the terminal is located is also the coverage area of the first communication network (subnet), for the terminal to access the first communication network, it needs to search all frequencies according to the supported frequency band capabilities until it finds the access frequency corresponding to the first communication network, and then requests to access the first communication network. However, the power consumption of the terminal for blind search is relatively large, and the efficiency of the terminal accessing the subnet is low.

[0115] In addition, currently, a terminal cannot access the communication networks of different network providers simultaneously through a single user identification card. For example, the terminal cannot access the public network and the subnet simultaneously. Specifically, after the terminal accesses the public network through the public network control plane and establishes a public network session, the terminal will not actively initiate the search and measurement of the subnet base station, that is, it cannot access the subnet and establish a subnet session simultaneously. If the public network base station instructs the terminal to switch from the public network base station to the subnet base station according to the measurement results reported by the terminal, the terminal will release the public network session established through the public network base station, access the subnet and establish a subnet session, resulting in the closure of the public network session of the terminal, which may affect the user's communication services in the public network. For example, the user cannot make a call within the subnet park.

[0116] In addition, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card in the terminal only supports the access service of the home network provider corresponding to this SIM card. For example, if the SIM card of the terminal is provided by the second communication network, it cannot support the terminal to access the first communication network without changing the card or the number.

[0117] Based on the above problems, the present application provides a communication method to solve the problem of relatively large power consumption for blind search when the terminal accesses the first communication network in the service area of the second communication network to which it belongs, and improve the efficiency of the terminal accessing the subnet. Through the implementation manner of the present application, the terminal can access the communication networks of different network providers simultaneously. For example, when the terminal is within the common service range of the first communication network and the second communication network, it can access the second communication network through the public network control plane and the public network base station, and access the first communication network through the subnet control plane and the subnet base station.

[0118] A communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is applied to a scenario where a terminal belonging to a second communication network requests to access a first communication network, avoiding the power overhead generated by the terminal blindly searching for the first communication network and improving the efficiency and flexibility of the terminal accessing a subnet. In the embodiment of the present application, the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers. For example, the first communication network is provided by a first network provider, and the second communication network is provided by a second network provider. Through the implementation manner of the present application, the terminal can access the first communication network, i.e., the subnet, without changing the SIM card or the phone number, thereby improving the efficiency of the terminal accessing the subnet.

[0119] Exemplarily, taking Figure 4 the interaction between the first device and the terminal shown as an example to introduce the implementation manner of the present application, the implementation scenario where the terminal needs to access the first communication network. Among them, the terminal belongs to the second communication network, and the first device may be a node of the second communication network. For example, the first device may be the control plane function of the second communication network, or the first device is an access node of the second communication network, such as a base station. The first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers. In the following embodiments, the first communication network may also be simply referred to as the subnet, and the second communication network may be simply referred to as the public network.

[0120] Such as Figure 4 shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0121] 401: The terminal sends a first message to the first device, including the identifier of the first communication network.

[0122] Among them, the terminal and the first device belong to the second communication network, and the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers.

[0123] The first message may include the identifier of the first communication network that the terminal user is interested in, or the identifier of the first communication network that the application on the terminal is interested in.

[0124] The identifier of the first communication network, which can be used to indicate information about the first communication network (such as a subnet) that the terminal is interested in, can refer to the identifier of a cell, location area, service area, or fence that covers the venue of the first communication network (such as a subnet). For example, it can be a service area identifier (SAI); or the identifier broadcast by a cell that covers the venue of the first communication network (such as a subnet). For example, it can be a closed access group identifier (CAG ID), a data network name (DNN) that identifies the first communication network (such as a subnet), a public land mobile network identifier (such as PLMN), or a data network access identifier (DNAI), etc.

[0125] In one implementation, the terminal has accessed the second communication network. That is to say, the terminal is within the serving cell of the second communication network. When the terminal has accessed the second communication network, according to the user's needs or the needs of certain specific applications on the terminal, it is necessary to access the first communication network to obtain specific services. At this time, the terminal can send a first message to the first device, carrying the identifier of the first communication network that the terminal is interested in, to indicate that the terminal needs to obtain the access network information of the first communication network so that the terminal can access the first communication network.

[0126] For example, the terminal has accessed the public network. When the user terminal enters the library scenario where a subnet is deployed in the library, the user can access the subnet through the terminal and obtain services such as e-book resources or online business processing. Another example is that when the user terminal enters the enterprise park where a subnet is deployed and the user terminal has installed enterprise applications, the user can access the subnet through the terminal to achieve functions such as punching in and out for work or other collaborative office services.

[0127] In one implementation, a first application is deployed on the terminal. The first application can implement the first service through the first communication network, but the first application cannot implement the first service through the second communication network. For example, in the aforementioned example, a first application such as an enterprise-specific enterprise application is deployed on the terminal. The terminal can implement the first service or the first service required for enterprise office by accessing the subnet; while the above-mentioned first service or the first service cannot be implemented by accessing the public network.

[0128] Exemplarily, the first message can be a radio resource control (RRC) request message.

