Communication method, communication device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a communication method, communication equipment, a communication system and a storage medium. The communication method can be executed by a terminal, and the method comprises the following steps: determining a first key associated with first candidate configuration according to a pre-configured first rule; the first key is used for the terminal to perform communication connection recovery based on the first candidate configuration. According to the embodiment of the invention, the terminal and the network equipment determine the first secret key corresponding to the first candidate configuration used in the communication connection recovery process based on the pre-configured first rule, so that the terminal and the network equipment keep consistent with the understanding of the first secret key, the probability of communication connection recovery is increased, and the security of communication connection is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, communication system and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the fifth-generation mobile communication technology New Radio (NR), network devices can control the terminal to change its serving cell by using a selected key across multiple candidate cells (or cell groups) based on layer 1 (L1) or layer 2 (L2) triggered mobility (L1 / L2-triggered mobility, LTM) technology or condition-triggered layer 3 mobility technology. Summary of the Invention

[0003] During a terminal communication connection failure, the network device may not be able to know the candidate cell configuration used by the terminal. Therefore, during the connection recovery process, the terminal and the network device cannot reach a consensus on the key associated with the candidate cell configuration used in the connection recovery process.

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, and storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a communication device, the method comprising: determining a first key associated with a first candidate configuration according to a first rule; the first key being used by a terminal to restore a communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first key associated with a first candidate configuration; the first key is used by the terminal to restore a communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a network device, the method comprising: receiving first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first key associated with a first candidate configuration; the first key is used by a terminal to restore a communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: a determining module configured to determine a first key associated with a first candidate configuration according to a first rule; the first key being used by a terminal to restore a communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: a transceiver module configured to send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first key associated with a first candidate configuration; the first key is used by the terminal to restore a communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first key associated with a first candidate configuration; the first key is used by a terminal to restore a communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the communication device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of the first to third aspects.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a network device; the terminal is configured to implement a communication method as described in the first or second aspect; and the network device is configured to implement a communication method as described in the first or third aspect.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in any of the first to third aspects.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method of any one of the first to third aspects.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, the computer program including code that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method of any one of the first to third aspects.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided, the chip or chip system including processing circuitry configured to perform a communication method as described in any of the first to third aspects.

[0017] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal and the network device determine the first key corresponding to the first candidate configuration used in the communication connection restoration process based on the first rule, thereby ensuring that the terminal and the network device have a consistent understanding of the first key, which increases the probability of communication connection restoration and improves the security of the communication connection. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2A This is a first interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2B This is a second interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2C This is a third interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3A This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a terminal performing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3B This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a network device performing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4A This is another flowchart illustrating a terminal performing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4B This is another schematic flowchart illustrating a network device performing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4C This is another schematic flowchart illustrating a terminal-side communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4D This is another schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method performed on the network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 This is another structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a chip structure proposed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, and storage medium.

[0033] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising: determining a first key associated with a first candidate configuration according to a first rule; the first key being used by the terminal to restore a communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0034] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal and the network device can determine the first key corresponding to the first candidate configuration used in the communication connection restoration process based on the first rule. Therefore, the terminal and the network device can maintain a consistent understanding of the first key, thereby increasing the probability of communication connection restoration and improving the security of the communication connection.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule includes one of the following: determining a first key from a key set configured for the network device; determining a first key based on used keys and a first value; determining a first key based on used keys and a second value from the key set configured for the network device.

[0036] In this embodiment, the network device can configure a key set for the terminal. The terminal can determine a first key from the key set. Thus, the network device can determine the key set to which the first key used by the terminal belongs, and thereby reach a consensus with the terminal regarding the range to which the first key belongs. Furthermore, since the network device can know the keys used by the terminal, when determining the first key based on the used keys and the first and second values, the network device can also reach a consensus with the terminal regarding the first key.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is associated with a first key set, and the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key from unused keys in the first key set; determining a first key from unused keys in the first key set before the terminal performs cell handover.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining the second key associated with the second candidate configuration as the first key; determining the first key from the second key set to which the second key belongs; wherein the second candidate configuration is associated with the second key set, and the second key is used by the terminal to perform cell handover based on the second candidate configuration.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration belong to the same set of cells; or, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration are the same; or, the first candidate configuration and the second candidate configuration belong to the same set of configurations.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is one of at least one candidate configuration, the at least one candidate configuration being associated with a third key set, the third key set being used by the terminal for the communication connection recovery process; the first rule further includes: determining the first key from the third key set.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes: determining a first key from a fourth key set; wherein the fourth key set is associated with a serving cell used by the terminal before restoring the communication connection, and the fourth key set is used by the terminal to restore the communication connection based on a first candidate configuration.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first key includes one of the following: determining the first key according to the order of the keys in the sixth key set; determining the first key according to the numerical value of the keys in the sixth key set; wherein the sixth key set is one of the following: the first key set, the second key set, the third key set, and the fourth key set.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on a key previously used by the terminal and a first value; determining a first key based on a key last used by the terminal before cell handover and a first value.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on the key and second value previously used by the terminal in the fifth key set; determining a first key based on the key and second value last used by the terminal before cell handover in the fifth key set; wherein the fifth key set satisfies at least one of the following: the fifth key set is associated with a first candidate configuration; the fifth key set is associated with a second candidate configuration used by the terminal for cell handover; the fifth key set is associated with at least one candidate configuration, the first candidate configuration being one of at least one candidate configuration, and the fifth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration; the fifth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before communication connection restoration, and the fifth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration based on the first candidate configuration.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending first information, the first information being used to indicate a first key.

[0046] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal indicates the first key it uses to the network device, thereby ensuring that the terminal and the network device maintain a consistent understanding of the first key.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first message, which is a connection reconstruction request message, a connection configuration completion message, or a media access control layer message.

[0048] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising: determining a first key according to a first rule; the first key being used by a terminal to restore a communication connection based on a first candidate configuration associated with the first key.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule includes one of the following: determining a first key from a key set configured for the network device; determining a first key based on a used key and a first value; determining a first key based on a used key and a second value from the key set configured for the network device.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is associated with a first key set, and the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key from unused keys in the first key set; determining a first key from unused keys in the first key set before the terminal performs cell handover.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining the second key associated with the second candidate configuration as the first key; determining the first key from the second key set to which the second key belongs; wherein the second candidate configuration is associated with the second key set, and the second key is used by the terminal to perform cell handover based on the second candidate configuration.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration belong to the same set of cells; or, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration are the same; or, the first candidate configuration and the second candidate configuration belong to the same set of configurations.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is one of at least one candidate configuration, the at least one candidate configuration is associated with a third key set, the third key set is used by the terminal to perform a communication connection recovery process; the first rule also includes: determining the first key from the third key set.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes: determining a first key from a fourth key set; wherein the fourth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before restoring the communication connection, and the fourth key set is used by the terminal to restore the communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first key includes one of the following: determining the first key according to the order of the keys in the sixth key set; determining the first key according to the numerical value of the keys in the sixth key set; wherein the sixth key set is one of the following: the first key set, the second key set, the third key set, and the fourth key set.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on the key previously used by the terminal and a first value; determining a first key based on the key last used by the terminal before cell handover and a second value.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on the key and second value previously used by the terminal in the fifth key set; determining the first key based on the key and second value last used by the terminal before cell handover in the fifth key set; wherein the fifth key set satisfies at least one of the following: the fifth key set is associated with a first candidate configuration; the fifth key set is associated with a second candidate configuration used by the terminal for cell handover; the fifth key set is associated with at least one candidate configuration, the first candidate configuration being one of at least one candidate configuration, and the fifth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration; the fifth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before communication connection restoration, and the fifth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration based on the first candidate configuration.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate a first key.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first message, which is a connection reconstruction request message, a connection configuration completion message, or a media access control layer message.

