Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and device. In the method, an MN sends a first request message to an SN, the first request message comprising feedback configuration information; the MN sends a second request message to the SN, the second request message comprises prediction information of the terminal in the coverage range of the MN and / or prediction information of the terminal in the coverage range of the SN, the prediction information is used for the SN to make a mobility decision on the terminal, and the second request message is also used for indicating the SN to report the information of the terminal; and the SN sends the information of the terminal to the MN according to the information of the terminal acquired by the feedback configuration information. Through the method, the MN can send the prediction information of the terminal to the SN, and the SN can perform mobility enhancement on the terminal according to the prediction information. In addition, the MN can also request the SN to report the information of the terminal, and the SN sends the information of the terminal to the MN according to the feedback configuration information, so that the MN evaluates the current performance of the terminal in the SN, the dual-connection operation of the terminal is further optimized, or the network is optimized.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that simulates the human brain to perform complex calculations. With advancements in data storage and computing power, AI is finding increasing applications. Applying AI to mobile communication systems, through intelligent data collection and analysis, can improve network performance and user experience.

[0003] AI-based user equipment (UE) mobility enhancement solutions primarily focus on optimizing UE handover between cells. For example, by predicting the UE's trajectory, the handover time and target cell can be determined in advance, thereby planning resource handover in advance. This helps reduce the latency and probability of handover failure during the UE handover process, while also improving the channel quality of the UE in the source and target cells.

[0004] However, current AI-based UE mobility enhancement primarily considers scenarios where the UE is linked to a single base station, neglecting dual connectivity (DC) scenarios. Therefore, applying AI-based UE mobility enhancement technology to DC scenarios is necessary to further improve network performance and user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for enabling multiple network devices connected to a terminal device in a DC scenario to obtain each other's prediction or measurement information about the terminal device, thereby optimizing the dual-connection measurement of the terminal device or optimizing the AI ​​model.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a network device, or by a communication module applied in the network device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), or a logical node, logical module, or software that implements all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0007] Taking the method executed by a first network device as an example, the method includes: sending a first request message to a second network device, the first request message including feedback configuration information; sending a second request message to the second network device, the second request message including prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device, the prediction information being used by the second network device to make mobility decisions for the terminal device, the second request message also being used to instruct the second network device to report information of the terminal device; receiving first information sent by the second network device, performing artificial intelligence processing based on the first information, the first information being information of the terminal device obtained based on the feedback configuration information, the first network device being the master node MN of the terminal device, and the second network device being the auxiliary node SN of the terminal device.

[0008] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the first network device, acting as the MN of the target terminal device, can predict the SN of the target terminal device (i.e., the second network device) based on prediction information of the target terminal device, and send the prediction information to the second network device. This allows the second network device to enhance the mobility of the target terminal device based on the prediction information. Furthermore, the first network device can request the second network device to report information about the target terminal device. After the target terminal device connects to the second network device, the second network device sends measurement information and prediction information of the target terminal device to the first network device based on feedback configuration information. This allows the first network device to evaluate the current performance of the target terminal device on the second network device and further optimize the dual-connectivity operation of the target terminal device, or optimize network operation.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the feedback configuration information includes one or more of the following: information of the terminal device including one or more measurement objects; a cell list for indicating that the measurement objects are measured in the cells included in the cell list; one or more measurement configurations, each measurement configuration corresponding to a measurement object, indicating that the corresponding measurement object is measured according to the measurement configuration.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the measurement object includes one or more of the following information: performance information of the terminal device under the second network device, movement path of the terminal device under the second network device, service type of the terminal device under the second network device, power consumption of the terminal device under the second network device, and measurement information of the terminal device under the second network device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the measurement configuration includes one or more of the following:

[0012] The time point or time period is used to indicate the collection of information from the terminal device within the time point or time period; the reporting condition is used to indicate the sending of the first information when the reporting condition is met; the number of cells is used to indicate that the terminal device is measured within a number of cells not exceeding the specified number of cells.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the reporting conditions include one or more of the following: a performance threshold, used to indicate that the terminal device's performance exceeds or falls below the performance threshold when the first information is sent; a set service type, used to indicate that the first information is sent when the terminal device executes a set service type; a power consumption threshold, used to indicate that the terminal device's power consumption exceeds or falls below the power consumption threshold when the first information is sent; and a measurement threshold, used to indicate that the terminal device's measurement information exceeds or falls below the measurement threshold when the first information is sent.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the prediction information includes one or more of the following: the predicted identifiers of one or more SNs of the terminal device; the predicted identifiers of the primary and secondary PScells of the terminal device; the predicted dwell time of the terminal device in the PScell; the predicted performance information of the terminal device in the PScell; the predicted information of the data radio bearer (DRB) of the terminal device in the PScell; the predicted information of the signaling bearer (SRB) of the terminal device in the PScell; the predicted information of the protocol data unit (PDU) session of the terminal device in the PScell; and the predicted measurement information of the terminal device in the PScell.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the performance information includes one or more of the following: throughput, packet loss rate, and transmission latency.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the measurement information includes one or more of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a network device, or by a communication module applied in the network device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), or a logical node, logical module, or software that implements all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0018] Taking the method executed by a first network device as an example, the method includes: receiving a first request message sent by the first network device, the first request message including feedback configuration information; receiving a second request message sent by the first network device, the second request message including prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device, the second request message further being used to instruct the second network device to report information of the terminal device, the prediction information being used by the second network device to make mobility decisions for the terminal device; sending first information to the first network device, the first information including information of the terminal device obtained according to the feedback configuration information, the first network device being the master node MN of the terminal device, and the second network device being the auxiliary node SN of the terminal device.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the feedback configuration information includes one or more of the following: information of the terminal device including one or more measurement objects; a cell list for indicating that the measurement objects are measured in the cells included in the cell list; one or more measurement configurations, each measurement configuration corresponding to a measurement object, indicating that the corresponding measurement object is measured according to the measurement configuration.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the measurement object includes one or more of the following information: performance information of the terminal device under the second network device, movement path of the terminal device under the second network device, service type of the terminal device under the second network device, power consumption of the terminal device under the second network device, and measurement information of the terminal device under the second network device.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the measurement configuration includes one or more of the following: a time point or time period for indicating the collection of information from the terminal device within the time point or time period; a reporting condition for indicating the transmission of the first information when the reporting condition is met; and a number of cells for indicating that the terminal device is measured within a number of cells not exceeding the specified number.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the reporting conditions include one or more of the following: a performance threshold, used to indicate that the terminal device's performance exceeds or falls below the performance threshold when the first information is sent; a set service type, used to indicate that the first information is sent when the terminal device executes a set service type; and a power consumption threshold, used to indicate that the terminal device's power consumption exceeds or falls below the power consumption threshold when the first information is sent.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the prediction information includes one or more of the following: the predicted identifiers of one or more SNs of the terminal device; the predicted identifiers of the primary and secondary PScells of the terminal device; the predicted dwell time of the terminal device in the PScell; the predicted performance information of the terminal device in the PScell; the predicted information of the data radio bearer (DRB) of the terminal device in the PScell; the predicted information of the signaling bearer (SRB) of the terminal device in the PScell; the predicted information of the PDU session of the terminal device in the PScell; and the predicted measurement information of the terminal device in the PScell.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the performance information includes one or more of the following: throughput, packet loss rate, and transmission latency.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the measurement information includes one or more of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).

[0026] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be executed by a network device, or by a communication module applied in the network device, or by a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that implements all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0027] Taking the method executed by the primary network device of the terminal device as an example, the method includes: receiving a first message sent by a source auxiliary network device, the first message including first prediction information of the source auxiliary network device for the terminal device; sending a second message to a target auxiliary network device, the second message including the first prediction information and second prediction information, the second prediction information being the prediction information of the primary network device for the terminal device, and the terminal device switching from the source auxiliary network device to the target auxiliary network device.

[0028] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the SN handover scenario of the target terminal device. The SN can also optimize the dual-connection operation of the target terminal device or optimize the local AI model based on the target terminal device information. Specifically, after obtaining the prediction information of the S-SN for the target terminal device, the MN can send it to the T-SN of the target terminal device so that the T-SN can determine the dual-connection strategy of the target terminal device based on the prediction information of the S-SN for the target terminal device, or optimize, evaluate, update, and train the original AI model.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a third message sent by the target auxiliary network device, the third message including feedback information from the target auxiliary network device to the terminal device.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending a fourth message to the source auxiliary network device, the fourth message including the feedback information.

[0031] In one possible implementation, when the terminal device switches from the source auxiliary network device to the target auxiliary network device, the first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the source auxiliary network device is retained.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the third message includes a second identifier, which is an identifier assigned by the primary network device to the terminal device; sending the fourth message to the source auxiliary network device includes: sending a fourth message to the source auxiliary network device according to the correspondence between the second identifier and the first identifier, wherein the fourth message includes the first identifier, which is an identifier assigned by the source auxiliary network device to the terminal device.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the second information includes a first identifier assigned by the source auxiliary network device to the terminal device; the third message includes the first identifier; and the fourth message includes the first identifier.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the second information includes a first identifier assigned by the source auxiliary network device to the terminal device; the third message includes the first identifier.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the feedback information includes one or more of the following: the mobile path of the terminal device, the performance information of the terminal device, the service type of the terminal device, the DRB information of the terminal device, the SRB information of the terminal device, the PDU session information of the terminal device, and the measurement information of the terminal device.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: determining a dual-connectivity DC strategy based on the feedback information; and sending the DC strategy to the target auxiliary network device.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the first prediction information includes one or more of the following: the mobile path of the terminal device, the performance information of the terminal device, the service type of the terminal device, the DRB information of the terminal device, the SRB information of the terminal device, the PDU session information of the terminal device, and the measurement information of the terminal device.