[0129] In one embodiment, the terminal sends a first message to a first device, where the first message is used to request access network information of a first communication network. The access network information refers to access information that can be used by the terminal for searching or measurement, so that the terminal can access the first communication network. Exemplarily, the access network information of the first communication network may include frequency point information corresponding to an access node of the first communication network, and / or an identifier of the access node of the first communication network, etc.

[0130] In another embodiment, the first message may include first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a request to obtain access network information of a first communication network.

[0131] In one embodiment, the terminal can obtain the identifier of a first communication network that the terminal is interested in in the following manner.

[0132] 400: The first device sends the identifier of the first communication network to the terminal.

[0133] The first device may be an access node of a second communication network. For example, the first device is a base station of a second communication network. The first device may send the identifiers of one or more nearby subnets to the terminal by means of broadcasting, multicasting or unicasting, where the first communication network may be one of the subnets. It should be understood that the subnets near the terminal may specifically be the subnets that can be accessed in the cell where the terminal is located, or the subnets that can be accessed in the neighboring cells of the cell where the terminal is located.

[0134] Exemplarily, a public network base station supports broadcasting the identifier of the subnet in one or more cells covering the subnet site. Optionally, the public network base station may broadcast one or more subnet identifiers. As Figure 5 shown, within the service range of the public network base station, there are multiple subnets, such as Subnet 1, Subnet 2, and Subnet 3. The public network base station may broadcast the identifiers of the above multiple subnets, that is, broadcast the subnet identifiers 1, 2, and 3 corresponding to Subnet 1, Subnet 2, and Subnet 3 respectively.

[0135] Exemplarily, for example, a base station may broadcast a Service Area Id (SAI), and a service area may consist of multiple cells.

[0136] It should be understood that the identifier of the subnet stored on the first device may come from the local configuration of the public network base station, the configuration issued by the Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) of the public network base station, or the information obtained from the subnet base station management function when the public network base station is powered on, etc.

[0137] Optionally, as Figure 2As shown, the first communication network may further include a subnet base station management function for storing and managing information of one or more subnet base stations, and may support querying and obtaining information related to the subnet base stations. For example, in an implementation manner of the present application, a public network base station or a public network control plane may send a request to the subnet base station management function to obtain information related to the subnet base station.

[0138] Furthermore, when the terminal accesses the public network base station, it can obtain the identifiers of one or more subnets from the broadcast of the public network base station within the subnet venue. The terminal can confirm whether it is the identifier of the subnet that the terminal is interested in.

[0139] In an implementation manner, the terminal may obtain the identifiers of at least one candidate network, where the at least one candidate network may include the first communication network; if the identifier in the at least one candidate network matches the identifier of the first communication network, the terminal may determine that the first communication network is the subnet that it is interested in.

[0140] Specifically, the terminal may determine the identifiers of one or more subnets of the candidate network in any one or more of the following ways:

[0141] 1) The user may directly configure the identifiers of the subnets of the candidate network on the terminal.

[0142] For example, multiple candidate networks are configured on the user's terminal, including the first communication network.

[0143] 2) When the first application on the terminal is started, the server of the first application may actively send the identifiers of the subnets of the candidate network to the terminal.

[0144] 3) After the terminal is powered on, it may request the first application to obtain the identifiers of the subnets of the candidate network.

[0145] 4) When the terminal accesses the public network base station and establishes a public network session, the public network control plane may send the identifiers of the subnets of the candidate network to the terminal, or the terminal may request the public network control plane to obtain the identifiers of the subnets of the candidate network.

[0146] Exemplarily, if the terminal obtains nearby subnets, such as subnet identifier 1, subnet identifier 2, and subnet identifier 3, from the broadcast message of the public network base station, and the identifiers of the subnets of the local configuration / application candidate network of the terminal are subnet identifier 2, subnet identifier 4, or subnet identifier 5, then the terminal may match the obtained subnet identifiers and the identifiers of the subnets of the candidate network to determine that the subnet that the current terminal is interested in and can access is subnet identifier 2. Subnet identifier 2 may be carried in the first message in step 401.

[0147] In another example, if the terminal obtains subnet identifier 1 and subnet identifier 3 from the broadcast message of the public network base station, and the subnet identifiers of the candidate networks configured locally by the terminal are subnet identifier 2, subnet identifier 4, or subnet identifier 5, then there is no subnet of interest to the terminal in the current area, the process ends, and subsequent steps are not executed.

[0148] Correspondingly, the first device receives a first message from the terminal and obtains the identifier of the first communication network of interest to the terminal.

[0149] 402: The first device obtains the access network information corresponding to the first communication network according to the identifier of the first communication network.

[0150] In one implementation, the access network information includes the frequency point information corresponding to the access node of the first communication network, and / or the identifier of the access node of the first communication network. For example, the first device can obtain the frequency point information of the subnet base station, or the identifier of the subnet base station.

[0151] In one implementation, the first device can obtain the access network information corresponding to the identifier of the subnet requested by the terminal by querying the local database. For example, according to the subnet identifier, it can query and obtain the frequency point used by the subnet base station corresponding to the subnet, the identifier of the subnet PLMN, etc.