[0060] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising: sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first key associated with a first candidate configuration; the first key is used by the terminal to restore the communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule includes one of the following: determining a first key from a key set configured for the network device; determining a first key based on a used key and a first value; determining a first key based on a used key and a second value from the key set configured for the network device.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is associated with the first key set, and the first rule further includes one of the following: determining the first key from unused keys in the first key set; determining the first key from unused keys in the first key set before the terminal performs cell handover.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining the first key associated with the second candidate configuration as the first key; determining the first key from the first key set to which the first key belongs; wherein the second candidate configuration is associated with the first key set, and the first key is used by the terminal to perform cell handover based on the second candidate configuration.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration belong to the same set of cells; or, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration are the same; or, the first candidate configuration and the second candidate configuration belong to the same set of configurations.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is one of at least one candidate configuration, the at least one candidate configuration is associated with a first key set, the first key set is used by the terminal to perform a communication connection recovery process; the first rule further includes: determining a first key from the first key set.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes: determining a first key from a fourth key set; wherein the fourth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before restoring the communication connection, and the fourth key set is used by the terminal to restore the communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first key includes one of the following: determining the first key according to the order of the keys in the sixth key set; determining the first key according to the numerical value of the keys in the sixth key set; wherein the sixth key set is one of the following: the first key set, the first key set, the first key set, and the fourth key set.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on the key previously used by the terminal and a first value; determining a first key based on the key last used by the terminal before cell handover and a first value.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on the key and second value previously used by the terminal in the fifth key set; determining a first key based on the key and second value last used by the terminal before cell handover in the fifth key set; wherein the fifth key set satisfies at least one of the following: the fifth key set is associated with a first candidate configuration; or, the fifth key set is associated with a second candidate configuration used by the terminal for cell handover; or, the fifth key set is associated with at least one candidate configuration, the first candidate configuration being one of at least one candidate configuration, and the fifth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration; or, the fifth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before communication connection restoration, and the fifth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration based on the first candidate configuration.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first message, which is a connection reconstruction request message, a connection configuration completion message, or a media access control layer message.

[0071] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate a first key associated with a first candidate configuration; the first key being used by a terminal to restore a communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule includes one of the following: determining a first key from a key set configured for the network device; determining a first key based on a used key and a first value; determining a first key based on a used key and a second value from the key set configured for the network device.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is associated with the first key set, and the first rule further includes one of the following: determining the first key from unused keys in the first key set; determining the first key from unused keys in the first key set before the terminal performs cell handover.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining the first key associated with the second candidate configuration as the first key; determining the first key from the first key set to which the first key belongs; wherein the second candidate configuration is associated with the first key set, and the first key is used by the terminal to perform cell handover based on the second candidate configuration.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration belong to the same cell set; or, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration are the same; or, the first candidate configuration and the second candidate configuration belong to the same configuration set.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is one of at least one candidate configuration, the at least one candidate configuration is associated with a first key set, the first key set is used by the terminal to perform a communication connection recovery process; the first rule further includes: determining a first key from the first key set.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes: determining a first key from a fourth key set; wherein the fourth key set is associated with a serving cell used by the terminal before restoring the communication connection, and the fourth key set is used by the terminal to restore the communication connection based on a first candidate configuration.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first key includes one of the following: determining the first key according to the order of the keys in the sixth key set; determining the first key according to the numerical value of the keys in the sixth key set; wherein the sixth key set is one of the following: the first key set, the first key set, the first key set, and the fourth key set.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on the key previously used by the terminal and a first value; determining a first key based on the key last used by the terminal before cell handover and a first value.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on the key and second value previously used by the terminal in the fifth key set; determining a first key based on the key and second value last used by the terminal before cell handover in the fifth key set; wherein the fifth key set satisfies at least one of the following: the fifth key set is associated with a first candidate configuration; or, the fifth key set is associated with a second candidate configuration used by the terminal for cell handover; or, the fifth key set is associated with at least one candidate configuration, the first candidate configuration being one of at least one candidate configuration, and the fifth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration; or, the fifth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before communication connection restoration, and the fifth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration based on the first candidate configuration.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first message, which is a connection reconstruction request message, a connection configuration completion message, or a media access control layer message.

[0082] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including: a determining module configured to determine a first key associated with a first candidate configuration according to a first rule; the first key is used by the terminal to restore communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule includes one of the following: determining a first key from a key set configured for the network device; determining a first key based on a used key and a first value; determining a first key based on a used key and a second value from the key set configured for the network device.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is associated with a first key set, and the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key from unused keys in the first key set; determining a first key from unused keys in the first key set before the terminal performs cell handover.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining the second key associated with the second candidate configuration as the first key; determining the first key from the second key set to which the second key belongs; wherein the second candidate configuration is associated with the second key set, and the second key is used by the terminal to perform cell handover based on the second candidate configuration.

[0086] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration belong to the same set of cells; or, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration are the same; or, the first candidate configuration and the second candidate configuration belong to the same set of configurations.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is one of at least one candidate configuration, the at least one candidate configuration being associated with a third key set, the third key set being used by the terminal for the communication connection recovery process; the first rule further includes: determining the first key from the third key set.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes: determining a first key from a fourth key set; wherein the fourth key set is associated with a serving cell used by the terminal before restoring the communication connection, and the fourth key set is used by the terminal to restore the communication connection based on a first candidate configuration.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first key includes one of the following: determining the first key according to the order of the keys in the sixth key set; determining the first key according to the numerical value of the keys in the sixth key set; wherein the sixth key set is one of the following: the first key set, the second key set, the third key set, and the fourth key set.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on the key previously used by the terminal and a first value; determining a first key based on the key last used by the terminal before cell handover and a first value.

[0091] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on the key and second value previously used by the terminal in the fifth key set; determining a first key based on the key and second value last used by the terminal before cell handover in the fifth key set; wherein the fifth key set satisfies at least one of the following: the fifth key set is associated with a first candidate configuration; the fifth key set is associated with a second candidate configuration used by the terminal for cell handover; the fifth key set is associated with at least one candidate configuration, the first candidate configuration being one of at least one candidate configuration, and the fifth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration; the fifth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before communication connection restoration, and the fifth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration based on the first candidate configuration.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal further includes: a transceiver module configured to send first information, the first information being used to indicate a first key.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first message, which is a connection reconstruction request message, a connection configuration completion message, or a media access control layer message.

[0094] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including: a determining module configured to determine a first key according to a first rule; the first key is used by a terminal to restore a communication connection based on a first candidate configuration associated with the first key.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule includes one of the following: determining a first key from a key set configured for the network device; determining a first key based on used keys and a first value; determining a first key based on used keys and a second value from the key set configured for the network device.

[0096] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is associated with a first key set, and the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key from unused keys in the first key set; determining a first key from unused keys in the first key set before the terminal performs cell handover.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining the second key associated with the second candidate configuration as the first key; determining the first key from the second key set to which the second key belongs; wherein the second candidate configuration is associated with the second key set, and the second key is used by the terminal to perform cell handover based on the second candidate configuration.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration belong to the same set of cells; or, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration are the same; or, the first candidate configuration and the second candidate configuration belong to the same set of configurations.

[0099] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first candidate configuration is one of at least one candidate configuration, the at least one candidate configuration being associated with a third key set, the third key set being used by the terminal for the communication connection recovery process; the first rule further includes: determining the first key from the third key set.