[0038] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a network device, or by a communication module applied in the network device, or by a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that implements all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0039] Taking the method as an example where the method is executed by the source auxiliary network device of the terminal device, the method includes: predicting that the terminal device will switch from the source auxiliary network device to the target auxiliary network device; sending a first message to the main network device, the first message including the first prediction information of the source auxiliary network device for the terminal device.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth information sent by the primary network device, the fourth information including feedback information from the target auxiliary network device to the terminal device, the terminal device having switched from the source auxiliary network device to the target auxiliary network device; and performing artificial intelligence processing based on the third message.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fifth information sent by the target auxiliary network device, the fifth information including feedback information from the target auxiliary network device to the terminal device, the terminal device having switched from the source auxiliary network device to the target auxiliary network device; and performing artificial intelligence processing based on the third message.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first prediction information includes one or more of the following: the mobile path of the terminal device, the performance of the terminal device, the service type of the terminal device, the DRB information of the terminal device, the SRB information of the terminal device, the PDU session information of the terminal device, and the measurement information of the terminal device.

[0043] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a network device, or by a communication module applied in the network device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), or a logical node, logical module, or software that implements all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0044] Taking the method executed by the target auxiliary network device of the terminal device as an example, the method includes: receiving a second message sent by the main network device, the second message including the first prediction information and the second prediction information, the second prediction information being the prediction information of the main network device for the terminal device; and providing services to the target terminal device according to the first prediction information and the second prediction information.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending a third message to the primary network device, the third message including feedback information from the target auxiliary network device to the terminal device.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the third message includes a second identifier, which is an identifier assigned by the master network device to the terminal device.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the second information includes a first identifier assigned by the source auxiliary network device to the terminal device; the third message includes the first identifier.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the second information includes a first identifier assigned by the source auxiliary network device to the terminal device; the method further includes: sending fifth information to the source auxiliary network device, the fifth information including feedback information from the target auxiliary network device to the terminal device, indicating that the terminal device has switched from the source auxiliary network device to the target auxiliary network device;

[0049] In one possible implementation, the feedback information includes one or more of the following: the mobile path of the terminal device, the performance of the terminal device, the service type of the terminal device, the DRB information of the terminal device, the SRB information of the terminal device, the PDU session information of the terminal device, and the measurement information of the terminal device.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a DC policy sent by the main network device.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the first prediction information includes one or more of the following: the mobile path of the terminal device, the performance information of the terminal device, the service type of the terminal device, the DRB information of the terminal device, the SRB information of the terminal device, the PDU session information of the terminal device, and the measurement information of the terminal device.

[0052] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus capable of implementing the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The apparatus includes corresponding units or modules for performing the methods described above. The units or modules included in the apparatus can be implemented in software and / or hardware. The apparatus can be, for example, a network device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the methods in a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus capable of implementing the methods described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The apparatus includes corresponding units or modules for performing the methods described above. The units or modules included in the apparatus can be implemented in software and / or hardware. The apparatus can be, for example, a network device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the methods in the network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0054] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus capable of implementing the methods described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. The apparatus includes corresponding units or modules for performing the described methods. The units or modules included in the apparatus can be implemented in software and / or hardware. The apparatus can be, for example, a network device, a chip, chip system, or processor supporting the implementation of the described methods in a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0055] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus capable of implementing the methods described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. The apparatus includes corresponding units or modules for performing the described methods. The units or modules included in the apparatus can be implemented in software and / or hardware. The apparatus can be, for example, a network device, a chip, chip system, or processor supporting the implementation of the described methods in a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0056] Tenthly, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus capable of implementing the methods described in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. The apparatus includes corresponding units or modules for performing the described methods. The units or modules included in the apparatus can be implemented in software and / or hardware. The apparatus can be, for example, a network device, a chip, chip system, or processor supporting the implementation of the described methods in a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0057] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the communication device comprising: a processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions, wherein when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the device performs a method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0058] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device comprising: a processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions, wherein when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the device performs a method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0059] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device comprising: a processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions, wherein when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the device performs a method as described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0060] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device comprising: a processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions, wherein when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the device performs a method as described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0061] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device comprising: a processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions, wherein when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the device performs a method as described in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0062] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system including the communication device of the sixth aspect and the communication device of the seventh aspect, or including the communication device of the eighth aspect, the communication device of the ninth aspect, and the communication device of the tenth aspect.

[0063] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system including the communication device of the eleventh aspect and the communication device of the twelfth aspect, or including the communication device of the thirteenth aspect, the communication device of the fourteenth aspect, and the communication device of the fifteenth aspect.

[0064] Eighteenthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip, including: a processor coupled to a memory for storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, the chip enables the chip to implement the methods described in the first to fifth aspects and any of their implementations.

[0065] In a nineteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first to fifth aspects and any of their implementations.

[0066] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first to fifth aspects and any of their implementations. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Figure 1 A framework for the application of AI in NR provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0068] Figure 2 A data collection process transmission mechanism provided in this application embodiment;

[0069] Figure 3 A transmission mechanism for another data collection process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0070] Figure 4 An architecture diagram of the user plane of MN and SN when a UE connects to the 5G core network, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an RRC entity with dual connectivity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figures 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), and 6(d) are schematic diagrams of the network architecture provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0073] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 9A flowchart illustrating yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0081] With the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, various industries have begun to explore the introduction of AI technology to improve performance and better serve users, and the field of communication technology is no exception.

[0082] Currently, the industry has preliminarily defined a framework for the application of AI in new radio (NR). This framework can be as follows: Figure 1As shown, the network includes entities such as data collection, model training, model inference, and actor. The data collection entity stores data input from next-generation network nodeBs (gNBs), gNB central units (gNB-CUs), gNB distributed units (gNB-DUs), UEs, or other management entities; it serves as the database for model inference and model training. The model training entity analyzes and trains the AI ​​model using the training data provided by the data collection entity. The model inference entity uses the AI ​​model trained by the model training entity, based on the data provided by the data collection entity, to provide AI-based reasonable predictions about network operation and / or guide network policy adjustments. These policy adjustments are planned uniformly by the actor entity and sent to multiple network entities for execution. Simultaneously, the specific performance of the network after applying the relevant policies is again input into the data collection entity for storage.

[0083] For the radio access network (RAN) side, current application scenarios for AI technology include:

[0084] 1. Energy Saving: By collecting information on its own and neighboring cells' load, energy consumption, and energy efficiency, as well as UE movement path information and measurement results, the base station uses AI technology to predict its own load and, in conjunction with cell usage and key performance indicator (KPI) requirements, implements energy-saving measures without affecting network coverage or user access. These measures may include cell deactivation, carrier shutdown, channel shutdown, time slot shutdown, and reduced transmit power, and may also be combined.

[0085] 2. Load balancing: By collecting information such as load, energy consumption, and energy efficiency of itself and neighboring cells, as well as UE movement path information and measurement results, base stations use AI technology to predict their own load and combine it with cell usage, KPI requirements, etc. to select some UEs to switch to neighboring cells or receive UEs from neighboring cells, so as to balance the load level among base stations and reduce the situation where some base stations are overloaded and affect normal services while some base stations are idle.

[0086] 3. Mobility optimization: The base station collects the UE's historical mobility path information and combines it with the UE's measurement information. Based on AI technology, the base station predicts the UE's future mobility path. Based on the predicted mobility path, the base station determines in advance whether the UE needs to hand over and issues handover configuration and notifies the target cell to configure access resources in advance, reducing the UE's latency during the handover process and reducing the probability of handover and access failure.

[0087] 4. Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) Feedback Enhancement: The base station and UE first exchange a dictionary, which is usually pre-trained by the base station according to the UE's capabilities and its own requirements. Then, the base station sends the encoder and quantizer tools to the UE. Based on the measured channel matrix results, the UE compresses and quantizes the matrix to be fed back according to the preset dictionary to obtain the reported data, and sends the reported data to the base station. The base station uses the dictionary and the reported data to reversely recover the original channel matrix.

[0088] 5. Beam Management Enhancement. The main process of beam management enhancement includes: 1. Generating an initial model: A certain number of UEs perform full beam scanning of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) and report the measurement results. The base station trains a sparse model based on the reported measurement results (this sparse model is usually cell-level); 2. The base station sends the sparse model to the UE (through system information block (SIB) messages, etc.). The UE performs beam scanning in phase P1 based on the sparse model and reports the sparse scanning results to the base station; 3. Based on the UE's sparse scanning results, the base station infers the optimal CSI-RS beam and begins beam scanning in phase P2 for the UE. The UE then feeds back the optimal CSI-RS beam ID.

[0089] 6. Positioning accuracy enhancements. The main process for enhancing positioning accuracy includes: collecting raw data using a reference UE controlled by the operator; training models for the location management function (LMF) and base stations respectively. The model trained by the LMF can be used to infer the final positioning (such as latitude and longitude), while the model trained by the base station can be used to infer line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS).

[0090] To facilitate the transmission of AI and machine learning (ML) data, a new process, the data collection procedure, has been introduced. This procedure is use case-agnostic, data type-agnostic, and UE-agnostic. Specifically, it is use case-agnostic because the AI / ML data transmitted by the data collection procedure can be used for all AI use cases, including but not limited to clearly defined load balancing, mobility optimization, and energy-saving use cases. It is data type-agnostic because the AI / ML data transmitted by the data collection procedure can include input, output, and feedback data from AI models, such as prediction and measurement information, rather than specific data types. It is UE-agnostic because the data collection procedure is not necessarily associated with any specific UE; it can be applied to all UEs, can be used to transmit data from multiple UEs, or can be used to transmit data from a specific type of UE.

[0091] The data collection process can be reported in two ways: one-time reports and periodic reports. Furthermore, the process supports partial reporting, meaning that if the requested node can provide only part of the requested items, the process does not fail by default.

[0092] The data collection process can be transmitted via mechanisms such as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown.

[0093] RAN1 initiates the data collection process by sending a data collection request message to RAN2 to start or stop the reporting of AI / ML related information.

[0094] If the registration request information element (IE) in the data collection request message is set to "start", RAN2 will start the data collection report according to the parameters in the request message after receiving the request message; if the registration request IE is set to "stop", RAN2 will stop data collection and terminate the report after receiving the request message.