[0152] Optionally, the access network information of the subnet stored in the database of the first device can be the local configuration of the first device, or from the OAM, or obtained from the subnet control plane or the subnet base station management function when the first device is powered on, etc. Several different acquisition methods for the first device to obtain the access network information of the subnet will be introduced in subsequent embodiments, and will not be elaborated here.

[0153] 403: The first device sends a second message to the terminal, including the access network information of the first communication network.

[0154] The second message includes the access network information of the first communication network, which is used to instruct the terminal to trigger access to the first communication network according to this access network information.

[0155] Optionally, the second message can be a response message corresponding to the first message.

[0156] In the above implementation manner of the present application, the terminal can send the identifier of the subnet of interest to the control plane of the public network or the access node of the public network to request to obtain the access network information of the subnet of interest to the terminal, so as to obtain the subnet base station identifier or frequency point information, etc. that the terminal uses for searching or measuring. The terminal can search for signals and measure based on the base station identifier or frequency point information of the subnet, avoiding the power overhead generated by the terminal blindly searching for subnet signals, thereby being able to reduce the power overhead of the terminal and improve the efficiency of the terminal accessing the subnet.

[0157] Subsequently, the terminal can request to access the first communication network based on the access network information of the first communication network obtained.

[0158] In one implementation, as Figure 4 shown, the method may further include the following steps.

[0159] 404: The terminal starts signal measurement and / or cell search according to the access network information of the first communication network, triggering access to the first communication network.

[0160] Specifically, the terminal can start signal measurement and / or cell search according to the access network information of the first communication network in the idle state (RRC Idle state) or the connected state (RRC Connected state). For example, the terminal can start frequency point search or measurement according to the frequency point of the subnet, and select a subnet base station with a signal state meeting the conditions to send an access request; or, it can select a cell of the subnet base station with the best signal state to request access. The specific interaction process of the terminal accessing the subnet in this application is not limited, and relevant technical introductions can be referred to.

[0161] In one implementation, the first device can be an access node of the second communication network, such as a public network base station. Exemplarily, the first message is an RRC request message, and the second message can be an RRC response message.

[0162] In another implementation, the first device can be a control plane function of the second communication network. Exemplarily, the first message can be a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) request message, and the second message can be a NAS response message corresponding to the NAS request.

[0163] As Figure 6 shown, the public network base station broadcasts the identifier of the subnet. The terminal obtains the identifier of the subnet from the broadcast message, and can send a NAS request message to the public network control plane, carrying the identifier of the subnet, for example, carrying the identifier of the subnet that the terminal is interested in. The public network control plane can query the local database according to the identifier of the subnet to obtain the access network information of the subnet, and send a NAS response message to the terminal, carrying the access network information of the subnet, such as the frequency point information or base station identifier of the subnet base station, etc.

[0164] Optionally, the access network information of the subnet stored by the public network control plane can be the local configuration of the control plane function of the public network, or from the OAM of the control plane of the public network, or obtained from the subnet control plane or the subnet base station management function when the public network control plane node is powered on, etc.

[0165] In a possible implementation, the first device may obtain access network information corresponding to the first communication network from the second device. Exemplarily, the second device may be a control plane function, a management function, a management node, a management network element, a base station management function, a Domain Name System (DNS) server, or a network repository function NRF in the first communication network. Combining Figure 2 As shown, exemplarily, the second device may be a subnet base station management function, which may be used to store and manage information of multiple base stations in the subnet.

[0166] As Figure 7 shown, taking the example that the terminal belongs to the public network and needs to access the subnet, another communication method is provided in this application. The method may include the following steps.

[0167] 700: The public network base station broadcasts the identifier of the subnet.

[0168] Refer to the foregoing step 400.

[0169] 701: The terminal sends a first message to the public network base station, carrying the identifier of the subnet.

[0170] Specifically, the terminal obtains the identifiers of at least one subnet broadcast by the public network base station, determines the identifier of the subnet that the terminal is interested in according to the candidate networks configured by the terminal, and sends a first message to the public network base station. Among them, the first message carries the identifier of the subnet.

[0171] Refer to the foregoing step 401.

[0172] 702: The public network base station sends a third message to the second device, carrying the identifier of the subnet.

[0173] Among them, the third message may be used to request to obtain access network information of the subnet.

[0174] The third message may include the identifier of the subnet. For example, the identifier of the subnet may specifically be the identifier of the first communication network.

[0175] Correspondingly, the second device may receive the third message from the public network base station and obtain the identifier of the subnet.

[0176] In one implementation, if the subnet is the first communication network and the public network base station is the first device, the third message further includes at least one of the following information: the location information of the terminal, the location information of the first device, or the area information of the first communication network, etc.

[0177] Optionally, the third message may specifically be a service discovery request or a query request, etc., and this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0178] 703: The second device sends a fourth message to the public network base station, including access network information corresponding to the subnet.

[0179] Correspondingly, the public network base station receives the fourth message from the second device, and the fourth message includes access network information corresponding to the first communication network.