[0100] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes: determining a first key from a fourth key set; wherein the fourth key set is associated with a serving cell used by the terminal before restoring the communication connection, and the fourth key set is used by the terminal to restore the communication connection based on a first candidate configuration.

[0101] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first key includes one of the following: determining the first key according to the order of the keys in the sixth key set; determining the first key according to the numerical value of the keys in the sixth key set; wherein the sixth key set is one of the following: a first key set, a second key set, a third key set, or a fourth key set.

[0102] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on the key previously used by the terminal and a first value; determining a first key based on the key last used by the terminal before cell handover and a first value.

[0103] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first rule further includes one of the following: determining a first key based on the key and second value previously used by the terminal in the fifth key set; determining a first key based on the key and second value last used by the terminal before cell handover in the fifth key set; wherein the fifth key set satisfies at least one of the following: the fifth key set is associated with a first candidate configuration; the fifth key set is associated with a second candidate configuration used by the terminal for cell handover; the fifth key set is associated with at least one candidate configuration, the first candidate configuration is one of at least one candidate configuration, and the fifth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration; the fifth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before communication connection restoration, and the sixth key set is used by the terminal for communication connection restoration based on the first candidate configuration.

[0104] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the network device further includes: a transceiver model configured to receive first information, the first information being used to indicate a first key.

[0105] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first message, which is a connection reconstruction request message, a connection configuration completion message, or a media access control layer message.

[0106] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the communication device is configured to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and embodiments thereof.

[0107] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: a terminal and a network device; the terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in the first aspect and any of the embodiments thereof; the network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in the second aspect and any of the embodiments thereof.

[0108] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, comprising: a terminal and a network device; the terminal being configured to implement a communication method as described in the first aspect and any of the embodiments thereof; and the network device being configured to implement a communication method as described in the second aspect and any of the embodiments thereof.

[0109] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects and their embodiments.

[0110] In the eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects and their embodiments.

[0111] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects and their embodiments.

[0112] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system including processing circuitry configured to perform a communication method according to any one of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects and their embodiments described above.

[0113] It is understood that the aforementioned network devices, terminals, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0114] This disclosure provides a communication method, a terminal, a network device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method," "information processing method," "key selection method," "communication connection restoration method," and "key determination method" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system," "communication system," and "key determination system."

[0115] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0116] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0117] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0118] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0119] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0120] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0121] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0122] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0123] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0124] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0126] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0127] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0128] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0129] In some embodiments, the terms "network devices", "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", "node", "access network node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femtocell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0130] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriberstation, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, and client can be used interchangeably.

[0131] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0132] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0133] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0134] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0135] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0136] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes: a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0137] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0138] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include access network device and / or core network device. Access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. Access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0139] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0140] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. By adopting the CU-DU structure, the protocol layer of the network device 102 can be separated. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0141] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may be a single device including a first network element, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including a first network element. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0142] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0143] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown, or a part thereof, but not limited to it. Figure 1 The entities shown are illustrative; a communication system may include... Figure 1 All or part of the main body, or may include Figure 1 Other entities besides the main body, the number and form of each entity are arbitrary, the connection relationship between the entities is illustrative, the entities may not be connected or may be connected, and the connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0144] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Futuregeneration radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0145] The following is an explanation and interpretation of the terminology used in this disclosure.

[0146] I. LTM:

[0147] In a communication system, the network side can provide the terminal with multiple candidate cells (or cell groups) for configuration. In some embodiments, the network side can subsequently control the terminal to make changes among the multiple candidate cells (or cell groups) associated with the multiple candidate cell (or cell group) configuration through L1 signaling (e.g., downlink control information (DCI)) or L2 signaling (e.g., media access control (MAC) control element (CE)).

[0148] In one example, the serving cell (or cell group) configuration is changed from "Candidate cell (or cell group) configuration-1" to "Candidate cell (or cell group) configuration-2".

[0149] In some embodiments, one serving cell (or group of serving cells) may correspond to one or more "candidate cells (or groups of candidate cells)".

[0150] In some embodiments, if the network node (e.g., gNB or gNB-CU) of the target cell and the network node of the source cell remain unchanged when an LTM-type cell change is triggered, the terminal's key does not need to be updated. If the network node (e.g., gNB or gNB-CU) of the target cell and the network node of the source cell change when an LTM-type cell change is triggered, the terminal's key needs to be updated.

[0151] In some embodiments, a cell group can be a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG).

[0152] In some embodiments, the MCG includes at least one primary cell (PCell). Additional cells may include one or more secondary cells (SCells).

[0153] In some embodiments, an SCG includes at least one primary secondary cell (PSCell). Additional cells may include one or more secondary cells (SCells). Because much signaling is transmitted only on the PCell and PSCell, for ease of description, a concept is also defined in relevant communication protocols: special cell (sPCell). The PCell and PSCell are collectively referred to as sPCell.

[0154] In some embodiments, a terminal may use one or more keys configured by the network device for candidate cell (cell group) configuration (or pre-configured cell (cell group) configuration). In some embodiments, when the network device is configured with multiple keys, the terminal may select one key from the multiple keys for candidate cell (cell group) configuration (or pre-configured cell (cell group) configuration).

[0155] It should be noted that the terms "change", "modification", "switch", and "move" are interchangeable.

[0156] II. Mobility in Layer 3 (L3) Based on Conditional Triggers:

[0157] Condition-triggered L3 mobility includes: Conditional handover (CHO), Conditional PSCellAddition (CPA), and Conditional PSCellChange (CPC).

[0158] CHO refers to a handover performed by the UE when one or more handover execution conditions are met. After receiving the CHO configuration, the UE begins to evaluate the execution conditions and stops evaluating the execution conditions after performing the handover (including legacy handover and CHO).

[0159] CPA refers to the UE performing PSCell addition when the execution conditions are met. The UE begins evaluating the execution conditions upon receiving the CPA configuration, and stops evaluating the execution conditions once a PSCell addition or PSCell change is triggered.

[0160] CPC refers to the UE performing a PSCell change when the execution conditions are met. After receiving the CPC configuration, the terminal begins to evaluate the execution conditions. Once the PCell changes or a PCell change is triggered, the evaluation of the execution conditions stops.

[0161] In some embodiments, CPA and CPC can be collectively referred to as conditional PSCell addition or change (CPAC).

[0162] In some embodiments, a terminal may modify the configuration of a specific cell (or cell group) after a triggering condition is met, as instructed by the network device. In one example, the terminal's PCell configuration is changed from "Candidate Cell (or Cell Group) Configuration-1" to "Candidate Cell (or Cell Group) Configuration-2".

[0163] In some embodiments, network devices can also configure corresponding triggering conditions for LTM candidate configurations. When a terminal meets the triggering condition (e.g., a specific measurement event), the terminal changes its serving cell configuration (or cell group configuration) to the "LTM candidate configuration". This type of "condition-triggered mobility procedure" can be referred to as conditional LTM (C-LTM).

[0164] In some embodiments, a terminal may use one or more keys configured by the network device for candidate cell (cell group) configuration (or pre-configured cell (cell group) configuration). In some embodiments, when the network device is configured with multiple keys, the terminal may select one key from the multiple keys for candidate cell (cell group) configuration (or pre-configured cell (cell group) configuration).

[0165] III. Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connection:

[0166] RRC connection is a connection method in wireless communication networks. RRC is responsible for broadcasting network system information to user equipment, establishing, re-establishing, maintaining, and releasing the connection between the UE and the radio access network.

[0167] In some embodiments, a terminal’s communication connection failure may include at least one of the following: radio link failure, cell handover failure, cell change failure, or cell group change failure.

[0168] In some embodiments, a radio link failure may include at least one of the following: random access procedure failure, radio link control (RLC) entity data transmission failure, or physical layer desynchronization failure.