[0095] The data collection request message can request RAN2 to report various types of data. If RAN2 can provide all or part of the requested data, then RAN2 initiates a data collection report based on the data collection request message and sends a data collection response message to RAN1. RAN2 then reports the collected data to RAN1 via a data collection update message.

[0096] If the data collection request message includes a reporting period (IE), it indicates a request for RAN2 to periodically collect and report data. If the data collection request does not include a reporting period (IE), then RAN2 should respond to the data collection request only once, i.e., a one-time report.

[0097] If the data collection request message includes a forecast time (IE), it indicates a request for instructions to report forecast data for a specific point in time or a specific period.

[0098] The data collection request may also include a reporting feature (IE) to instruct NG-RAN Node 2 to perform measurements or predictions on the objects to be measured or predicted, i.e., the type of measurement or prediction data to be reported. For example, RAN1 can instruct RAN2 to report predicted resource status information (such as predicted radio resource status, predicted number of active UEs, predicted number of radio resource control (RRC) connections, etc.) and UE performance feedback information (such as average downlink throughput, average uplink throughput, average packet latency, average packet loss rate, etc.) through a data collection request.

[0099] like Figure 3 As shown, RAN1 sends a data collection request to RAN2. If RAN2 cannot initiate a data collection report for any of the data requested by RAN1, RAN2 will send a data collection failure message, which may include the reason for the failure.

[0100] In a wireless network, a UE may communicate with multiple base stations, a configuration known as dual connectivity (DC) or multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC). These base stations can be of the same standard (e.g., all 4G or all 5G) or different standards (e.g., one 4G and one 5G). The network can utilize the resources of multiple base stations to provide communication services to the UE, enabling high-speed transmission. In a DC, the base station that interacts with the core network via control plane signaling is called the master node (MN), and the other base stations are called secondary nodes (SN). Each base station has different radio link control (RLC) and media access control (MAC) entities.

[0101] Bearer types in a Data Center (DC) can include: Master Cell Group Bearer (MCGbeaer), Secondary Cell Group Bearer (SCG Bearer), Split Bearer, MN-Terminated Bearer, and SN-Terminated Bearer. Specifically, an MCG bearer refers to a data radio bearer (DRB) whose RLC / MAC entities reside only on the MN; an SCG bearer refers to a DRB whose RLC / MAC entities reside only on the SN; and a split bearer refers to a DRB whose RLC / MAC entities reside on both the MN and SN. An MN-terminated bearer refers to a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) radio bearer located on the MN; and an SN-terminated bearer refers to a PDCP radio bearer located on the SN.

[0102] For a UE, the user plane connectivity options for the MN and SN involved in MR-DC can differ. User plane connectivity depends on the configured bearer options: for an MN terminated bearer, the user plane connection with the core network (CN) entity terminates at the MN; for an SN terminated bearer, the user plane connection with the CN entity terminates at the SN; user plane data transmission on the Uu interface involves either MCG or SCG radio resources, or both; for an MCG bearer, only MCG radio resources are involved; for an SCG bearer, only SCG radio resources are involved; for a split bearer, both MCG and SCG radio resources are involved; for split bearers, MN terminated bearers, and SN terminated bearers, PDCP data is transmitted between the MN and SN via the MN-SN user plane interface.

[0103] In a data center (DC), the core network could be a 5G core network or a 4G core network. Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the possible user plane architecture of the MN and SN when a UE connects to the 5G core network. Some Quality of Service (QoS) flow packets can be transmitted across all base stations (e.g., QoS flows carried by the split bearer), while some QoS flow packets are transmitted only within a single base station (e.g., QoS flows carried by the MCG bearer / SCG bearer). When a base station receives QoS flow packets directly from the core network, it needs to have a Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) entity. If packets are received through the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entity of another base station, the base station does not need to have an SDAP entity. Furthermore, in dual connectivity between base stations of different standards, both the MN and SN have RRC entities and can generate RRC messages (i.e., control messages, such as measurement messages), such as... Figure 5As shown. Furthermore, the SN can directly send the RRC messages generated by the SN to the UE (in this case, the RRC messages sent by the UE to the SN are also sent directly to the SN. The RRC messages between the SN and the UE are called signaling radio bearers (SRBs) 3), or it can notify the MN of the RRC messages generated by the SN, and the MN then sends them to the UE (in this case, the UE also forwards the RRC messages to the SN to the SN through the MN, that is, the UE sends these RRC messages to the MN, and the MN then forwards the messages to the SN).

[0104] The UE can communicate with the MN and SN. MR-DC can also include: EN-DC, NGEN-DC, NE-DC, and NR-DC.

[0105] In EN-DC, MN is a long term evolution (LTE) base station (e.g., evolved node B, eNB) connected to the 4G core network, and SN is an NR base station (e.g., gNB).

[0106] In NGEN-DC, MN is an LTE base station connected to the 5G core network, and SN is an NR base station.

[0107] In NE-DC, MN is an NR base station connected to the 5G core network, and SN is an LTE base station.

[0108] In NR-DC, MN is an NR base station connected to the 5G core network, and SN is an NR base station.

[0109] In MR-DC, the serving cell under SN is called a secondary cell group (SCG), which consists of a primary secondary cell and one or more optional secondary cells. The cell under MN is called a master cell group (MCG), which consists of a primary cell and one or more optional secondary cells.

[0110] NG-RAN supports multiple MR-DC operations, including: SN addition (Secondary Node Addition), conditional secondary node addition (CPA), SN modification (Secondary Node Modification), SN release (Secondary Node Release), SN change (Secondary Node Change), and conditional secondary node change (CPC).

[0111] SN Addition: The SN addition process is initiated by the MN. This process is used to establish UE context information on the SN, with the purpose of providing the UE with radio resources on the NR side.

[0112] CPA: Primary secondary cell (PScell) addition is performed by the UE when the execution conditions are met. After receiving the CPA configuration, the UE begins to evaluate the execution conditions. Once a PSCell addition or PCcell change is triggered, the evaluation of the execution conditions stops.

[0113] SN Modification: This procedure is used to modify, establish, or release the bearer context; transfer the bearer context between SNs; modify other attributes of the UE context within the same SN; and transmit NR RRC messages from the SN to the UE via the MN. This procedure can be triggered by either the SN or the MN. In the case of CPA or inter-SN CPC, the candidate SN can also trigger this procedure to add some prepared PSCells from the suggestion list or remove some prepared PSCells. For intra-SN CPC, this procedure is used to configure, modify, or release the intra-SN CPC configuration. This procedure can be initiated by either the MN or the SN, requesting the SN or MN to deactivate or activate the SCG.

[0114] SN Release: This procedure is used to release the UE's context information on the SN. The node receiving the release message can refuse (e.g., when the SN is initiating an SN handover while receiving the release request). This procedure can be triggered by the SN or MN. In the case of CPA or inter-SN CPC, the candidate SN can also trigger this procedure to cancel all PSCells prepared at the candidate SN and initiate the release of the relevant UE context at the candidate SN.

[0115] SN Handover: The SN change procedure initiated by the MN is used to transfer the UE context from the source SN to the target SN and change the SCG configuration in the UE from one SN to another. This procedure can be triggered by either the MN or the SN. For SN handovers triggered by the SN, the RRM measurement configuration is maintained by the SN, and the SN also processes measurement reports but does not provide measurement results to the MN.

[0116] SN Activation / Deactivation: To ensure reasonable UE battery consumption and rapid SCG usage during MR-DC configuration, an SCG activation / deactivation mechanism is introduced. When an SCG is deactivated, no transmission occurs through the SCG RLC bearer. Only the NR SCG can be deactivated. When an SCG is deactivated, all SCG secondary cells (SCells) are deactivated. The network ensures that no uplink control PDU transmissions occur to the deactivated SCG when it is deactivated. The network ensures SCG activation and simultaneously activates the PDCP replication of the SCG RLC entity associated with the PDCP entity.

[0117] Based on the PDCP anchor point, the network side determines whether the SN needs to transmit data to the UE (for example, for a split SCG bearer, both the MN and SN need to transmit data to the UE). If so, the UE needs to listen for data on the PDCCH. If not, the network can instruct the UE to deactivate the SCG, thus saving power. When the SCG is deactivated, if the network has downlink data to send through the SN, the network can instruct the UE to activate the SCG; if the UE has uplink data to send, the UE can request the network to activate the SCG.

[0118] The MN can configure the SCG to be active or deactivated when a PSCell is added, changed, RRC is restored, or during handover. If the SCG is configured to be deactivated, the UE will not perform random access to the PSCell. When the SCG is deactivated or in a deactivated state, the network can trigger SCG RRC reconfiguration (such as PSCell change, configuration update). SCG deactivation can be requested by the MN and SN. SCG activation can be requested by the MN, SN, and UE. When UL data arrives on the SCG bearer during SCG deactivation, the UE indicates to the MN that it has UL data to transmit on the SCG bearer. During handover, the target MN can indicate the SCG status in the RRC reconfiguration message sent by the source MN to the UE. The network can configure whether to allow the UE to indicate its preference for SCG deactivation to the MN.

[0119] Current discussions on AI-based UE mobility enhancement primarily focus on optimizing UE handover between cells. For example, by predicting the UE's trajectory, the handover time and appropriate target cell can be determined in advance, allowing for proactive planning of handover resources and reducing latency and the probability of handover failure. This also improves channel quality in both the source and target cells. Specifically, when the source station sends a handover request message to the target station, it carries a single-hop UE trajectory prediction (not crossing RAN nodes) and a data collection ID. gNB1 sends a data collection request message to gNB2 to request and configure UE trajectory feedback and UE performance feedback. After admitting a UE, gNB2 begins collecting UE feedback information and sends UE feedback to gNB1 after meeting any of the following conditions: collection duration, number of cells visited, leaving connected state, leaving the target station, etc.