[0180] 704: The public network base station sends a second message to the terminal, including access network information corresponding to the subnet.

[0181] Refer to the foregoing step 403.

[0182] 705: The terminal starts signal measurement and / or cell search according to the access network information of the subnet, and sends an access request to the subnet base station.

[0183] The terminal triggers access to the subnet. Refer to the foregoing step 404.

[0184] In addition, in order to save signaling overhead, the public network base station can broadcast the access network information corresponding to the subnet while broadcasting the identifier of the subnet, so that the terminal does not need to send a request message to the public network base station or the public network control plane to obtain the access network information of the subnet, thereby saving signaling overhead and improving the efficiency and flexibility of the terminal accessing the subnet.

[0185] Such as Figure 8 shown, taking the terminal belonging to the public network and needing to access the subnet as an example. Another communication method is provided in this application, and the method may include the following steps.

[0186] 800: The public network base station broadcasts the identifiers of at least one subnet and the access network information of the subnet.

[0187] Refer to the foregoing step 400.

[0188] Among them, the access network information of the subnet may include information such as the frequency point information of the subnet base station and the identifier of the subnet base station.

[0189] 801: The terminal confirms the subnet of interest.

[0190] Specifically, the terminal receives the identifiers of at least one subnet broadcast by the public network base station, matches them according to the identifiers of at least one candidate network configured by the terminal, determines the identifier of the subnet of interest to the terminal, and the access network information corresponding to the subnet, such as the frequency point information of the subnet or the identifier of the base station.

[0191] Refer to the relevant descriptions of the foregoing step 400 and step 401.

[0192] 802: The terminal starts signal measurement and / or cell search according to the access network information of the subnet, and sends an access request to the subnet base station.

[0193] Refer to the foregoing step 404.

[0194] In addition, the present application also provides a communication method. By configuring at least a first module and a second module for a terminal, the terminal can use the same SIM card to access communication networks corresponding to at least two different network providers without changing the number or the card. Specifically, the terminal is configured with a first module and a second module. Among them, the first module can be used to access a first communication network, and the second module can be used to access a second communication network. In addition, the second module and the first module can use the same SIM card to access the network.

[0195] Exemplarily, as Figure 9 shown, the control structure inside the terminal may include an Application (APP) layer, an Operating System (OS) layer, and a Modulator and Demodulator (MODEM) layer. Among them, the MODEM layer may include a first module and a second module. The first module is used to access a subnet base station, and the second module is used to access a public network base station.

[0196] Among them, the APP layer can interact with the MODEM layer through the OS layer to achieve the coordination between the network and the application.

[0197] The OS layer is used to isolate and adapt the interfaces between the APP layer and the MODEM layer. Exemplarily, the message interaction between the APP layer and the MODEM layer can be considered to include: the message interaction between the APP and the OS, and the message interaction between the OS and the MODEM.

[0198] The MODEM layer is used to implement the modulation and demodulation functions required for communication. The integrated MODEM of the terminal can be used to handle the connection between the terminal and the network. For example, the MODEM can establish a logical channel between the terminal and the base station and execute communication services such as the terminal accessing the Internet, sending text messages, or making calls.

[0199] In an implementation manner, the terminal is configured with a first module and a second module. Among them, the second module is the main MODEM and can be used to access the second communication network, that is, access the public network. The main MODEM is responsible for handling the connection between the terminal and the public network base station. The first module can be the auxiliary MODEM and can be used to access the first communication network, that is, access the subnet. The auxiliary MODEM is responsible for handling the connection between the terminal and the subnet base station.

[0200] In an implementation manner, the second module can control the turning on and / or off of the first module.

[0201] Optionally, the second module is the main MODEM and the first module is the auxiliary MODEM. The main MODEM can control the startup and network search of the auxiliary MODEM. For example, the auxiliary MODEM can be defaulted to not start, so as to save the power consumption of the terminal. When the terminal needs to access the subnet, the terminal can control the startup and network search of the auxiliary MODEM through the main MODEM.

[0202] Optionally, to save the power consumption of the terminal, the auxiliary MODEM can be defaulted to not start, or defaulted to be closed, defaulted to work in the sleep state, or defaulted to not perform frequency point search, etc. Optionally, the terminal user can set the default state of the auxiliary MODEM through the setting interface of the terminal, such as setting it to default not to start, default to be closed, default to work in the sleep state, or default to not perform frequency point search, etc. This application does not make any limitations in this regard.

[0203] Optionally, the main MODEM can support controlling the startup of the auxiliary MODEM and sending specified frequency point information to the auxiliary MODEM, indicating that the auxiliary MODEM can perform search and measurement according to the specified frequency point and access the subnet.

[0204] Optionally, the auxiliary MODEM can support triggering the search for a specified frequency point according to the request message and frequency point information of the main MODEM and establishing a session to the subnet.

[0205] In one implementation, the communication transmission between the terminal and the subnet can include: the application data generated by the APP to the OS, to the main MODEM, to the auxiliary MODEM, and then transmitted to the subnet base station. Or, without passing through the main MODEM, the communication transmission between the terminal and the subnet can include: the application data generated by the APP to the OS, to the auxiliary MODEM, and then transmitted to the subnet base station.