[0169] In one example, a random access procedure failure could be caused by reaching the maximum number of random access attempts. In another example, an RCL entity data transmission failure could be caused by reaching the maximum number of RLC layer data transmission attempts. In yet another example, a physical layer desynchronization failure could be caused by a timeout of the desynchronization timer.

[0170] In some embodiments, cell handover failure may include at least one of the following: normal handover failure, condition-based handover process failure, and handover failure based on dynamic cell (cell group) changes.

[0171] In one example, a normal handover failure could occur when the terminal receives a normal handover command, starts a timer, and fails to successfully complete access to the target cell indicated by the command before the timer expires. In another example, a condition-based handover process failure could be a condition-triggered L3 mobility process failure. In yet another example, a handover failure based on dynamic cell (cell group) change could be an LTM handover failure.

[0172] In one example, a cell change failure could be a SCell change failure.

[0173] In one example, a cell group change failure could be either an MCG change failure or an SCG cell group change failure.

[0174] In some embodiments, since the terminal can trigger cell handover based on its own judgment, and in the event of handover failure, the network device cannot know the candidate cell (cell group) configuration used by the terminal during the handover process. Therefore, during the connection restoration process, the key used by the terminal and the key used by the network device are inconsistent, that is, the terminal and the network device cannot reach a consensus on the key used in the connection restoration process.

[0175] In one example, the terminal selects "Candidate Cell (Cell Group) Configuration - 1" and "Key = 1" for cell handover. During the connection restoration process after a failed handover, the terminal selects "Candidate Cell (Cell Group) Configuration - 1" again. At this point, the terminal determines that "Candidate Cell (Cell Group) Configuration - 1" has been used twice, and the corresponding key is "Key = 2". However, because the handover failed, the network device cannot know that the terminal used "Candidate Cell (Cell Group) Configuration - 1". Therefore, the network device determines that "Candidate Cell (Cell Group) Configuration - 1" has been used only once. Consequently, the network device determines that the key corresponding to "Candidate Cell (Cell Group) Configuration - 1" used during connection restoration is "Key = 1". This discrepancy between the terminal's and network device's understanding of the key used during connection restoration leads to the failure of connection restoration.

[0176] This disclosure provides a communication method, terminal, network device, communication system, and storage medium. The terminal and network device determine a first key corresponding to a first candidate configuration used during the communication connection recovery process based on a first rule. This ensures that the terminal and network device have a consistent understanding of the first key, thereby increasing the probability of communication connection recovery and improving the security of the communication connection.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first rule may be defined by a protocol or configured by a network device.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first rule includes one of the following:

[0179] Rule 1: Determine the first key (denoted as key a) from the key set configured on the network device (denoted as key set A).

[0180] Rule 2: Determine key a based on the used keys and the first value. In one embodiment, the first value may be pre-configured, as specified in the protocol.

[0181] Rule 3: Determine key a based on the keys used in key set A and the second value. In one embodiment, the second value may be pre-configured, as specified in the protocol.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first value and the second value may be the same or different.

[0183] In some embodiments, key set A includes at least one of the following: a first key set (denoted as key set B), a second key set (denoted as key set C), a third key set (denoted as key set D), and a fourth key set (denoted as key set E).

[0184] In some embodiments, each of the key sets described above may include one or more keys. The keys may be indicated by key tags, in which case the key set may include one or more key tags.

[0185] In some embodiments, the key may be the next hop chaining counter (NCC) value.

[0186] In some embodiments, some of the aforementioned key sets may be the same.

[0187] In one example, key set B and key set C can be the same; in other words, the keys in key set B and the keys in key set C are exactly the same.

[0188] In some embodiments, at least some of the aforementioned key sets may be different.

[0189] In one example, key set B and key set C can be different. In other words, the keys in key set B are partially different from the keys in key set C, or the keys in key set B are completely different from the keys in key set C.

[0190] In some embodiments, key set B is associated with a first candidate configuration (denoted as candidate configuration a), which is used for communication connection recovery.

[0191] In some embodiments, key set B may also be associated with the configuration set to which candidate configuration a belongs. In this case, when the terminal uses other candidate configurations in the configuration set to which candidate configuration a belongs, it can also select the key corresponding to other candidate configurations from key set B.

[0192] In some embodiments, key set B can be used to restore communication connections.

[0193] In some embodiments, key set B can also be used for cell handover. In this case, key set B can also be associated with a second candidate configuration (denoted as candidate configuration b), which is used for cell handover.

[0194] In some embodiments, key set C is associated with candidate configuration b, and key set C can be used for cell handover.

[0195] In some embodiments, the key set C may also be associated with the configuration set to which candidate configuration b belongs. In this case, when the terminal uses other candidate configurations in the configuration set to which candidate configuration b belongs, it can also select the key corresponding to other candidate configurations from the key set C.

[0196] In some embodiments, key set C can also be used for communication connection restoration, in which case key set B can also be associated with candidate configuration a.

[0197] In some embodiments, candidate configuration a and candidate configuration b may be the same or different.

[0198] In some embodiments, candidate configuration a and candidate configuration b may belong to different configuration sets.

[0199] In some embodiments, candidate configuration a and candidate configuration b may also belong to the same configuration set.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first cell (denoted as cell a) corresponding to candidate configuration a and the second cell (denoted as cell b) corresponding to candidate configuration b belong to the same set of cells.

[0201] In some embodiments, cell a and cell b are the same.

[0202] In some embodiments, key set D is associated with a candidate configuration set (denoted as configuration set A) of network configuration, configuration set A is used by the terminal to determine candidate configuration a, and key set D is dedicated to the final communication connection recovery process.

[0203] In some embodiments, configuration set A can also be used by the terminal to determine candidate configuration b.

[0204] In some embodiments, configuration set A may include one or more candidate configurations.

[0205] In some embodiments, when configuration set A includes a candidate configuration, the candidate configuration can be used for different communication processes. For example, the candidate configuration can be used for both the communication connection recovery process and the cell handover process. In this case, the candidate configuration used by different communication processes is the same. For example, candidate configuration a and candidate configuration b are the same.

[0206] In some embodiments, when configuration set A includes multiple candidate configurations, the multiple candidate configurations can be used for the same communication process or for different communication processes. For example, a portion of the multiple candidate configurations may be used for the communication connection recovery process, and another portion of the multiple candidate configurations may be used for the cell handover process. In this case, different candidate configurations are used for different communication processes. For example, candidate configuration a and candidate configuration b are different.

[0207] In some embodiments, configuration set A includes at least one of the following: a first candidate configuration set (denoted as configuration set B) and a second candidate configuration set (denoted as configuration set C).

[0208] In some embodiments, candidate configuration a belongs to configuration set B, which is used for communication connection recovery.

[0209] In some embodiments, candidate configuration b belongs to configuration set C, which is used for cell handover.

[0210] In some embodiments, configuration set B and configuration set C can be the same. In other words, the candidate configurations in configuration set B and the candidate configurations in configuration set C are exactly the same.

[0211] In some embodiments, configuration set B and configuration set C may be different. In other words, the candidate configurations in configuration set B and the candidate configurations in configuration set C may be partially the same, or the candidate configurations in configuration set B and the candidate configurations in configuration set C may be completely different.

[0212] In some embodiments, the key set E is associated with the serving cell c used by the terminal before communication connection restoration, and the key set E is dedicated to the target candidate configuration during the communication connection restoration process.

[0213] In some embodiments, the target candidate configuration includes at least candidate configuration a.

[0214] In some embodiments, the serving cell c corresponds to the candidate configuration c, and in this case, the key set E is also associated with the candidate configuration c. The target candidate configuration may also include the candidate configuration c.