[0120] In addition, in application scenarios such as load balancing and energy saving, base stations will exchange their predicted resource status information (such as physical resource block (PRB) utilization, RRC connection number, and active UE number) to determine the load changes and trends in the next period of time, and thus deduce reasonable adjustment strategies.

[0121] Currently, the NR system's AI-based UE mobility enhancement mainly considers scenarios where the UE is linked to a single base station, without considering scenarios under the DC (Data Center) in detail. That is, there is currently no mechanism for UE predictive information inference and feedback information collection in DC scenarios.

[0122] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method for enabling a primary network device connected to a terminal device in a DC scenario to obtain information about the terminal device from an auxiliary network device connected to the terminal device, thereby making predictions about the terminal device or further optimizing the AI ​​model.

[0123] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the network architecture shown in Figure 6(a), Figure 6(b), Figure 6(c) or Figure 6(d).

[0124] As shown in Figure 6(a), the network architecture may include terminal devices and a wireless access network.

[0125] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It connects wirelessly to a wireless access network device to access a communication system. Terminal devices can also be called terminals, UEs, mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, wireless terminals in industrial control, complete vehicles, wireless communication modules within vehicles, telematics boxes (T-boxes), roadside units (RSUs), terminal devices in autonomous driving, terminal devices in Internet of Things (IoT) networks, terminal devices in remote medical care, terminal devices in smart grids, terminal devices in transportation safety, terminal devices in smart cities, or terminal devices in smart homes, etc. This application's embodiments are not limited to these categories. For ease of description, the following embodiments of this application will use UEs as examples.

[0126] A wireless access network (WAN) is used to implement functions related to wireless access. Also known as access network equipment or a base station, the WAN connects terminal devices to a wireless network. The WAN can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB) in an LTE system or an evolved LTE-A system, a gNB in ​​a 5G communication system, a transmission reception point (TRP), a baseband unit (BBU), a WiFi access point (AP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The WAN can also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station; for example, it 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). The wireless access network can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN). In an ORAN system, the CU can also be called an open CU (O-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. This application does not limit the specific technology or equipment form used in the wireless access network. For ease of description, the wireless access network equipment is simply referred to as a network device in this application.

[0127] CU and DU can be understood as a logical functional division of the base station. Physically, CU and DU can be separate or deployed together; this application does not specifically limit this. One CU can connect to one DU, or multiple DUs can share one CU, which can save costs and facilitate network expansion. The division of CU and DU can be based on the protocol stack. One possible approach is to deploy the RRC, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layers in the CU, and the remaining Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and physical layers in the DU. This application does not limit the above protocol stack division method; other division methods are also possible.

[0128] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted, etc.; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the application scenarios of network devices and terminal devices.

[0129] AI modules can also be deployed in network devices and / or terminal devices to perform AI-related operations, such as building training datasets, training AI models, and making predictions and optimizations based on the AI ​​models. In the network architecture shown in Figure 6(b), network devices may include CUs and DUs, and AI modules are deployed in CUs, DUs, and terminal devices.

[0130] Optionally, the division of CU and DU can be as shown in Figure 6(c), with RRC and PDCP-C deployed in CU-CP, SDAP and PDCP-U deployed in CU-UP, and RLC, MAC, and physical layer (PHY) deployed in DU.

[0131] The embodiments of this application can also be applied to ORAN, and Figure 6(d) provides an exemplary ORAN architecture diagram. The radio intelligent controller (RIC) can achieve intelligent and automated RAN operation and maintenance by introducing AI. The RIC can include near real-time RIC and non-real-time RIC.

[0132] Near real-time RICs can be used for model training and inference, such as training AI models and using them for inference. Near real-time RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminal devices, which can be used as training or inference data. Optionally, near real-time RICs can deliver inference results to RAN nodes and / or terminal devices. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs; for example, a near real-time RIC can deliver inference results to a DU, which then forwards them to an RU.

[0133] Non-real-time RICs can be used for model training and inference, such as training AI models and using these models for inference. Non-real-time RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminal devices. This information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference results can be delivered to the RAN nodes and / or terminal devices. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs. For example, a non-real-time RIC can deliver inference results to a DU, which then forwards them to an RU.

[0134] See Figure 7 The figure shows a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method may include the following steps:

[0135] Step 701: The first network device sends a first request message to the second network device. The first request message includes feedback configuration information.

[0136] In this configuration, the first network device is the master node (MN) of the target terminal device, and the second network device is the secondary node (SN) of the target terminal device. However, step 701 can be performed before the target terminal device connects to the first network device and / or the second network device. In other words, when the first network device performs step 701, the target terminal device may not yet be connected to the first network device and / or the second network device.

[0137] The first request message can be non-UE-related, meaning it can be used to request the second network device to report information about all or some terminal devices based on the feedback configuration information, rather than just the target terminal device. For example, when the first network device needs to obtain information about terminal devices accessing the second network, it can send a first request message to the second network device; or, when the first network device discovers that a second network device has been added to its connected network, it can send a first request message to the second network device; or, when the first network device modifies the feedback configuration information, it can send a first request message to the second network device so that the second network device can report the terminal device information based on the modified feedback configuration information.

[0138] Optionally, the aforementioned first request message can be a data collection request message. Further, the first request message may also include a data collection ID, which is used to identify the data collection process in the first network device. For example, if the first network device initiates data collection process 1 to the second network device, the data collection ID in the data collection request message 1 sent by the first network device is ID1; the first network device can initiate data collection process 2 to the third network device, and the data collection ID in the data collection request message 2 sent by the first network device to the third network device is ID2; when the second network device reports information based on the feedback configuration information in the data collection request message 1, it can carry ID1, so the first network device can determine that the received reported information belongs to data collection process 1 based on ID1; when the third network device reports information based on the feedback configuration information in the data collection request message 2, it can carry ID2, so the first network device can determine that the received reported information belongs to data collection process 2 based on ID2. The first network device can also initiate multiple data collection processes to the same network device. Each process is configured with a different data collection identifier. For example, different processes can carry different feedback configuration information, or different processes can request data collection from different types of terminal devices.

[0139] Optionally, after receiving the first request message, the second network device may send a first response message to the first network device, indicating that the second network device has received the first request message. If the second network device can report or partially report according to the feedback configuration information, the first response message can be a data collection response message; if the second network device cannot collect and report data according to the feedback configuration information, the first response message can be a data collection failure message, and subsequent steps cannot be performed. When the first request message includes a data collection identifier, the first response message can also include the data collection identifier to indicate that the first response message is a response to the first request message.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the feedback configuration information described above may include one or more of the following:

[0141] 1. One or more measurement objects, representing the measurement results or prediction results of the one or more measurement objects requested to be reported by the second network device. Optionally, the measurement objects may include the UE performance of the terminal device in the SN, the UE trajectory of the terminal device in the SN, the UE traffic of the terminal device in the SN, the UE energy cost of the terminal device in the SN, the UE measurements of the terminal device in the SN, etc.

[0142] The performance of the terminal device in the SN can include the terminal device's throughput, packet loss rate, transmission latency, etc.

[0143] Measurement information of terminal equipment in SN may include reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), etc.

[0144] 2. Cell list, used to instruct the second network device to perform measurements on one or more of the above-mentioned measurement objects in the cells included in the cell list.

[0145] 3. One or more measurement configurations, each measurement configuration corresponding to a measurement object, indicating that measurements are performed on the corresponding measurement object according to the measurement configuration. Optionally, the measurement configuration may include a collection configuration of UE performance at the SN, a collection configuration of UE trajectory at the SN, a collection configuration of UE traffic at the SN, a collection configuration of UE energy cost at the SN, a collection configuration of UE measurements at the SN, etc.

[0146] Taking the collection configuration of UE performance at the SN as an example, its configuration information may include one or more of the following:

[0147] 1) A point in time or a period of time (collection duration time) is used to indicate the time (measurement information or prediction information) to be collected and / or reported to the terminal device at that point in time or during that period of time.

[0148] 2) Number of visited PScells: This indicates that the second network device can measure the terminal device within a number of cells not exceeding this number. For example, if the indicated number of cells is 3, and the terminal device accesses 4 cells while moving within the coverage area of ​​the second network device, then the second network device will collect and report information from 3 of these cells.

[0149] 3) Reporting conditions, used to instruct the first network device to send terminal device information, i.e., the aforementioned first information, when the reporting conditions are met. For example, in the performance measurement configuration of the terminal device in the SN, the reporting conditions may include a performance threshold, used to instruct that the terminal device's information be reported when its performance exceeds or falls below the performance threshold; or, used to instruct that the collection or reporting of terminal device information be stopped when the terminal device's performance exceeds or falls below the performance threshold. The performance of the terminal device may include the terminal device's throughput, packet loss rate, transmission latency, etc. For example, the performance threshold may include a packet loss rate threshold for the terminal device. If the second network device detects that the terminal device's packet loss rate is greater than the packet loss rate threshold, it sends the terminal device's information to the first network device so that the first network device can evaluate the terminal device's performance in the second network device, thereby optimizing the terminal device's dual-connectivity operation, such as performing SN handover, reconfiguring DRB, SRB, PDU sessions, etc.

[0150] Similarly, the measurement configuration of the mobile path of the terminal device in the SN can also include time points or time periods, number of cells, reporting conditions, etc.

[0151] The measurement configuration of service types in the SN for terminal devices can also include time points or time periods, number of cells, reporting conditions, etc. Reporting conditions can include performance thresholds, setting service types (threshold of UE traffic in SN), etc. The set service type is used to indicate when the terminal device should report its information to the first network device when executing a set service type. For example, when the set service type includes enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), if the second network device determines that the terminal device is executing eMBB or URLLC service, it will send the terminal device's information to the first network device.

[0152] The configuration for measuring the power consumption of a terminal device in the SN can also include time points or time periods, the number of cells, and reporting conditions. Reporting conditions can include performance thresholds and power consumption thresholds (threshold of UE energy cost in SN). The power consumption threshold is used to indicate whether the terminal device's power consumption exceeds or falls below the threshold, at which point information about the terminal device should be reported; or, at the same time, it can indicate whether the collection or reporting of terminal device information should be stopped when the terminal device's power consumption exceeds or falls below the threshold.