[0206] The message interaction between the APP and the main MODEM / auxiliary MODEM can specifically include: the APP sends a message to the main MODEM or the auxiliary MODEM through the OS, and the main MODEM or the auxiliary MODEM sends a message to the APP through the OS.

[0207] As Figure 10 shown, taking the example that the terminal belongs to the public network and needs to access the subnet. Among them, the terminal can include an APP, a first module, and a second module. The first module is used to access the subnet base station, and the second module is used to access the public network base station. This application provides a communication method, and this method can include the following steps.

[0208] 101: The APP sends a subscription request for the subnet identifier to the second module.

[0209] Exemplarily, the APP can be the first application in the foregoing example, and the second module can be the main MODEM.

[0210] Among them, the subscription request is used for the APP to request the main MODEM to subscribe to the identifier of the subnet that the APP is interested in. When the main MODEM obtains the subnet identifier, it can send a notification to the APP to feedback the obtained subnet identifier.

[0211] Step 101 is optional.

[0212] Optionally, the subscription request can also be a notification request.

[0213] Optionally, the subscription request may include the subnet identifiers of one or more candidate networks of the APP, which are used to indicate the candidate networks that the APP can access. Or, the subscription request does not include the subnet identifier, and the subscription request may carry the indication information for requesting to obtain the subnet identifier.

[0214] In another implementation, the second module can actively send a acquisition request to the APP to request to obtain the identifier of the subnet that the APP is interested in. After receiving the acquisition request from the second module, the APP can send the identifier of the subnet that the application is interested in to the second module. For example, the identifiers corresponding to the subnets that the first application is interested in include subnet identifier 1 and subnet identifier 3. Then, when the second module subsequently receives the identifier of the subnet broadcast by the public network base station, it can match according to the subnet identifiers that the APP is interested in to determine whether it can access the subnet that the terminal is interested in, so as to send a notification to the APP, that is, execute step 104.

[0215] Optionally, the user can customize the specific method for the terminal to obtain the subnet identifier of interest through the settings interface of the terminal. For example, the terminal user can set whether to allow the APP to send a subscription request. For example, the user can set whether to allow the APP to send a subscription request carrying the subnet identifier to the terminal or to the second module. Or, the user can set whether to allow the terminal or the second module to send a notification or an acquisition request to the APP. Or, the user can set that when the APP sends a subscription request for the subnet identifier to the terminal or the second module, it can ask the user whether to allow through a pop-up window or the like. Or, when the terminal or the second module sends a notification or an acquisition request to the APP, it can ask the user whether to allow through a pop-up window or the like.

[0216] 102: The public network base station broadcasts the identifier of the subnet.

[0217] Refer to the foregoing step 400. Among them, the identifier of the subnet broadcast by the public network base station may include the identifiers of one or more subnets.

[0218] Optionally, there is no sequence requirement between step 101 and step 102. Step 101 can also be executed after step 102, or before step 102, or can be executed simultaneously with step 102. This application does not make any limitation in this regard.

[0219] 103: The second module obtains the identifier of the subnet broadcast by the public network base station.

[0220] The second module, i.e., the main MODEM, can obtain the identifier of one or more subnets broadcast by the public network base station.

[0221] 104: The second module sends a notification to the APP.

[0222] Specifically, when the second module, i.e., the main MODEM, obtains the identifier of the subnet broadcast by the public network base station, it can confirm that the terminal is currently within the service area of the subnet and can send a notification to the APP that subscribes to the subnet identifier, carrying the identifier of the subnet that the APP is interested in.

[0223] Among them, the notification may include some or all of the subnet identifiers obtained in step 103.

[0224] Optionally, if the subscription request in step 101 is executed, step 104 may be a corresponding subscription notification.

[0225] Optionally, if the subnet identifier of the APP's candidate network is carried in the APP's subscription request in step 101, the notification in step 104 may only carry the subnet identifiers obtained in step 103 that match the APP's candidate network.

[0226] Exemplarily, if the terminal obtains subnet identifier 1, subnet identifier 2, and subnet identifier 3 from the broadcast message of the public network base station, and the subnet identifiers of the APP's candidate network carried in the APP's subscription request are subnet identifier 2, subnet identifier 4, and subnet identifier 5, then it can be determined that the APP is interested in subnet identifier 2. The notification in step 104 may carry subnet identifier 2.

[0227] Optionally, step 101 may not be executed, and the second module, i.e., the main MODEM, may send a notification to one or more APPs, and the notification includes some or all of the subnet identifiers obtained in step 103.

[0228] 105: The APP sends an access request to the second module.

[0229] Among them, the access request may carry the identifier of the subnet that the APP is interested in. The APP sends an access request to the second module according to the identifier of the subnet that the APP is interested in, requesting to access the subnet.

[0230] Optionally, the access request in step 105 may be a response message corresponding to the notification sent by the second module to the APP in step 104, and the response message carries indication information indicating access to the subnet and the identifier of the subnet to be accessed.