[0215] In some embodiments, the key set E may also be associated with the configuration set to which the candidate configuration c belongs.

[0216] In some embodiments, candidate configuration c and candidate configuration a may belong to the same configuration set.

[0217] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a first interaction of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 2A As shown, this disclosure relates to a communication method. Executed by a communication system 100, the communication method includes steps S2101 to S2106.

[0218] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal and the network device determine key a based on rule 1.

[0219] In step S2101, the network device sends configuration set A.

[0220] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a configuration set A, which is used by the terminal to determine candidate configuration a.

[0221] In some embodiments, step S2101 can be omitted. In this case, the terminal can determine candidate configuration a from the candidate configurations that have been used.

[0222] In step S2102, the network device sends key set A.

[0223] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a key set A.

[0224] In some embodiments, configuration set A and key set A can be included in the same information and sent to the terminal together. Alternatively, key set A can be included in configuration set A and sent to the terminal together.

[0225] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2102 can be performed simultaneously.

[0226] In some embodiments, steps S2102 and S2102 can be performed in an interchangeable order.

[0227] In step S2103, after the terminal communication connection fails, candidate configuration a is determined from configuration set A.

[0228] In some embodiments, a terminal’s communication connection failure may include at least one of the following: radio link failure, cell handover failure, cell change failure, or cell group change failure.

[0229] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine candidate configuration a from unused candidate configurations within configuration set A.

[0230] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine candidate configuration a from the candidate configurations used in configuration set A.

[0231] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine candidate configuration a from candidate configurations that have been used and have successfully established communication connections within configuration set A.

[0232] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine candidate configuration a from candidate configurations in configuration set A that were not used before the cell handover. In other words, candidate configurations used during cell handover in configuration set A are also considered unused. Or, candidate configurations used during cell handover may also be candidate configuration a. In some embodiments, if the terminal performed multiple cell handovers before the communication connection failed, the cell handover mentioned here can be understood as the last cell handover before the communication connection failed.

[0233] In some embodiments, configuration set A includes configuration set B, which is used for communication connection recovery, and the terminal can determine candidate configuration a from configuration set B.

[0234] In some embodiments, configuration set A includes configuration set C, which is used for cell handover, and the terminal can determine candidate configuration a from configuration set C.

[0235] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine candidate configuration b as candidate configuration a.

[0236] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine the candidate configuration c corresponding to the serving cell c used before the communication connection was restored as candidate configuration a.

[0237] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine the candidate configuration a to be used for this communication connection restoration from the configuration set A according to the order of the candidate configurations.

[0238] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine the candidate configuration a to be used for this communication connection restoration from the configuration set A according to the numerical value of the indication information of each candidate configuration. The indication information is used to indicate the candidate configuration.

[0239] In some embodiments, the indication information is configured by the network device. In one example, the indication information is an identifier (ID) of a candidate configuration.

[0240] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not receive configuration set A, the terminal may determine the previously used candidate configuration as candidate configuration a.

[0241] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not receive configuration set A, the terminal may determine the last candidate configuration used before cell handover as candidate configuration a.

[0242] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not receive configuration set A, the terminal may determine the candidate configuration used in the previous successful communication connection as candidate configuration a.

[0243] In some embodiments, the methods for determining candidate configuration a described in the above embodiments can be used in combination with each other without conflict, and will not be repeated here.

[0244] In some embodiments, the method for determining candidate configuration a described in the above embodiments is specified by a protocol or configured by the network device. In other words, the network device can learn about the candidate configuration a determined by the terminal, so that the terminal and the network device can reach a consensus on the candidate configuration a used for resuming the communication connection.

[0245] In some embodiments, the terminal may also send second information to the network device, the second information indicating candidate configuration a, thereby informing the network device of candidate configuration a.

[0246] In step S2104, the terminal determines the key a associated with the candidate configuration a from the key set A.

[0247] In some embodiments, key set A includes key set B associated with candidate configuration a.

[0248] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a from unused keys within the key set B.

[0249] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a from the keys that have been used within the key set B.

[0250] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a from keys that have been used and successfully established within the key set B.

[0251] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a from keys in key set B that have not been used before the cell handover. In other words, keys used during the cell handover process in key set B are also considered unused. Or, keys used during the cell handover process in key set B may also be used as key a.

[0252] In some embodiments, key set A includes key set C associated with candidate configuration b.

[0253] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a from key set C.

[0254] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a from unused keys within the key set C.

[0255] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a from keys that have been used and successfully established in the key set C.

[0256] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a from the keys in key set C that have not been used during cell handover.

[0257] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine the key b associated with the candidate configuration b as key a.

[0258] In some embodiments, key set A includes key set D associated with configuration set A.

[0259] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a from key set D.

[0260] In some embodiments, the method for determining key a from key set D may refer to the method for determining key a from key set B or key set C, and will not be described in detail here.

[0261] In some embodiments, key set A includes key set E associated with serving cell c.

[0262] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a from key set E.

[0263] In some embodiments, the method for determining key a from key set E may refer to the method for determining key a from key set B or key set C, and will not be described in detail here.

[0264] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine the key a used to restore the communication connection from the key set A according to the order of the keys.

[0265] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine the key a used to restore the communication connection from the key set A according to the numerical values ​​of each key.

[0266] In some embodiments, the methods for determining key a described in the above embodiments can be used in combination with each other, which will not be repeated here.

[0267] In some embodiments, the methods for determining key a described in the above embodiments are all specific embodiments of rule 1.

[0268] In step S2105, the terminal restores the communication connection based on key a and candidate configuration a.

[0269] In some embodiments, the terminal sends RRC reestablishment request messages, RRC connection resume messages, and RRC setup request messages to the network device based on key 'a' and candidate configuration 'a'. These messages carry key 'a'. After the network device allows the terminal to access, it sends an RRC reestablishment message to the terminal. The terminal determines the candidate cell corresponding to candidate configuration 'a' based on the candidate configuration 'a' and accesses the candidate cell. During the access process, the terminal uses key 'a' for security verification. After successful access, the terminal sends an RRC reestablishment complete message to the network device.

[0270] In step S2106, the terminal sends the first information.

[0271] In some embodiments, the network device receives first information.

[0272] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate key a. In some embodiments, the first information may be a key tag for key a.

[0273] In some embodiments, the first information is carried in a first message, which is used to request the restoration of the communication connection. In one example, the first message may be a connection reconstruction request message, a connection configuration completion message, a media access control layer message, etc.

[0274] In some embodiments, after receiving the first information, the network device may perform encryption and / or integrity protection based on the key a indicated by the first information and the key a used by the terminal determined by itself based on rule 1.

[0275] In some embodiments, step S2106 can be omitted. In this case, the network device can determine the key a used by the terminal based on rule 1. The key a determined by the network device can be used for encryption and / or integrity protection between the terminal and the network device.

[0276] In some embodiments, steps S2105 and S2106 can be executed simultaneously.

[0277] In some embodiments, steps S2105 and S2106 can be executed in an interchangeable order.

[0278] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2106. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2105 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2106 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2101 and S2102 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2103 and S2104 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2104 and S2105 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2104, S2105, and S2106 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. However, this is not the limitation.

[0279] Figure 2B This is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 2B As shown, this disclosure relates to a communication method. Executed by a communication system 100, the communication method includes steps S2201 to S2205.

[0280] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal and the network device determine the first key based on rule 2.

[0281] In step S2201, the network device sends configuration set A.

[0282] Other possible implementations of step S2201 can be found in [reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2101, and Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0283] In step S2202, after the terminal communication connection fails, candidate configuration a is determined from configuration set A.