[0153] The measurement configuration of terminal equipment in the SN can also include time points or time periods, number of cells, reporting conditions, etc. Reporting conditions can include performance thresholds, measurement thresholds (threshold of UE measurements in SN), etc. Among them, the measurement threshold is used to indicate that the terminal equipment's information should be reported when the measurement information exceeds or falls below the measurement threshold; or, it is used to indicate that the collection or reporting of the terminal equipment's information should be stopped when the measurement information exceeds or falls below the measurement threshold.

[0154] Step 702: The first network device sends a second request message to the second network device. The second request message includes prediction information of the target terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or prediction information of the target terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device.

[0155] During step 702, the target terminal device has already connected to the first network device. Optionally, the first network device may send a second request message to the second network device if it determines that mobility enhancement for the target terminal device is required. For example, if the first network device determines that the target terminal device needs mobility enhancement, and based on the target terminal device's movement path, judges that the target terminal device may enter the coverage area of ​​the second network device, the first network device may send a second request message to the second network device, requesting that the second network device be used as the target terminal device's SN, and sending the predicted information about the target terminal device to the second network device through the second request message.

[0156] The second request message may include the identifier of the target terminal device and the prediction information of the target terminal device by the first network device. Therefore, unlike the first request message, which is a non-UE-related message, the second request message is a UE-related message.

[0157] The second request message serves not only to send the prediction information of the target terminal device to the second network device, but also to instruct the second network device to report the information of the target terminal device. In this embodiment, the first network device, acting as the MN of the target terminal device, can predict the target terminal device (including prediction information of the target terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or prediction information of the target terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device). It can also adjust and optimize the network or the AI ​​model by collecting information from the target terminal device (including information of the target terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or information of the target terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device). Therefore, the first network device can instruct the second network device to report the information of the target terminal device based on the aforementioned feedback configuration information via the second request message.

[0158] In one possible implementation, the first request message may include a data collection identifier, and the second request message may also include the data collection identifier to instruct the second network device to report information of the target terminal device according to the feedback configuration information in the first request message.

[0159] The aforementioned predictive information can be used by the second network device to make mobility decisions for the target terminal device. Upon receiving the second request message, the second network device can make mobility decisions for the target terminal device based on the predictive information in the second request message. After obtaining the predictive information for the target terminal device, the second network device can predict the target terminal device's movement path, thereby facilitating better service provision to the target terminal device. For example, if the second network device determines that the target terminal device may need to connect to the second network device based on the predictive information, the second network device can pre-configure corresponding resources for the target terminal device, enabling the target terminal device to quickly connect to the second network device and obtain the required services.

[0160] Optionally, the prediction information may include one or more of the following:

[0161] Prediction time: This indicates that the prediction information provided by the first network device is at that prediction time point or during the prediction period.

[0162] Primary cell (PCell) identifier: Indicates one or more primary cells that the target terminal may access under the first network device. When the prediction information includes multiple prediction times, each prediction time can correspond to one or more primary cell identifiers, indicating one or more primary cells that the target terminal device may access at that prediction time.

[0163] Predicted dwell time in the primary cell: This indicates the potential dwell time of the target terminal device in the primary cell. When the prediction information includes identifiers of multiple primary cells, each primary cell identifier can correspond to a dwell time.

[0164] Other information about the predicted target terminal device in the main cell, such as performance information, mobility path, service type, DRB information, SRB information, PDU session information, and measurement information of the predicted target terminal device in the main cell.

[0165] The identifier of one or more SNs of the predicted target terminal device: indicates one or more SNs of the network that the first network device predicts the target terminal device may access.

[0166] The predicted primary and secondary cell (PScell) identifiers for the target terminal device indicate one or more PScells that the target terminal device may access under the secondary network device. When the prediction information includes multiple prediction times, each prediction time can correspond to one or more PScell ​​identifiers, indicating one or more PScells that the target terminal device may access at that prediction time.

[0167] Predicted dwell time of the target terminal device in the PScell: This indicates the possible dwell time of the target terminal device in the PScell. When the prediction information includes identifiers of multiple PScells, each PScell ​​identifier can correspond to a dwell time.

[0168] Predicted performance information of the target terminal device in the PScell: for example, the throughput, packet loss rate, and transmission latency of the target terminal device predicted by the first network device in the PScell. When the prediction information includes the identifiers of multiple PScells, the prediction information can further include the performance information corresponding to each PScell ​​identifier.

[0169] The predicted DRB information of the target terminal device in the PScell. When the prediction information includes the identifiers of multiple PScells, the prediction information may further include the DRB information corresponding to the identifier of each PScell.

[0170] The predicted SRB information for the target terminal device in the PScell. When the prediction information includes the identifiers of multiple PScells, the prediction information may further include the SRB information corresponding to each PScell ​​identifier.

[0171] The predicted PDU session information of the target terminal device in the PScell. When the prediction information includes the identifiers of multiple PScells, the prediction information may further include the PDU session information corresponding to each PScell ​​identifier.

[0172] Predicted measurement information of the target terminal device in the PScell: for example, the RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc. of the target terminal device predicted by the first network device in the PScell. When the prediction information includes the identifiers of multiple PScells, the prediction information can further include the measurement information corresponding to the identifier of each PScell.

[0173] Furthermore, the prediction information may also include the accuracy or reliability of any of the above information.

[0174] Step 703: The second network device sends first information to the first network device. The first information includes information about the target terminal device obtained based on the feedback configuration information.

[0175] When performing step 702 above, the target terminal device has already connected to the second network device. That is, the second network device, as the SN of the target terminal device, reports the information of the target terminal device to the MN of the target terminal device. The reported information is the information of the target terminal device collected based on the feedback configuration information in the first request message.

[0176] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the first network device, acting as the MN of the target terminal device, can predict the SN of the target terminal device (i.e., the second network device) based on prediction information of the target terminal device, and send the prediction information to the second network device. This allows the second network device to enhance the mobility of the target terminal device based on the prediction information. Furthermore, the first network device can request the second network device to report information about the target terminal device. After the target terminal device connects to the second network device, the second network device sends measurement information and prediction information of the target terminal device to the first network device based on feedback configuration information. This allows the first network device to evaluate the current performance of the target terminal device on the second network device and further optimize the dual-connectivity operation of the target terminal device, or optimize network operation.

[0177] To better understand the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, the following is in conjunction with... Figure 8 Let's illustrate with examples. Figure 8 The specific embodiments shown may include the following processes:

[0178] Step 801: The first network device sends a data collection request to the second network device.

[0179] This data collection request is the first request message in the aforementioned embodiments. Optionally, the data collection request includes a data collection ID and feedback configuration information.

[0180] Optionally, the feedback configuration information may include one or more measurement objects, a cell list, one or more measurement configurations, etc.; the measurement configuration may include measurement configurations for the terminal device's performance in the SN, measurement configurations for the terminal device's movement path in the SN, measurement configurations for the terminal device's service type in the SN, measurement configurations for the terminal device's power consumption in the SN, and measurement configurations for the terminal device's measurement information in the SN, etc. For details on the content of various measurement configurations, please refer to the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0181] Step 802: The second network device sends a data collection response to the first network device.

[0182] The data collection response is the first response message in the aforementioned embodiments. Optionally, when the data collection request includes a data collection ID, the data collection response also includes that data collection ID.

[0183] Step 803: The first network device determines that the target terminal device needs mobility enhancement.

[0184] The first network device can determine whether mobility enhancement is needed for terminal devices connected to it, and identify the target terminal devices that require mobility enhancement. Based on AI prediction information and corresponding AI strategies for the target terminal devices, the first network device can determine the means of mobility enhancement, such as adding a serial number (SN), SN handover, or SN modification, to ensure the performance of the target terminal devices.

[0185] Figure 8 Let's take the example of using a second network device as the SN of the target terminal device.

[0186] Step 804: The first network device sends an SN addition request to the second network device.

[0187] The SN addition request is the second request message in the aforementioned embodiment. This SN addition request includes prediction information from the first network device regarding the target terminal device, which may include prediction information of the target terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or prediction information of the target terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device.

[0188] Optionally, when the data collection request includes a data collection ID, the SN addition request may also include the data collection ID, indicating that the second network device is requested to collect and report the information of the target terminal device according to the feedback configuration information in the corresponding data collection request, so as to distinguish it from the feedback configuration information in other data collection processes.

[0189] Step 805: The first network device and the second network device execute the SN addition process.

[0190] After step 805 is completed, the target terminal device enters a dual-connection state, with the first network device being the MN of the target terminal device and the second network device being the SN of the target terminal device.

[0191] Step 806: The second network device sends a data collection update to the first network device.

[0192] After the target terminal device connects to the second network device, the second network device obtains or collects information about the target terminal device (such as measurement information and / or prediction information) based on the feedback configuration information in the data collection request, and sends the information of the target terminal device in the data collection update message to the first network device. This allows the first network device to evaluate the current performance of the target terminal device on the second network device based on the information of the target terminal device fed back by the second network device, and further optimize the dual-connection operation of the target terminal device, or optimize network operation.

[0193] This application also provides a communication method to enable a target auxiliary network device connected to a terminal device in a DC scenario to obtain information about the terminal device from the terminal device's main network device and source auxiliary network device, thereby making predictions about the terminal device or further optimizing the AI ​​model. This communication method can also be applied to the network architectures shown in Figures 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), or 6(d).

[0194] See Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method involves a network element handover process for a target terminal device, including the target terminal device, the target terminal device's primary network device (MN), the target terminal device's source auxiliary network device (S-SN), and the target terminal device's target auxiliary network device (T-SN).

[0195] like Figure 9 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0196] Step 901: S-SN sends a first message to MN. The first message includes the first prediction information of S-SN for the target terminal device.