[0231] In one implementation, the APP, such as the first application, can also automatically trigger corresponding actions according to the identifier of the subnet of interest.

[0232] Exemplarily, if the subnet park is an enterprise office park, the main MODEM notifies the APP that the subnet identifiers are subnet identifier 1, subnet identifier 2, and subnet identifier 3. As Figure 5 shown, the first application can trigger a clock-in action according to subnet identifier 1, trigger a request to establish a subnet connection according to subnet identifier 2, and if there is no action matching subnet identifier 3, it can be ignored.

[0233] 106: The second module sends a first message to the public network base station.

[0234] As described in the foregoing embodiments, the first message may include the identifier of the subnet of interest to the APP, and is used to request the access network information of the subnet from the public network base station.

[0235] Optionally, steps 104 and 106 above may not be executed. The second module, that is, the main MODEM, may send a first message to the public network base station according to the subnet identifier of interest configured locally or sent by the APP in step 101, that is, execute step 106.

[0236] 107: The public network base station sends a second message to the second module.

[0237] As described in the foregoing embodiments, the second message may include the access network information of the subnet, and is used for the terminal to request access to the subnet according to the access network information.

[0238] Optionally, for the specific implementation process of steps 106-107, reference may be made to the different implementation manners in the foregoing Figure 4 、 Figures 6 - 8 and will not be elaborated here.

[0239] 108: The second module sends a request message to the first module.

[0240] That is to say, the main MODEM can send a request message to the auxiliary MODEM. The request message can be used to instruct the auxiliary MODEM to turn on and instruct the auxiliary MODEM to perform frequency point search. Optionally, the request message may include the frequency point information of the subnet base station and instruct the auxiliary MODEM to preferentially search the specified frequency point, or may instruct the auxiliary MODEM to only search the specified frequency point.

[0241] Optionally, the request message for the main MODEM to instruct the auxiliary MODEM to turn on and the request message for the main MODEM to instruct the auxiliary MODEM of the frequency point information and instruct to perform frequency point search can be two messages or one message, and the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0242] 109: The first module starts frequency point search or measurement.

[0243] The first module, i.e., the secondary MODEM, can start frequency point search and / or measure the signals of the subnet according to the start request and / or frequency point search request and the frequency point information of the indicated subnet base station.

[0244] 110: The first module sends an access request to the subnet base station.

[0245] 111: The first module sends a notification message to the APP.

[0246] After the first module, i.e., the secondary MODEM, successfully accesses the subnet base station, the secondary MODEM can send a notification message to the APP to indicate that the APP can perform data transmission with the subnet base station. For example, the APP, such as the first application, can send part or all of the application data to the secondary MODEM, and the secondary MODEM sends it to the subnet base station to achieve uplink data transmission.

[0247] In the above embodiments of the present application, by adding a first module, such as a secondary MODEM, inside the terminal, the terminal can connect to the subnet by using a public network SIM card, so that the terminal does not need to change the card or number, and can realize accessing subnets provided by different network providers with one SIM card. Further, it can realize connecting to the public network and the subnet simultaneously, which can increase the number of connections between the terminal and the network and improve the communication performance. Among them, optionally, the secondary MODEM can be default not to be turned on to save the power consumption of the terminal. When the terminal needs to access the subnet, the primary MODEM can send a message requesting to turn on the secondary MODEM, and this message can carry information such as the frequency point of the subnet base station. Thus, the secondary MODEM can preferentially search for and select the network according to this frequency point information, instead of blindly searching for access to the subnet, which improves the efficiency of the terminal accessing the subnet. Further, the turn-on of the secondary MODEM can be controlled by the primary MODEM, which can avoid the terminal blindly searching or performing invalid network searches in non-subnet service areas and can save power for the terminal.

[0248] In the above embodiments of the present application, when the solutions are not contradictory, they can be combined without limitation.

[0249] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the present application from the perspective of the interaction between various network devices. Correspondingly, the present application also provides a communication device, which can be the first device in the above method embodiments, or a component such as a chip that can be used for the first device; or, the communication device can be the terminal in the above method embodiments, or a component such as a chip that can be used for the terminal; or, the communication device can be the second device in the above method embodiments, or a component such as a chip that can be used for the second device.

[0250] It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the above communication device includes the corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, combining the units and algorithm operations of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the way of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0251] It should be understood that the above describes the interaction between each network element only by taking the first device, the terminal or the second device as an example. In fact, the processing executed by the above first device is not limited to being executed by a single network element only, the processing executed by the above terminal is not limited to being executed by a single device only, and the processing executed by the above second device is not limited to being executed by a single network element only.

[0252] This application can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It can be understood that the division of modules in this application is illustrative, and it is only a logical function division. There can be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0253] For example, in the case of dividing each functional module in an integrated manner, Figure 11 FIG. shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1100. The communication device 1100 includes a receiving module 1101, a processing module 1102, and a transmitting module 1103.

[0254] In some embodiments, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage module ( Figure 11 not shown in the figure) for storing program instructions and data.