[0284] Other possible implementations of step S2202 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2103, and Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0285] In step S2203, the terminal determines key a based on the used key and the second value.

[0286] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a based on the previously used key and the second value.

[0287] In one example, the key used by the terminal the previous time was NCC(old) = 1, and the second value was 2. Then the key a is NCC(new) = NCC(old) + 2 = 3.

[0288] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a based on the key last used before cell handover and the second value.

[0289] In one example, the key used before the handover is NCC (pre-handover) = 1, and the second value is 1. The key used during the handover process is...

[0290] If NCC(handover) = NCC(pre-handover) + 1 = 2, then key a is NCC(new) = NCC(pre-handover) + 1 = 2.

[0291] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine key a based on the key and second value used in the previous successful communication connection.

[0292] In some embodiments, the methods for determining key a described in the above embodiments are all specific embodiments of rule 2.

[0293] In step S2204, the terminal restores the communication connection based on key a and candidate configuration a.

[0294] Other possible implementations of step S2204 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2105, and Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0295] In step S2205, the terminal sends the first information.

[0296] For optional implementations of step S2205, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2106 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described again here. In some embodiments, step S2205 can be omitted. In this case, the network device can determine the key a used by the terminal based on rule 2.

[0297] Other possible implementations of step S2205 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2106, and Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0298] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2205. For example, step S2201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2205 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2202 and S2203 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2203 and S2204 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2203, S2204, and S2205 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. However, this is not the limitation.

[0299] Figure 2C This is a third interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to embodiments of this disclosure. For example... Figure 2C As shown, this disclosure relates to a communication method. Executed by a communication system 100, the communication method includes steps S2301 to S2306.

[0300] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal and the network device determine key a based on rule 3.

[0301] In step S2301, the network device sends configuration set A.

[0302] Other possible implementations of step S2301 can be found in [reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2101, and Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0303] In step S2302, the network device sends key set A.

[0304] Other possible implementations of step S2302 can be found in [reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2102, and Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0305] In step S2303, after the terminal communication connection fails, candidate configuration a is determined from the candidate configuration A set.

[0306] Other possible implementations of step S2303 can be found in [reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2103, and Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0307] In step S2304, the terminal determines key a based on the keys used in key set A and the first or second value.

[0308] Other possible implementations of step S2304 can be found in [reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2104 Figure 2B Optional implementation methods of step S2203 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved, and Figure 2B Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0309] In step S2305, the terminal restores the communication connection based on key a and candidate configuration a.

[0310] Other possible implementations of step S2305 can be found in [reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2105, and Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0311] In step S2306, the terminal sends the first information.

[0312] In some embodiments, step S2306 can be omitted, in which case the network device can determine the key a used by the terminal based on rule 3.

[0313] Other possible implementations of step S2306 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2106, and Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0314] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2301 to S2306. For example, step S2301 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2302 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2303 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2304 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2305 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S2306 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2301 and S2302 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2303 and S2304 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2304 and S2305 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2304, S2305, and S2306 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. However, this is not the limitation.

[0315] In some embodiments, the terms "candidate cell configuration", "candidate cell group configuration", "candidate configuration", and "cell configuration" can be used interchangeably.

[0316] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0317] In some embodiments, the terms “carrying,” “including,” “containing,” and “encapsulating” can be used interchangeably.

[0318] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radioaccessnetwork (RAN)”, “accessnetwork (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0319] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0320] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “transmit,” “request,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0321] In some embodiments, the terms “issue,” “return,” “feedback,” “response,” and “acknowledgement” can be used interchangeably.

[0322] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0323] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0324] Figure 3A This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a terminal performing a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3A As shown, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a terminal. The communication method includes steps S3101 to S3105.

[0325] In step S3101, configuration set A is received.

[0326] For optional implementations of step S3101, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2AOptional implementation methods of step S2101 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2C Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0327] In step S3102, the key set A is received.

[0328] Optional implementations of step S3102 can be found in [reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2201 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0329] In step S3103, after the communication connection fails, candidate configuration a is determined.

[0330] For optional implementations of step S3103, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2103 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0331] In step S3104, the key a associated with candidate configuration a is determined according to the first rule.

[0332] For optional implementations of step S3104, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2104 Figure 2B Optional implementation methods of step S2203 Figure 2C Optional implementation methods of step S2304 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2B Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2C Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0333] In step S3105, the communication connection is restored based on the candidate configuration a and the key a.

[0334] For optional implementations of step S3105, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2105 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0335] In some embodiments, after step S3104, the communication method may further include: sending first information. The first information is used to indicate key a.

[0336] The optional implementation methods for receiving the first information mentioned above can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2106 Figure 2AOther related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0337] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3105. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S3103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S3104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S3105 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S3101 and S3102 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S3103 and S3104 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S3104 and S3105 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S3103, S3104, and S3105 may be combined as a standalone embodiment. However, this is not the limitation.

[0338] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3102 may be omitted.

[0339] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3102 can be executed simultaneously or in reverse order.

[0340] Figure 3B This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by a network device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3B As shown, this embodiment relates to a communication method executed by a network device. The communication method includes steps S3201 to S3203.

[0341] In step S3201, configuration set A is sent.

[0342] For optional implementations of step S3201, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2101 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0343] In step S3202, key set A is sent.

[0344] For optional implementations of step S3202, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2102 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0345] In step S3203, key a is determined according to the first rule.

[0346] For optional implementations of step S3203, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2104 Figure 2B Optional implementation methods of step S2203 Figure 2C Optional implementation methods of step S2304 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2B Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2C Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described again here. In some embodiments, the network device may determine key a itself according to the first rule.

[0347] In some embodiments, the network device may receive a key 'a' sent by a terminal. In this case, the communication method may further include receiving first information. The first information is used to indicate the key 'a'.

[0348] Optional implementations of the above-mentioned step of receiving the first information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2106 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0349] In some embodiments, steps S3201 and S3202 may be omitted.

[0350] In some embodiments, steps S3201 and S3202 can be executed simultaneously or in reverse order.

[0351] Figure 4A This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method executed on the terminal side according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4A As shown, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a terminal. The communication method includes step S4101.

[0352] In step S4101, the key a associated with candidate configuration a is determined according to the first rule.

[0353] For optional implementations of step S4101, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2104 Figure 2B Optional implementation methods of step S2203 Figure 2C Optional implementation methods of step S2304 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2B Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2C Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0354] Figure 4BThis is a schematic flowchart illustrating the execution of a communication method on the network device side according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4B As shown, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a network device. The communication method includes step S4201.

[0355] In step S4201, key a is determined according to the first rule.

[0356] For optional implementations of step S4201, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2104 Figure 2B Optional implementation methods of step S2203 Figure 2C Optional implementation methods of step S2304 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2B Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2C Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0357] Figure 4C This is another schematic flowchart illustrating a terminal-side communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 4C As shown, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a terminal. The communication method includes step S4301.

[0358] In step S4301, the first information is sent.

[0359] For optional implementations of step S4301, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2106 and Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0360] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the key 'a' used by the terminal. In some embodiments, key 'a' is determined by the terminal according to a first rule. Therefore, optional implementations of the step of the terminal determining key 'a' can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2104 Figure 2B Optional implementation methods of step S2203 Figure 2C Optional implementation methods of step S2304 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2B Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2C Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0361] Figure 4D This is another schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method performed on the network device side according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 4DAs shown, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a network device. The communication method includes step S4401.

[0362] In step S4401, the first information is received.

[0363] For optional implementations of step S4401, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2106 and Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0364] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the key 'a' used by the terminal. In some embodiments, key 'a' is determined by the terminal according to a first rule. Therefore, optional implementations of the step of the terminal determining key 'a' can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A Optional implementation methods of step S2104 Figure 2B Optional implementation methods of step S2203 Figure 2C Optional implementation methods of step S2304 Figure 2A Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2B Other related parts in the embodiments involved, Figure 2C Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0365] In the following, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described by way of specific implementation.

