Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method comprises: a first core network device determines a load state of a first cell, and sends first information to a first terminal device according to the load state of the first cell, or sends second information or third information to a first access network device according to the load state of the first cell. Wherein the first terminal equipment is the terminal equipment served by the first cell and is located at the edge of the first cell, and the first information indicates to enter an idle state. The second information indicates the position of a second terminal device, and the second terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell. The third information indicates the first terminal equipment, and the first terminal equipment is the terminal equipment served by the first cell and is located at the edge of the first cell.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a communication system, the mobility management entity (MME) sends location information to the access network equipment. This location information includes the locations of all terminal devices connected to the access network equipment. The access network equipment uses this location information to identify the terminal devices at the cell edge and promptly releases them.

[0003] However, the large number of terminal devices under the aforementioned access network equipment results in a large resource overhead for location information. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce resource consumption. To achieve the above objective, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first core network device, or by a component within the first core network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software implementing all or part of the functions of the first core network device. The following description uses the first core network device as the executing entity. The method includes:

[0006] Determine the load status of the first cell.

[0007] The system may send first information to the first terminal device based on the load status of the first cell, or send second or third information to the first access network device based on the load status of the first cell.

[0008] Wherein, the first terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell, and the first information indicates entering an idle state; the second information indicates the location of the second terminal device, which is a terminal device serving the first cell; the third information indicates the first terminal device, which is a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell.

[0009] In the technical solution involving the first information, the first core network device determines whether to send the first information to the first terminal device based on the load status of the first cell, thereby instructing the first terminal device at the edge of the first cell to enter an idle state, reducing the transmission frequency of the first information, reducing resource overhead, and also helping to achieve load balancing of the first cell. Furthermore, the first information does not need to pass through the first access network device, so it has little impact on the first access network device.

[0010] In the technical solution involving the second information, the first core network device determines whether to send the second information based on the load status of the first cell, thereby reducing the sending frequency of the second information to reduce resource overhead, and also enabling the first access network device to perform load balancing in a timely manner based on the second information.

[0011] In the technical solution involving the third information, the third information indicates the terminal device at the cell edge, and the first core network device determines whether to send the third information based on the load status of the first cell, thereby reducing the sending frequency of the third information, reducing resource overhead, and enabling the first access network device to perform load balancing in a timely manner based on the third information.

[0012] In one possible design, sending the first information to the first terminal device based on the load status of the first cell includes: sending the first information to the first terminal device when the first cell is overloaded, so that the first terminal device enters an idle state, which helps to achieve load balancing of the first cell.

[0013] In one possible design, sending the second information to the first access network device based on the load status of the first cell includes: sending the second information to the first access network device when the first cell is overloaded, so that the first access network device can determine the terminal devices located at the first edge based on the second information and release the terminal devices at the edge of the first cell in a timely manner, which helps to achieve load balancing of the first cell.

[0014] In one possible design, sending the third information to the first access network device based on the load status of the first cell includes: sending the third information to the first access network device when the first cell is overloaded, so that the first access network device can release the first terminal device in a timely manner, which helps to achieve load balancing of the first cell.

[0015] In one possible design, determining the load status of the first cell includes receiving fourth information indicating that the first cell is overloaded.

[0016] In other words, the first access network device promptly informs the first core network device which cell is overloaded, simplifying the computational complexity on the first core network device side.

[0017] In one possible design, the fourth information includes the identifier of the first cell and / or a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the terminal device serving the first cell.

[0018] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving fifth information from a first access network device, the fifth information indicating the coverage area of ​​the first cell. The first terminal device is determined based on the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0019] In other words, the first access network device provides the cell coverage range to the first core network device so that the first core network device can more accurately determine the terminal devices at the edge of the first cell.

[0020] In one possible design, corresponding to the transmission of the first information, the method further includes: sending a sixth piece of information to the first terminal device. The sixth piece of information indicates a second cell and / or a third cell, where the second cell is a cell recommended for reselection, and the third cell is a cell prohibited from reselection.

[0021] In other words, the first core network device also indicates the second cell and / or the third cell to the first terminal device so that the first terminal device can reselect to the second cell, or to avoid the first terminal device from reselecting to the third cell.

[0022] In one possible design, corresponding to the transmission of the third information, the method further includes: sending sixth information to the first access network device. The sixth information indicates a second cell and / or a third cell, where the second cell is a cell recommended for reselection, and the third cell is a cell prohibited from reselection.

[0023] In other words, the first core network device also sends the sixth information to the first access network device to enable the first terminal device to reselect to the second cell, or to prevent the first terminal device from reselecting to the third cell.

[0024] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a seventh message to a second access network device, the seventh message indicating the first cell, the first cell being a cell that is prohibited from being reselected.

[0025] Since the first cell is overloaded, the first core network device also sends the seventh information to the second access network device so that the terminal device of the second access network device avoids reselecting to the first cell.

[0026] In one possible design, sending the first information to the first terminal device based on the load status of the first cell includes:

[0027] Based on the load status of the first cell, a second request is sent to the second terminal device, the second request being used to request the location of the terminal device.

[0028] Receive location information from the second terminal device, the location information indicating the location of the second terminal device.

[0029] Based on the location information, the first terminal device is determined from the second terminal device.

[0030] Send the first information to the first terminal device.

[0031] In other words, considering that terminal devices are mobile and the location of the same terminal device may be different at different times, the first core network device can obtain the latest terminal device location in a timely manner based on the cell load status, determine the terminal devices at the cell edge based on the latest terminal device location, and thus more accurately instruct the corresponding terminal devices to enter the idle state.