[0197] The S-SN predicts whether the accessing terminal device needs to switch to the accessing network device. When the source S-SN determines that the target terminal device needs to switch to the auxiliary network device based on the target terminal device's information (such as the target terminal device's predicted movement path, target terminal device's performance information, target terminal device's service type, target terminal device's measurement information, etc.), it sends the first message to the MN.

[0198] The first prediction information is the S-SN's prediction information about the target terminal device, or it can be the target terminal device information collected based on the feedback configuration information indicated by the MN. For more information on feedback configuration information, please refer to... Figure 7 , Figure 8 The description of feedback configuration information in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0199] In one possible implementation, the first prediction information may include one or more of the following:

[0200] The movement path of the target terminal device may include the movement path of the target terminal device in the S-SN, or the movement path of the target terminal device predicted by the S-SN.

[0201] Performance information of the target terminal device: This can include the performance information of the target terminal device in the S-SN, or the performance information of the target terminal device predicted by the S-SN. Performance information may include the target terminal device's throughput, packet loss rate, transmission latency, etc.

[0202] The service type of the target terminal device may include the service type of the target terminal device in the S-SN, or the service type of the target terminal device predicted by the S-SN.

[0203] DRB information of the target terminal device: This may include the DRB information of the target terminal device in the S-SN, or the DRB information of the target terminal device predicted by the S-SN.

[0204] SRB information of the target terminal device: This may include the SRB information of the target terminal device in the S-SN, or the SRB information of the target terminal device predicted by the S-SN.

[0205] The PDU session information of the target terminal device may include the PDU session information of the target terminal device in the S-SN, or the PDU session information of the target terminal device predicted by the S-SN.

[0206] Measurement information of the target terminal device: This can include measurement information of the target terminal device in the S-SN, or measurement information of the target terminal device predicted by the S-SN. Measurement information may include RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc. of the target terminal device.

[0207] Optionally, the first prediction information may include information or prediction information of the target terminal device in one or more PSCells.

[0208] The S-SN sends the first prediction information to the MN, which enables the MN to determine whether the target terminal device needs to switch SN and the T-SN to switch to based on the S-SN's prediction information for the target terminal device and its own prediction information for the target terminal device, thereby facilitating mobility decisions for the target terminal device.

[0209] Step 902: MN sends a second message to T-SN, the second message including the first prediction information and / or the second prediction information.

[0210] The second prediction information is the prediction information of the MN for the target terminal device. Both the MN and SN can predict the information of the target terminal device and send it to the network devices related to the target terminal device, so that the network devices related to the target terminal device can obtain more comprehensive prediction information about the target terminal device, thereby optimizing the dual-connection operation of the target terminal device or optimizing network operation.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the second prediction information may include one or more of the following:

[0212] The target terminal device's movement path can include the target terminal device's movement path within the MN, or the target terminal device's movement path predicted by the MN.

[0213] Performance information of the target terminal device: This can include the performance information of the target terminal device in the MN, or the performance information of the target terminal device predicted by the MN. Performance information may include the target terminal device's throughput, packet loss rate, transmission latency, etc.

[0214] The service type of the target terminal device can include the service type of the target terminal device in the MN, or the service type of the target terminal device predicted by the MN.

[0215] DRB information of the target terminal device: This may include the DRB information of the target terminal device in the MN, or the DRB information of the target terminal device predicted by the MN.

[0216] SRB information of the target terminal device: This may include the SRB information of the target terminal device in the MN, or the SRB information of the target terminal device predicted by the MN.

[0217] The PDU session information of the target terminal device may include the PDU session information of the target terminal device in the MN, or the PDU session information of the target terminal device predicted by the MN.

[0218] Measurement information of the target terminal device: This can include the measurement information of the target terminal device in the MN, or the measurement information of the target terminal device predicted by the MN. The measurement information can include RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc. of the target terminal device.

[0219] Optionally, the second prediction information may include information or prediction information about the target terminal device in one or more PCells.

[0220] Optionally, MN can associate the prediction information of each PScell ​​with the corresponding PCcell based on the relationship between PScell ​​and Pcell.

[0221] Step 903: The T-SN provides services to the target terminal device based on the first prediction information and the second prediction information.

[0222] After obtaining the prediction information of the target terminal device, the T-SN can provide services to the target terminal device based on the prediction information. For example, the T-SN can allocate resources to the target terminal device that is about to connect and optimize the dual-connection operation of the target terminal device based on the prediction information.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the above method may further include:

[0224] Step 904: T-SN sends a third message to MN, which includes feedback information from T-SN to the terminal device.

[0225] After the target terminal device switches from the S-SN to the T-SN, the T-SN can collect information about the target terminal device, obtain feedback information, and send it to the MN. The feedback information may include information collected by the T-SN from the target terminal device; further, it may include information about the target terminal device collected according to feedback configuration information instructed by the MN. For information on feedback configuration information, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 , Figure 8 The description of feedback configuration information in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0226] Optionally, the feedback prediction information may include one or more of the following:

[0227] The movement path of the target terminal device: This may include the movement path of the target terminal device in the T-SN.

[0228] Performance information of the target terminal device: This can include the performance information of the target terminal device in the T-SN. Performance information may include the target terminal device's throughput, packet loss rate, transmission latency, etc.

[0229] Service type of the target terminal device: This can include the service type of the target terminal device in the T-SN.

[0230] DRB information of the target terminal device: This may include the DRB information of the target terminal device in the T-SN.

[0231] SRB information of the target terminal device: This may include the SRB information of the target terminal device in the T-SN.

[0232] The PDU session information of the target terminal device may include the PDU session information of the target terminal device in the T-SN.

[0233] Measurement information of the target terminal device: This can include the measurement information of the target terminal device in the T-SN. The measurement information can include RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc. of the target terminal device.

[0234] The T-SN sends feedback information to the MN, which allows the MN to optimize the dual-connection strategy of the target terminal device based on the information collected by the T-SN on the target terminal device, its own information collected on the target terminal device, and / or prediction information, or to perform operations such as optimization, evaluation, updating, and training on the local AI model.

[0235] Optionally, the MN can determine the dual-connection strategy of the target terminal device based on the first prediction information, the second prediction information, and / or feedback information, and send the dual-connection strategy to the T-SN, so that the T-SN can provide services to the target terminal device according to the dual-connection strategy determined by the MN.

[0236] In one possible implementation, the above method may further include step 905a or step 905b.

[0237] Step 905a: MN sends a fourth message to S-SN, which includes feedback information.

[0238] Although the target terminal device has switched from S-SN to T-SN, MN can still send feedback information to S-SN, enabling S-SN to optimize, evaluate, update, and train the local AI model based on the feedback information.

[0239] When the MN sends the fourth message to the S-SN, it can carry the first identifier assigned by the S-SN to the target terminal device in the fourth message so that the S-SN can identify the target terminal device.

[0240] In one possible design, after the target terminal device switches from S-SN to T-SN, MN retains the first identifier assigned to the target terminal device by S-SN, rather than immediately deleting it. In this case, MN can retain the correspondence between the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier, where the third identifier is the identifier assigned to the target terminal device by T-SN.

[0241] The third message sent by the T-SN includes a second identifier assigned by the MN. The MN can determine the first identifier assigned by the S-SN to the target terminal device based on the correspondence between the first identifier and the second identifier. Thus, when the MN sends the fourth message to the S-SN, it can use the first identifier to mark the target terminal device.

[0242] In another possible design, if the second message sent by the MN to the T-SN includes a first identifier assigned by the S-SN to the target terminal device, then the third message sent by the T-SN to the MN can also include that first identifier. In this case, even if the MN does not retain the first identifier assigned by the S-SN to the target terminal device, the MN can still use the first identifier to mark the target terminal device when sending the fourth message to the S-SN.

[0243] Step 905b: T-SN sends a fifth message to S-SN, which includes feedback information.

[0244] In the scheme of step 905a, the feedback information of the T-SN to the target terminal device is forwarded to the S-SN through the MN; while in the scheme of step 905b, the T-SN can directly send the feedback information to the S-SN.

[0245] Optionally, before performing step 905b, a data collection process is also initiated between the T-SN and the S-SN. That is, the S-SN sends a data collection request message to the T-SN, and the T-SN sends the information of the target terminal device (i.e. the aforementioned feedback information) to the S-SN according to the feedback configuration information in the data collection request message.

[0246] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the SN handover scenario of the target terminal device. The SN can also optimize the dual-connection operation of the target terminal device or optimize the local AI model based on the target terminal device information. Specifically, after obtaining the prediction information of the S-SN for the target terminal device, the MN can send it to the T-SN of the target terminal device so that the T-SN can determine the dual-connection strategy of the target terminal device based on the prediction information of the S-SN for the target terminal device, or optimize, evaluate, update, and train the original AI model.

[0247] To better understand the above embodiments of this application, the following is in conjunction with... Figures 10-12 Let's illustrate with examples.

[0248] Figure 10 The specific embodiments shown may include the following processes:

[0249] Step 1001: S-SN sends a data collection request to MN.

[0250] Step 1002: MN sends a data collection response to S-SN.

[0251] Optionally, steps 1001 and 1002 can be found in the detailed description of steps 801 and 802.

[0252] In step 1001, when the data collection request includes a data collection ID, it can be assumed to be ID0.

[0253] Step 1003: MN sends a data collection request to T-SN.

[0254] Step 1004: T-SN sends a data collection response to MN.

[0255] Optionally, steps 1003 and 1004 can be found in the detailed description of steps 801 and 802.

[0256] In step 1003, when the data collection request includes a data collection ID, it can be assumed to be ID1. The purpose of carrying the data collection ID is to identify the data collection process and distinguish it from other data collection processes. For example, in... Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, MN involves two data collection processes: one is the data collection process with S-SN (the data collection process involved in steps 1001 and 1002), and the other is the data collection process with T-SN (the data collection process involved in steps 1003 and 1004). The feedback configuration information and reported feedback information involved in different data collection processes can be distinguished by the data collection ID.