[0366] In some embodiments, after a terminal experiences a connection failure, the terminal uses a specified key (or key tag) to restore the connection according to the protocol agreement or network configuration rules.

[0367] In some embodiments, the method by which the terminal selects the key (or key tag) includes any of the following:

[0368] Method 1: For the terminal handover failure process, the key tag corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the handover process and the key tag corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process belong to the same key tag set.

[0369] In some embodiments, the key tag corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the handover process is the same as the key tag corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process.

[0370] Method 2: The key corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process is a key that has not been used in the key set corresponding to that candidate configuration.

[0371] Method 3: The key corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process is a key that has not been used in the key set corresponding to the candidate configuration before the switch.

[0372] Method 4: The key corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process is the key selected by the terminal according to predefined rules.

[0373] In some embodiments, the predefined rule includes any of the following:

[0374] (1) The key tag used previously + n, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 as agreed.

[0375] (2) The key tag used before the switch + n, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0376] Method 5: The terminal selects one key from the key set associated with the candidate configuration, and this key set is used only for the connection recovery process.

[0377] Method 6: The terminal selects one key from the key set corresponding to the cell before the failure occurred, and this key set is only used as the target candidate configuration for the connection recovery process.

[0378] In some embodiments, the terminal may indicate its selected key to the network side (e.g., indicate the NCC value).

[0379] This disclosure includes the following steps: Step 1, the network side sends candidate configuration information to the terminal, which is used for subsequent handover (or cell change, or cell group change) processes. Step 2, after a connection failure occurs, the terminal uses a specified key (or key tag) to restore the connection according to the protocol agreement or network configuration rules.

[0380] In some embodiments, the key corresponding to the candidate configuration can be used in any of the following ways:

[0381] (1) The terminal selects one key (or key tag) from the set of keys (or key tags) configured in the network according to the pre-configured rules for the target candidate configuration.

[0382] In one example, the terminal selects one NCC from the set of NCCs configured in the network for connection restoration.

[0383] (2) The terminal selects the key (or key tag) to use according to the pre-configured rules.

[0384] In one example, the terminal increments the NCC value by 1 each time according to the rules agreed upon in the protocol.

[0385] In some embodiments, connection failure includes any of the following: radio link failure, handover failure, cell change failure, or cell group change failure.

[0386] In some embodiments, a wireless link failure includes any of the following:

[0387] (1) The random access process failed (e.g., the maximum number of random access attempts was reached).

[0388] (2) RLC entity data transmission failure (e.g., the maximum number of RLC layer data transmission (or retransmission) attempts is reached).

[0389] (3) Physical layer out-of-sync failure (e.g., out-of-sync timer t310 times out, which is started after the physical layer out-of-sync indication count reaches the maximum).

[0390] In some embodiments, a switching failure includes any of the following:

[0391] (1) Normal handover failure (e.g., after the terminal receives the normal handover command, it starts the T304 timer, and before the T304 timer expires, the terminal has not successfully completed the access to the target cell indicated by the normal handover command).

[0392] (2) The condition-based handover process failed (e.g., the condition-triggered mobility process).

[0393] (3) Handover failure based on dynamic cell (or cell group) changes (e.g., LTM handover process).

[0394] In some embodiments, a cell change failure may be a SCell change failure.

[0395] In some embodiments, a cell group change failure may be an MCG cell group change failure or an SCG cell group change failure.

[0396] In some embodiments, the method by which the terminal selects the key (or key tag) includes any of the following:

[0397] Method 1: For the terminal handover failure process, the key tag corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the handover process and the key tag corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process belong to the same key tag set.

[0398] In some embodiments, the key tag corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the handover process is the same as the key tag corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process.

[0399] In one example, if the handover process uses NCC=1, then the candidate configuration used by the connection recovery process corresponds to NCC=1.

[0400] In some embodiments, the candidate configurations used in the connection restoration process and the candidate configurations used in the handover process belong to the same set of cells.

[0401] In some embodiments, the cell corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection restoration process is the same as the cell corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the handover process.

[0402] Method 2: The key corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process is a key that has not been used in the key set corresponding to that candidate configuration.

[0403] In one example, the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process corresponds to a specific key set (e.g., NCC=1 / 2 / 3). If the handover process terminal uses NCC=1, then the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process corresponds to the key NCC=2 or 3.

[0404] Method 3: The key corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process is a key that has not been used in the key set corresponding to the candidate configuration before the switch.

[0405] In one example, the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process corresponds to a specific key set (e.g., NCC=1 / 2 / 3). The terminal used NCC=1 before the handover and NCC=2 during the handover process. Therefore, the key corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process is NCC=2 or 3.

[0406] Method 4: The key corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process is the key selected by the terminal according to predefined rules.

[0407] In one example, if the handover process terminal uses NCC(old) = 1, then the key corresponding to the candidate configuration used in the connection recovery process is NCC(new) = NCC(old) + 1.

[0408] In some embodiments, the predefined rule includes any of the following:

[0409] (1) The key tag used previously + n, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 as agreed.

[0410] In one example, if the previous key (e.g., during a handover) used NCC(old) = 1, then the new key would be NCC(new) = NCC(old) + 1 = 2.

[0411] (2) The key tag used before the switch + n, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0412] In one example, the NCC (pre-handover) used before the handover is 1, and the NCC (handover) used during the handover is NCC (pre-handover) + 1 = 2. Therefore, the new key is NCC (new) = NCC (pre-handover) + 1 = 2.

[0413] Method 5: The terminal selects one key from the key set associated with the candidate configuration of the network configuration, and this key set is used only for the connection recovery process.

[0414] In one example, the network side pre-configures a candidate configuration for the terminal, specifying a key set for connection restoration. This key set is used by the terminal when reconnection is restored. When the key set contains multiple keys, the terminal selects a key using any of the following methods:

[0415] (1) The terminal selects keys in the key set in the order of key configuration.

[0416] In one example, the key set contains three key values, which are arranged sequentially in the key set. When the terminal selects a key, it selects the key that is first in the sequence.

[0417] (2) The terminal selects keys from the key set in ascending order of key values.

[0418] In one example, the key set contains 3 key values ​​(e.g., 3 NCCs). These 3 key values ​​(e.g., NCC = 1 / 2 / 3) are all different. The terminal selects NCC = 1 for the first time, NCC = 2 for the second time, and so on, according to the key values ​​in ascending order.

[0419] Method 6: The terminal selects one key from the key set corresponding to the cell before the failure occurred, and this key set is only used as the target candidate configuration for the connection recovery process.

[0420] In one example, the terminal's serving cell is configured with a key set (e.g., one or more NCC values), which is used by the terminal when applying a target candidate configuration upon connection restoration. When the key set contains multiple keys, the terminal selects a key using the same method as in method 4.

[0421] In some embodiments, the terminal may indicate its selected key to the network side (e.g., indicate the NCC value).

[0422] In one example, during connection restoration, a connection configuration complete message, a connection rebuild request message, or a MAC CE indicates the key to be used (e.g., the selected NCC value).

[0423] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, a terminal is proposed, which includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another network device is proposed, including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the network device (e.g., access network device, core network functional node, core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0424] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through a configuration file, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0425] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be hardware circuits designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASICs, such as neural network processing units (NPU), tensor processing units (TPU), deep learning processing units (DPU), etc.