[0255] Exemplarily, the communication device 1100 can be used to implement the functions of the first device. The communication device 1100 is, for example, the first device described in the foregoing various embodiments.

[0256] Among them, the receiving module 1101 can receive a first message from the terminal, and the first message includes the identifier of the first communication network; among them, the terminal and the first device belong to the second communication network, and the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers.

[0257] The processing module 1102 may obtain the access network information corresponding to the first communication network according to the identifier of the first communication network.

[0258] The sending module 1103 is configured to send a second message to the terminal, where the second message includes the access network information of the first communication network and is used to access the first communication network.

[0259] In one embodiment, the first message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate a request to obtain the access network information of the first communication network.

[0260] In one embodiment, the access network information includes the frequency point information corresponding to the access node of the first communication network, and / or the identifier of the access node of the first communication network.

[0261] In one embodiment, the method further includes: sending the identifier of the first communication network to the terminal.

[0262] In one embodiment, obtaining the access network information corresponding to the first communication network includes: sending a third message to a second device, where the third message includes the identifier of the first communication network; receiving a fourth message from the second device, where the fourth message includes the access network information corresponding to the first communication network.

[0263] In one embodiment, the third message further includes at least one of the following information: the location information of the terminal, the location information of the first device, and the area information of the first communication network.

[0264] In one embodiment, the second device is a control plane function, a management function, a management node, a management network element, a Domain Name System (DNS) server, or a Network Repository Function (NRF) in the first communication network.

[0265] In one embodiment, the first device is an access node of the second communication network.

[0266] In one embodiment, the first device is a control plane function of the second communication network, the first message is a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) request, and the second message is a NAS response corresponding to the NAS request.

[0267] In addition, the communication device 1100 may be the first device, i.e., a public network base station, in the foregoing Figure 8 illustrated embodiment. The communication device 1100 may include a sending module 1103.

[0268] Among them, the sending module 1103 is used to send the identifier of the first communication network and the access network information of the first communication network to the terminal for the terminal to access the first communication network. Among them, the terminal and the first device belong to a second communication network, and the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers.

[0269] In addition, the communication device 1100 can be the second device described in the foregoing embodiments. The communication device 1100 may include a receiving module 1101 and a sending module 1103.

[0270] Among them, the receiving module 1101 is used to receive a third message from the first device, and the third message includes the identifier of the first communication network. Among them, the first device belongs to a second communication network, and the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers.

[0271] The sending module 1103 is used to send a fourth message to the first device, and the fourth message includes the access network information corresponding to the first communication network.

[0272] In addition, the communication device 1100 can be the terminal described in the foregoing embodiments. The communication device 1100 may include a receiving module 1101 and a processing module 1102.

[0273] Among them, the receiving module 1101 can be used to receive the identifier of the first communication network and the access network information of the first communication network. Among them, the terminal belongs to a second communication network, and the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers.

[0274] The processing module 1102 can be used to start signal measurement and / or cell search according to the access network information of the first communication network, and trigger access to the first communication network.

[0275] In one implementation, the communication device 1100 further includes a sending module 1103, which can be used to send a first message to the first device, and the first message includes the identifier of the first communication network. Among them, the first device belongs to a second communication network. The receiving module 1101 can be used to receive a second message from the first device, and the second message includes the access network information of the first communication network.

[0276] In one implementation, the first message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate a request to obtain the access network information of the first communication network.

[0277] In one implementation, the access network information includes the frequency point information corresponding to the access node of the first communication network, and / or the identifier of the access node of the first communication network.

[0278] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 is used to establish a connection with the first device. The receiving module 1101 can be used to receive the identifier of the first communication network from the first device.

[0279] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 can be used to obtain the identifiers of at least one candidate network, where the at least one candidate network includes the first communication network; if the identifier in the at least one candidate network matches the identifier of the first communication network, it is determined to access the first communication network.

[0280] In one embodiment, a first application is deployed on the terminal, and the first application implements a first service through the first communication network, and the first application cannot implement the first service through the second communication network.

[0281] In one embodiment, the terminal includes a first module and a second module, where the first module is used to access the first communication network, and the second module is used to access the second communication network.

[0282] In one embodiment, the second module controls the opening and / or closing of the first module.

[0283] In one embodiment, the first device is an access node of the second communication network.

[0284] In one embodiment, the first device is a control plane function of the second communication network, the first message is a non-access stratum (NAS) request, and the second message is a NAS response corresponding to the NAS request.

[0285] In summary, when the communication device 1100 is used to implement the functions performed by the first device, the second device, or the terminal in the above embodiments, for other functions that the communication device 1100 can implement, reference can be made to the relevant introductions in any of the foregoing embodiments, and details are not repeated here.