[0257] Step 1005: The target terminal device is in a dual-connection state.

[0258] At this point, the target terminal device has already connected to MN and S-SN.

[0259] Step 1006: S-SN predicts that the target terminal device needs to perform SN handover.

[0260] Step 1007: The S-SN sends an SN change required message to the MN.

[0261] The SN change required message is the first message in the aforementioned embodiments, which includes the S-SN's first prediction information for the target terminal device. Optionally, the first prediction information may include information or prediction information of the target terminal device in one or more PSCells.

[0262] Optionally, the SN change required message may include the data collection ID: ID0.

[0263] Step 1008: MN sends an SN addition request message to T-SN.

[0264] The SN addition request message is the second message in the aforementioned embodiments, which includes the first prediction information of the S-SN for the target terminal device and / or the second prediction information of the MN for the target terminal device.

[0265] Optionally, the SN addition request message may include the data collection ID: ID1.

[0266] Step 1009: S-SN, MN, and T-SN execute the SN switching procedure.

[0267] After completing step 1009, the target terminal device switches from S-SN to T-SN, but remains in dual-connection state.

[0268] In traditional SN handover procedures, after the target terminal device hands over from the S-SN to the T-SN, the MN releases the target terminal device's context in the S-SN (including the first identifier assigned to the target terminal device by the S-SN). However, in this application... Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, MN retains the identifier assigned to the target terminal device by S-SN so that the information of the target terminal device can be fed back to S-SN later. That is, after step 1009, MN can store the correspondence between the first identifier, the second identifier (the identifier assigned to the target terminal device by MN), and the third identifier (the identifier assigned to the target terminal device by T-SN).

[0269] Step 1010: T-SN sends a data collection update message to MN.

[0270] The data collection update message includes feedback information from the T-SN to the target terminal device. This feedback information may be collected by the T-SN based on the feedback configuration information in the data collection request received in step 1003.

[0271] The data collection update message may also include a second identifier assigned by the MN to the target terminal device.

[0272] Optionally, the data collection update message may include the data collection ID: ID1.

[0273] Step 1011: MN sends a data collection update message to S-SN.

[0274] After receiving the data collection update message from the T-SN, the MN can determine the corresponding first identifier based on the correspondence between the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier, and then send a data collection update message containing the first identifier to the S-SN. This data collection update message includes feedback information from the T-SN to the target terminal device.

[0275] Optionally, the data collection update message may include the data collection ID: ID0.

[0276] After receiving the data collection update message, the S-SN can perform operations such as optimization, evaluation, updating, and training on the local AI model based on the feedback information.

[0277] Figure 11 The specific embodiments shown may include the following processes:

[0278] Step 1101: S-SN sends a data collection request to MN.

[0279] Step 1102: MN sends a data collection response to S-SN.

[0280] Optionally, steps 1101 and 1102 can be found in the detailed description of steps 801 and 802.

[0281] In step 1101, when the data collection request includes a data collection ID, it can be assumed to be ID0. The purpose of carrying the data collection ID is to identify the data collection process and distinguish it from other data collection processes. The feedback configuration information and reported feedback information involved in different data collection processes can be distinguished by the data collection ID.

[0282] Step 1103: The target terminal device is in a dual-connection state.

[0283] At this point, the target terminal device has already connected to MN and S-SN.

[0284] Step 1104: S-SN predicts that the target terminal device needs to perform SN handover.

[0285] Step 1105: The S-SN sends an SN change required message to the MN.

[0286] The SN change required message is the first message in the aforementioned embodiments, which includes the S-SN's first prediction information for the target terminal device. Optionally, the first prediction information may include information or prediction information of the target terminal device in one or more PSCells.

[0287] Optionally, the SN change required message may include the data collection ID: ID0.

[0288] Step 1106: MN sends an SN addition request message to T-SN.

[0289] The SN addition request message is the second message in the aforementioned embodiments, which includes the first prediction information of the S-SN for the target terminal device and / or the second prediction information of the MN for the target terminal device.

[0290] The SN addition request message may also include a first identifier assigned by the S-SN to the target terminal device, so that the T-SN can carry the first identifier when feeding back information about the target terminal device.

[0291] Optionally, the SN addition request message may include the data collection ID: ID0.

[0292] Step 1107: S-SN, MN, and T-SN execute the SN switching procedure.

[0293] After completing step 1107, the target terminal device switches from S-SN to T-SN, but remains in dual-connection state.

[0294] In the traditional SN handover process, when the target terminal device hands over from the S-SN to the T-SN, the MN releases the target terminal device's context in the S-SN, and the T-SN stores a second identifier (the MN is the identifier assigned to the target terminal device). However, in this application... Figure 11In the embodiment shown, the MN sends the first identifier to the T-SN. The T-SN can store the first identifier. When the information of the target terminal device is fed back to the MN, the first identifier can be carried. In this way, the MN no longer needs to retain the first identifier assigned by the S-SN to the target terminal device.

[0295] Step 1108: T-SN sends feedback information to MN.

[0296] The feedback information is the information collected by T-SN from the target terminal device.

[0297] When sending feedback information, the T-SN can also carry the first identifier assigned by the S-SN to the target terminal device.

[0298] Optionally, when sending feedback information, the T-SN can also carry the data collection ID: ID0.

[0299] Step 1109: MN sends a data collection update message to S-SN.

[0300] After receiving the data collection update message from the T-SN, the MN receives the message. This data collection update message includes a first identifier and feedback information from the T-SN to the target terminal device.

[0301] Optionally, the data collection update message may include the data collection ID: ID0.

[0302] After receiving the data collection update message, the S-SN can perform operations such as optimization, evaluation, updating, and training on the local AI model based on the feedback information.

[0303] Figure 12 The specific embodiments shown may include the following processes:

[0304] Step 1201: The S-SN sends a data collection request to the T-SN.

[0305] Step 1202: The T-SN sends a data collection response to the S-SN.

[0306] Optionally, steps 1201 and 1202 can be found in the detailed description of steps 801 and 802.

[0307] In step 1201, when the data collection request includes a data collection ID, it can be assumed to be ID0. The purpose of carrying the data collection ID is to identify the data collection process and distinguish it from other data collection processes. The feedback configuration information and reported feedback information involved in different data collection processes can be distinguished by the data collection ID.

[0308] Step 1203: The target terminal device is in a dual-connection state.

[0309] At this point, the target terminal device has already connected to MN and S-SN.

[0310] Step 1204: S-SN predicts that the target terminal device needs to perform SN handover.

[0311] Step 1205: The S-SN sends an SN change required message to the MN.

[0312] The SN change required message is the first message in the aforementioned embodiments, which includes the S-SN's first prediction information for the target terminal device. Optionally, the first prediction information may include information or prediction information of the target terminal device in one or more PSCells.

[0313] Optionally, the SN change required message may include the data collection ID: ID0.

[0314] Step 1206: MN sends an SN addition request message to T-SN.

[0315] The SN addition request message is the second message in the aforementioned embodiments, which includes the first prediction information of the S-SN for the target terminal device and / or the second prediction information of the MN for the target terminal device.

[0316] Optionally, the SN addition request message may include the data collection ID: ID0.

[0317] Step 1207: S-SN, MN, and T-SN execute the SN switching procedure.

[0318] After completing step 1207, the target terminal device switches from S-SN to T-SN, but remains in dual-connection state.

[0319] Step 1208: The T-SN sends a data collection update message to the S-SN.

[0320] The data collection update message includes feedback information from the T-SN to the target terminal device. This feedback information may be collected by the T-SN based on the feedback configuration information in the data collection request received in step 1201.

[0321] Optionally, the data collection update message may include the data collection ID: ID0.

[0322] After receiving the data collection update message, the S-SN can perform operations such as optimization, evaluation, updating, and training on the local AI model based on the feedback information.

[0323] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processing module 1301 and a transceiver module 1302. The processing module 1301 is used to process data by the communication device. The transceiver module 1302 is used to receive content from the communication device and other units or network elements, or to send content from the communication device and other units or network elements. It should be understood that the processing module 1301 in this embodiment of the application can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components (or, referred to as processing circuitry), and the transceiver module 1302 can be implemented by a receiver / transmitter or receiver / transmitter-related circuit components.

[0324] For example, the communication device may be a communication device equipment, or it may be a chip or other combination device or component that has the functions of the aforementioned communication device equipment applied in the communication device equipment.

[0325] When the communication device is a first network device, the processing module 1301 sends a first request message to the second network device through the transceiver module 1302. The first request message includes feedback configuration information. The transceiver module 1302 also sends a second request message to the second network device. The second request message includes prediction information about the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or prediction information about the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device. The prediction information is used by the second network device to make mobility decisions for the terminal device. The second request message also instructs the second network device to report information about the terminal device. The transceiver module 1302 receives first information sent by the second network device and performs artificial intelligence processing based on the first information. The first information is the information about the terminal device obtained based on the feedback configuration information. The first network device is the primary node MN of the terminal device, and the second network device is the secondary node SN of the terminal device.

[0326] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support Figure 7 , Figure 8 Other processes performed by the first network device in the illustrated embodiment. The beneficial effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0327] When the communication device is a second network device, the processing module 1301 receives a first request message sent by the first network device through the transceiver module 1302. The first request message includes feedback configuration information. The processing module 1301 also receives a second request message sent by the first network device through the transceiver module 1302. The second request message includes prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device. The second request message is also used to instruct the second network device to report information about the terminal device. The prediction information is used by the second network device to make mobility decisions for the terminal device. The processing module 1301 then sends first information to the first network device through the transceiver module 1302. The first information includes information about the terminal device obtained based on the feedback configuration information. The first network device is the primary node MN of the terminal device, and the second network device is the secondary node SN of the terminal device.