[0426] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device can be a terminal or a network device. Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 5100 may include a determining module 5101. In some embodiments, when the communication device is a terminal, the determining module 5101 is configured to determine a first key associated with a first candidate configuration according to a pre-configured first rule, the first key being used by the terminal to restore communication connection based on the first candidate configuration. In some embodiments, when the communication device is a network device, the determining module 5101 is configured to determine a first key according to a pre-configured first rule, the first key being used by the terminal to restore communication connection based on the first candidate configuration associated with the first key.

[0427] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes a transceiver module 5102. In some embodiments, when the communication device is a terminal, the transceiver module 5102 is used to send first information, the first information being used to indicate a first key. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is also used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S3101, S3102, but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, when the communication device is a network device, the transceiver module 5102 is used to receive first information, the first information being used to indicate a first key. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is also used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S3201, S3202, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0428] In some embodiments, the transceiver module described above may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module described above may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0429] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a terminal or a network device, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal or network device in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0430] like Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0431] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S3101, S3102, S3201, and S3202, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S3103, S3104, and S3204, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver 6102 may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0432] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 can read data stored in the memories 6103 and send that data to the processor 6101.

[0433] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may vary. Figure 6 The limitations. Communication equipment can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, communication equipment can be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0434] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the chip structure provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to... Figure 7 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of chip 7100, but it is not limited to this.

[0435] Chip 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. Chip 7100 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0436] In some embodiments, chip 7100 further includes one or more interface circuits 7102. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 7100 further includes one or more memories 7103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7103 may be located outside chip 7100. Optionally, interface circuit 7102 is connected to memory 7103, and interface circuit 7102 can be used to receive data from memory 7103 or other devices, and interface circuit 7102 can be used to send data to memory 7103 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7102 can read data stored in memory 7103 and send the data to processor 7101.

[0437] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S3101, S3201, S3301, and S3401, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 7102 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 7102 performing data interaction between the processor 7101, the chip 7100, the memory 7103, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 7101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S3103, S3104, and S3204, but not limited thereto).

[0438] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0439] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0440] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by a communication device 6100, causes the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0441] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0442] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0443] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a communication device, the method comprising: According to the first rule, determine the first key associated with the first candidate configuration; The first key is used by the terminal to restore the communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first rule includes one of the following: The first key is determined from the key set configured on the network device; The first key is determined based on the used keys and the first value; The first key is determined based on the keys and second values ​​used in the key set configured for the network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first rule includes one of the following: The first key is determined from the unused keys in the first key set, wherein the first candidate configuration is associated with the first key set; The first key is determined from the keys that the terminal has not used before cell handover within the first key set, wherein the first candidate configuration is associated with the first key set; The second key associated with the second candidate configuration is determined as the first key, wherein the second candidate configuration is associated with the second key set, and the second key is used by the terminal to perform cell handover based on the second candidate configuration; The first key is determined from the second key set to which the second key belongs, wherein the second candidate configuration is associated with the second key set, and the second key is used by the terminal to perform cell handover based on the second candidate configuration; The first key is determined from a third key set, wherein the first candidate configuration is one of at least one candidate configuration, the at least one candidate configuration being associated with the third key set, the third key set being used by the terminal for the communication connection recovery process; The first key is determined from the fourth key set, wherein the fourth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before the communication connection is restored, and the fourth key set is used by the terminal to restore the communication connection based on the first candidate configuration; The first key is determined based on the key previously used by the terminal and a first value; The first key is determined based on the last key used by the terminal before cell handover and the first value. The first key is determined based on the key and second value previously used by the terminal in the fifth key set; The first key is determined based on the last key used by the terminal before cell handover in the fifth key set and the second value. Wherein, the fifth key set satisfies at least one of the following: the fifth key set is associated with the first candidate configuration; the fifth key set is associated with a second candidate configuration, the second candidate configuration being used by the terminal for cell handover; the fifth key set is associated with at least one candidate configuration, the first candidate configuration being one of the at least one candidate configuration, the fifth key set being used by the terminal for communication connection restoration; the fifth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before communication connection restoration, the fifth key set being used by the terminal for communication connection restoration based on the first candidate configuration.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration belong to the same cell set; or, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration are the same; or, the first candidate configuration and the second candidate configuration belong to the same configuration set.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, Determining the first key includes one of the following: The first key is determined according to the order of the keys in the sixth key set; The first key is determined according to the numerical values ​​of each key in the sixth key set; The sixth key set is one of the following: the first key set, the second key set, the third key set, and the fourth key set.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The communication device is a terminal or network device.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The communication device is a terminal, and the method further includes: Send a first message, which is used to indicate the first key.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The communication device is a network device, and the method further includes: Receive first information, which is used to indicate the first key.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The first information is carried in a first message, which is at least one of the following: a connection reconstruction request message, a connection configuration completion message, and a media access control layer message.

10. A communication device, comprising: The determination module is configured to determine the first key associated with the first candidate configuration according to a first rule; The first key is used by the terminal to restore the communication connection based on the first candidate configuration.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The first rule includes one of the following: The first key is determined from the key set configured on the network device; The first key is determined based on the used keys and the first value; The first key is determined based on the keys and second values ​​used in the key set configured for the network device.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The first rule includes one of the following: The first key is determined from the unused keys in the first key set, wherein the first candidate configuration is associated with the first key set; The first key is determined from the keys that the terminal has not used before cell handover within the first key set, wherein the first candidate configuration is associated with the first key set; The second key associated with the second candidate configuration is determined as the first key, wherein the second candidate configuration is associated with the second key set, and the second key is used by the terminal to perform cell handover based on the second candidate configuration; The first key is determined from the second key set to which the second key belongs, wherein the second candidate configuration is associated with the second key set, and the second key is used by the terminal to perform cell handover based on the second candidate configuration; The first key is determined from a third key set, wherein the first candidate configuration is one of at least one candidate configuration, the at least one candidate configuration being associated with the third key set, the third key set being used by the terminal for the communication connection recovery process; The first key is determined from the fourth key set, wherein the fourth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before the communication connection is restored, and the fourth key set is used by the terminal to restore the communication connection based on the first candidate configuration; The first key is determined based on the key previously used by the terminal and a first value; The first key is determined based on the last key used by the terminal before cell handover and the first value. The first key is determined based on the key and second value previously used by the terminal in the fifth key set; The first key is determined based on the last key used by the terminal before cell handover in the fifth key set and the second value. Wherein, the fifth key set satisfies at least one of the following: the fifth key set is associated with the first candidate configuration; the fifth key set is associated with a second candidate configuration, the second candidate configuration being used by the terminal for cell handover; the fifth key set is associated with at least one candidate configuration, the first candidate configuration being one of the at least one candidate configuration, the fifth key set being used by the terminal for communication connection restoration; the fifth key set is associated with the serving cell used by the terminal before communication connection restoration, the fifth key set being used by the terminal for communication connection restoration based on the first candidate configuration.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration belong to the same cell set; or, the first cell corresponding to the first candidate configuration and the second cell corresponding to the second candidate configuration are the same; or, the first candidate configuration and the second candidate configuration belong to the same configuration set.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The determining module is configured to perform one of the following: The first key is determined according to the order of the keys in the sixth key set; The first key is determined according to the numerical values ​​of each key in the sixth key set; The sixth key set is one of the following: the first key set, the second key set, the third key set, and the fourth key set.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The communication device is a terminal or network device.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The communication device is a terminal, and the communication device further includes a transceiver module configured to send first information, the first information being used to indicate the first key.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The communication device is a network device, and the communication device further includes: a transceiver module configured to receive first information, the first information being used to indicate the first key.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The first information is carried in a first message, which is at least one of the following: a connection reconstruction request message, a connection configuration completion message, and a media access control layer message.

19. A communication device, comprising: One or more processors; The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

20. A storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

21. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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