[0286] In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art can conceive that the communication device 1100 can adopt Figure 3 the form shown. For example, Figure 3 the processor 301 in

[0287] Exemplarily, Figure 11 the function / implementation process of the processing module 1102 in Figure 3 can be implemented by the processor 301 in

[0288] Exemplarily,Figure 11 The functions / implementation processes of the receiving module 1101 and / or the sending module 1103 in Figure 3 can be implemented through the communication interface 304 in Figure 11 The receiving module 1101 and the sending module 1102 in

[0289] It can be understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units is implemented by software, the software exists in the form of computer program instructions and is stored in the memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into the SoC (System on Chip) or ASIC, or it can be an independent semiconductor chip. In addition to the core for executing software instructions for arithmetic or processing inside the processor, it can further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field programmable gate array (FPGA), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or logic circuits for implementing dedicated logic operations.

[0290] When the above modules or units are implemented by hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, dedicated digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete devices, which can run the necessary software or execute the above method flow without relying on software.

[0291] Optionally, the present application further provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface. The at least one processor is coupled to the memory through the interface. When the at least one processor executes the computer program or instructions in the memory, the methods in any of the above method embodiments are executed. In a possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. The present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0292] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer program instructing relevant hardware. The program can be stored in the above computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The above computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the above communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, a smart media card (SMC), a secure digital (SD) card, a flash card, etc. equipped on the above communication device. Further, the above computer-readable storage medium can also include both the internal storage unit and the external storage device of the above communication device. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the above computer program and other programs and data required by the above communication device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store the data that has been output or will be output.

[0293] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer program instructing relevant hardware. The program can be stored in the above computer program product. When the program is executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments.

[0294] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer instruction. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer instruction instructing relevant hardware (such as a computer, a processor, a network device, or a terminal, etc.). The program can be stored in the above computer-readable storage medium or the above computer program product.

[0295] Optionally, the present application also provides a communication system, including: the first device and the terminal in the above embodiments.

[0296] Optionally, the present application also provides a communication system, including: the first device and the second device in the above embodiments.

[0297] Optionally, the present application also provides a communication system, including: the first device, the terminal, and the second device in the above embodiments.

[0298] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and conciseness of description, only the above division of each functional module is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be allocated to different functional modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0299] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the modules or units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection of the devices or units can be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0300] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components displayed as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or they can be distributed to multiple different places. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0301] In addition, each functional unit in various embodiments of the present application can be integrated in a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The above-mentioned integrated units can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0302] As described above, it is only the specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be covered by the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first device, the method includes: Receiving a first message from a terminal, the first message including an identifier of a first communication network; wherein, the terminal and the first device belong to a second communication network, and the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers; Obtaining access network information corresponding to the first communication network according to the identifier of the first communication network; Sending a second message to the terminal, the second message including the access network information of the first communication network for accessing the first communication network.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first message includes first indication information for indicating a request to obtain the access network information of the first communication network.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The access network information includes frequency point information corresponding to an access node of the first communication network, and / or an identifier of the access node of the first communication network.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending the identifier of the first communication network to the terminal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that Obtaining the access network information corresponding to the first communication network includes: Sending a third message to a second device, the third message including the identifier of the first communication network; Receiving a fourth message from the second device, the fourth message including the access network information corresponding to the first communication network.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The third message further includes at least one of the following information: location information of the terminal, location information of the first device, and area information of the first communication network.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, the method includes: Receiving an identifier of a first communication network and the access network information of the first communication network, wherein the terminal belongs to a second communication network, and the first communication network and the second communication network correspond to different network providers; Starting signal measurement and / or cell search according to the access network information of the first communication network, and triggering access to the first communication network.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein Receiving the access network information of the first communication network includes: Sending a first message to a first device, the first message including an identifier of a first communication network; wherein, the first device belongs to a second communication network; Receiving a second message from the first device, the second message including the access network information of the first communication network.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first message includes first indication information for indicating a request to obtain the access network information of the first communication network.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The access network information includes frequency point information corresponding to an access node of the first communication network, and / or an identifier of the access node of the first communication network.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that, Receiving an identifier of a first communication network includes: Establishing a connection with a first device; Receiving the identifier of the first communication network from the first device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtaining identifiers of at least one candidate network, the at least one candidate network including the first communication network; If the identifier in the at least one candidate network matches the identifier of the first communication network, determining to access the first communication network.

13. The method according to any one of claims 7-12, characterized in that, A first application is deployed on the terminal, and the first application implements a first service through the first communication network, and the first application cannot implement the first service through the second communication network.

14. The method according to any one of claims 7-13, characterized in that, The terminal includes a first module and a second module. The first module is used to access the first communication network, and the second module is used to access the second communication network.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The second module controls the activation and / or deactivation of the first module.

16. The method according to claim 8 or 11, characterized in that, The first device is an access node of the second communication network.

17. The method according to claim 8 or 11, characterized in that, The first device is a control plane function of the second communication network. The first message is a non-access stratum (NAS) request, and the second message is a NAS response corresponding to the NAS request.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising: a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions, and when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the method according to any one of claims 1-17 is executed.

20. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17 is executed.

21. A computer program product, comprising computer program code therein, characterized in that, When the computer program code runs on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17 is executed.

22. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first device in the method according to any one of claims 1-6, and a terminal in the method according to any one of claims 7-17.

Images