[0328] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support Figure 7 , Figure 8 Other processes performed by the second network device in the illustrated embodiment. The beneficial effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0329] When the communication device is the primary network device, the processing module 1301 receives a first message sent by the source auxiliary network device through the transceiver module 1302. The first message includes the first prediction information of the source auxiliary network device for the terminal device. The transceiver module 1301 then sends a second message to the target auxiliary network device through the transceiver module 1302. The second message includes the first prediction information and the second prediction information. The second prediction information is the prediction information of the primary network device for the terminal device. The terminal device will then switch from the source auxiliary network device to the target auxiliary network device.

[0330] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support Figures 9 to 12 Other processes performed by the main network device in the illustrated embodiment. The beneficial effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0331] When the communication device is a source auxiliary network device, the processing module 1301 is used to predict that the terminal device will switch from the source auxiliary network device to the target auxiliary network device; and sends a first message to the main network device through the transceiver module 1302, the first message including the first prediction information of the source auxiliary network device for the terminal device.

[0332] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support Figures 9 to 12 Other processes performed by the source auxiliary network device in the illustrated embodiment. The beneficial effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0333] When the communication device is a target auxiliary network device, the processing module 1301 is used to receive a second message sent by the main network device through the transceiver module 1302. The second message includes the first prediction information and the second prediction information. The second prediction information is the prediction information of the main network device for the terminal device. The processing module 1301 is used to provide services to the target terminal device according to the first prediction information and the second prediction information.

[0334] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support Figures 9 to 12 Other processes performed by the target auxiliary network device in the illustrated embodiment. The beneficial effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0335] Figure 14This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processor 1401, a communication interface 1402, and may further include a memory 1403 and a bus 1404. The processor 1401, communication interface 1402, and memory 1403 can be interconnected via the bus 1404. The bus 1404 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus 1404 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 14 The symbol is represented by only one line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0336] Processor 1401 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor may further include hardware chips. These hardware chips may be application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or combinations thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. Memory 1403 may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both. The non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache.

[0337] The processor 1401 is used to implement the data processing operation of the communication device, and the communication interface 1402 is used to implement the receiving and sending operations of the communication device.

[0338] When the communication device is a first network device, the processor 1401 is used to send a first request message to a second network device through a communication interface 1402, the first request message including feedback configuration information; send a second request message to the second network device through the communication interface 1402, the second request message including prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device, the prediction information being used by the second network device to make mobility decisions for the terminal device, the second request message also being used to instruct the second network device to report information of the terminal device; receive first information sent by the second network device through the communication interface 1402, and perform artificial intelligence processing based on the first information, the first information being information of the terminal device obtained based on the feedback configuration information, the first network device being the master node MN of the terminal device, and the second network device being the auxiliary node SN of the terminal device.

[0339] In addition, the aforementioned components can also be used to support Figure 7 , Figure 8 Other processes performed by the first network device in the illustrated embodiment. The beneficial effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0340] When the communication device is a second network device, the processor 1401 is used to receive a first request message sent by the first network device through the communication interface 1402, the first request message including feedback configuration information; receive a second request message sent by the first network device through the communication interface 1402, the second request message including prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device, the second request message is also used to instruct the second network device to report the information of the terminal device, the prediction information being used by the second network device to make mobility decisions for the terminal device; and send first information to the first network device through the communication interface 1402, the first information including information of the terminal device obtained according to the feedback configuration information, the first network device being the master node MN of the terminal device, and the second network device being the auxiliary node SN of the terminal device.

[0341] In addition, the aforementioned components can also be used to support Figure 7 , Figure 8Other processes performed by the second network device in the illustrated embodiment. The beneficial effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0342] When the communication device is the primary network device, the processor 1401 is used to receive a first message sent by the source auxiliary network device through the communication interface 1402. The first message includes first prediction information of the source auxiliary network device for the terminal device. The processor 1401 sends a second message to the target auxiliary network device through the communication interface 1402. The second message includes the first prediction information and the second prediction information. The second prediction information is the prediction information of the primary network device for the terminal device. The terminal device will switch from the source auxiliary network device to the target auxiliary network device.

[0343] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support Figures 9 to 12 Other processes performed by the main network device in the illustrated embodiment. The beneficial effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0344] When the communication device is a source auxiliary network device, the processor 1401 is used to predict that the terminal device will switch from the source auxiliary network device to the target auxiliary network device; and sends a first message to the main network device through the communication interface 1402, the first message including the first prediction information of the source auxiliary network device for the terminal device.

[0345] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support Figures 9 to 12 Other processes performed by the source auxiliary network device in the illustrated embodiment. The beneficial effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0346] When the communication device is a target auxiliary network device, the processor 1401 is used to receive a second message sent by the main network device through the communication interface 1402. The second message includes the first prediction information and the second prediction information. The second prediction information is the prediction information of the main network device for the terminal device. The processor 1401 provides services to the target terminal device according to the first prediction information and the second prediction information.

[0347] In addition, the above modules can also be used to support Figures 9 to 12 Other processes performed by the target auxiliary network device in the illustrated embodiment. The beneficial effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0348] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in any of the possible implementations described above to be executed.

[0349] This application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the above-described method embodiments to be executed.

[0350] This application provides a chip, including: a processor coupled to a memory for storing instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the chip to implement the method steps performed by any of the above-mentioned nodes.

[0351] In the description of the embodiments of this application, "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. "Multiple" in this application refers to two or more.

[0352] Furthermore, it should be understood that in the description of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only for distinguishing purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor as indicating or implying order. References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in still other embodiments" appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0353] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

[0354] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0355] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0356] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first network device, the method includes: Send a first request message to the second network device, the first request message including feedback configuration information; Send a second request message to the second network device. The second request message includes prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device. The prediction information is used by the second network device to make mobility decisions for the terminal device. The second request message is also used to instruct the second network device to report information about the terminal device. The system receives first information sent by the second network device and performs artificial intelligence processing based on the first information. The first information is information about the terminal device obtained based on the feedback configuration information. The first network device is the master node MN of the terminal device, and the second network device is the auxiliary node SN of the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feedback configuration information includes one or more of the following: The information of the terminal device includes one or more measurement objects; A cell list, used to indicate the cells contained in the cell list for measuring the object; One or more measurement configurations, each measurement configuration corresponding to a measurement object, indicating that the measurement object is measured according to the measurement configuration.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The measurement object includes one or more of the following information: The terminal device's performance information under the second network device, the terminal device's movement path under the second network device, the terminal device's service type under the second network device, the terminal device's power consumption under the second network device, and the terminal device's measurement information under the second network device.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The measurement configuration includes one or more of the following: A point in time or a period of time is used to indicate the time during which the terminal device collects information; Reporting conditions are used to indicate that the first information should be sent when the reporting conditions are met; The number of cells indicates the number of cells in which the terminal device is measured.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reporting conditions include one or more of the following information: A performance threshold is used to indicate when the performance of the terminal device exceeds or falls below the performance threshold, at which point the first information is sent. The service type is set to instruct the terminal device to send the first information when it executes the set service type; A power consumption threshold is used to indicate when the power consumption of the terminal device exceeds or falls below the power consumption threshold, at which point the first information is sent. A measurement threshold is used to indicate when the measurement information of the terminal device exceeds or falls below the measurement threshold, at which point the first information is sent.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The prediction information includes one or more of the following: The predicted identifier of one or more SNs of the terminal device; The predicted identifiers of the primary and secondary PScells of the terminal device; The predicted time the terminal device spends in the PScell; The predicted performance information of the terminal device in the PScell; The predicted terminal device carries DRB information in the PScell's data wireless bearer; The predicted signaling bearer information of the terminal device in the PScell ​​carries SRB information; The predicted information of the terminal device's Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session in the PScell; The predicted measurement information of the terminal device in the PScell.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The performance information includes one or more of the following: throughput, packet loss rate, and transmission latency.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The measurement information includes one or more of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second network device, the method includes: Receive a first request message sent by a first network device, the first request message including feedback configuration information; The system receives a second request message sent by the first network device. The second request message includes prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device and / or prediction information of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the second network device. The second request message is also used to instruct the second network device to report information about the terminal device. The prediction information is used by the second network device to make mobility decisions for the terminal device. Send first information to the first network device, the first information including information about the terminal device obtained according to the feedback configuration information, the first network device being the master node MN of the terminal device, and the second network device being the auxiliary node SN of the terminal device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The feedback configuration information includes one or more of the following: The information of the terminal device includes one or more measurement objects; A cell list, used to indicate the cells contained in the cell list for measuring the object; One or more measurement configurations, each measurement configuration corresponding to a measurement object, indicating that the measurement object is measured according to the measurement configuration.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The measurement object includes one or more of the following information: The terminal device's performance information under the second network device, the terminal device's movement path under the second network device, the terminal device's service type under the second network device, the terminal device's power consumption under the second network device, and the terminal device's measurement information under the second network device.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The measurement configuration includes one or more of the following: A point in time or a period of time is used to indicate the time during which information is collected from the terminal device; Reporting conditions are used to indicate that the first information should be sent when the reporting conditions are met; The number of cells indicates the number of cells in which the terminal device is measured.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The reporting conditions include one or more of the following information: A performance threshold is used to indicate when the performance of the terminal device exceeds or falls below the performance threshold, at which point the first information is sent. The service type is set to instruct the terminal device to send the first information when it executes the set service type; A power consumption threshold is used to indicate when the power consumption of the terminal device exceeds or falls below the power consumption threshold, at which point the first information is sent.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The prediction information includes one or more of the following: The predicted identifier of one or more SNs of the terminal device; The predicted identifiers of the primary and secondary PScells of the terminal device; The predicted time the terminal device spends in the PScell; The predicted performance information of the terminal device in the PScell; The predicted terminal device carries DRB information in the PScell's data wireless bearer; The predicted signaling bearer information of the terminal device in the PScell ​​carries SRB information; The predicted PDU session information of the terminal device in the PScell; The predicted measurement information of the terminal device in the PScell.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The performance information includes one or more of the following: throughput, packet loss rate, and transmission latency.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The measurement information includes one or more of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR).

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9-16.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes: the communication device as described in claim 17 and the communication device as described in claim 18.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

21. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

Images