[0032] In one possible design, sending the second information to the first access network device based on the load status of the first cell includes: sending a second request to the second terminal device based on the load status of the first cell, wherein the second request is used to request the location of the terminal device.

[0033] Receive location information from the second terminal device, the location information indicating the location of the second terminal device.

[0034] The location information is sent to the first access network device, and the second information includes the location information.

[0035] In other words, considering that terminal devices are mobile and the location of the same terminal device may be different at different times, the first core network device can obtain the latest terminal device location in a timely manner based on the cell load status, thereby providing the first access network device with the latest terminal device location, so that the first access network device can more accurately determine the terminal devices at the cell edge based on the latest terminal device location.

[0036] In one possible design, third information is sent to the first access network device based on the load status of the first cell, including:

[0037] Based on the load status of the first cell, a second request is sent to the second terminal device, the second request being used to request the location of the terminal device.

[0038] Receive location information from the second terminal device, the location information indicating the location of the second terminal device.

[0039] Based on the location information, the first terminal device is determined from the second terminal device.

[0040] The third information is sent to the first access network device.

[0041] In other words, considering that terminal devices are mobile and the location of the same terminal device may be different at different times, the first core network device can obtain the latest terminal device location in a timely manner based on the cell load status, and determine the terminal devices at the cell edge based on the latest terminal device location, thereby more accurately determining the terminal devices at the cell edge.

[0042] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first core network device, or by a component within the first core network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software implementing all or part of the functions of the first core network device. The following description uses the first core network device as the executing entity. The method includes:

[0043] A first request is received from a first access network device, the first request being used to request the location of a terminal device serving a first cell.

[0044] According to the first request, a second message is sent to the first access network device, the second message indicating the location of a second terminal device, the second terminal device being a terminal device serving the first cell.

[0045] In other words, when the first core network device receives the first request, it sends the second information, thereby reducing the frequency of sending the second information, minimizing resource overhead, and enabling the first access network device to perform load balancing in a timely manner based on the second information.

[0046] In one possible design, the first request includes the identifier of the first cell and / or a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the terminal device serving the first cell.

[0047] In one possible design, sending the second information to the first access network device according to the first request includes:

[0048] Based on the first request, a second request is sent to the second terminal device, the second request being used to request the location of the terminal device.

[0049] Receive location information from the second terminal device, the location information indicating the location of the second terminal device.

[0050] The location information is sent to the first access network device, and the second information includes the location information.

[0051] In other words, considering that terminal devices are mobile and the location of the same terminal device may be different at different times, the first core network device can obtain the latest terminal device location in a timely manner based on the cell load status, thereby providing the first access network device with the latest terminal device location, so that the first access network device can more accurately determine the terminal devices at the cell edge based on the latest terminal device location.

[0052] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first terminal device, or by a component within the first terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software implementing all or part of the functions of the first terminal device. The following description uses the first terminal device as the executing entity. The method includes:

[0053] Receive first information from the first core network device, the first information indicating entry into the idle state. In response to the first information, enter the idle state.

[0054] In other words, the first core network device instructs the first terminal device to enter an idle state through the first information, which has low resource overhead and helps to achieve load balancing of the first cell. Furthermore, the first information does not need to pass through the first access network device, so it has little impact on the first access network device.

[0055] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving sixth information from the first core network device, the sixth information indicating a second cell and / or a third cell, the second cell being a cell recommended for reselection, and the third cell being a cell prohibited from reselection.

[0056] In other words, the first core network device also indicates the second cell and / or the third cell to the first terminal device so that the first terminal device can reselect to the second cell, or to avoid the first terminal device from reselecting to the third cell.

[0057] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving a second request from the first core network device, the second request being used to request the location of the terminal device.

[0058] The location information is sent to the first core network device, and the location information indicates the location of the first terminal device.

[0059] In other words, considering that the terminal device is mobile and the location of the same terminal device may be different at different times, the first terminal device responds to the first request and promptly provides the first core network device with the latest terminal device location.

[0060] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first access network device, or by a component within the first access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network device. The following description uses the first access network device as the executing entity. The method includes:

[0061] Determine the load status of the first cell. If the first cell is overloaded, send a fourth message to the first core network device, indicating that the first cell is overloaded, thereby informing the first core network device that the first cell is overloaded.

[0062] In one possible design, the method further includes sending fifth information to the first core network device, the fifth information indicating the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0063] Fifthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first access network device, or by a component within the first access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network device. The following description uses the first access network device as the executing entity. The method includes:

[0064] A third message is received from a first core network device, indicating a first terminal device that is a terminal device serving a first cell and located at the edge of the first cell. Based on the third message, an eighth message is sent to the first terminal device, indicating entry into an idle state.

[0065] In other words, the third information indicates the terminal device at the cell edge, and the first access network device instructs the first terminal device to enter an idle state based on the first information, which helps to achieve load balancing of the first cell.

[0066] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving sixth information from the first core network device, the sixth information indicating a second cell and / or a third cell, the second cell being a cell recommended for reselection, and the third cell being a cell prohibited from reselection.

[0067] In one possible design, the method further includes: determining the load status of the first cell, and in the case of overload of the first cell, sending fourth information to the first core network device, the fourth information indicating that the first cell is overloaded.

[0068] In one possible design, the method further includes sending fifth information to the first core network device, the fifth information indicating the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0069] The technical effects of any design method in the fifth aspect can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0070] Sixthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first access network device, or by a component within the first access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network device. The following description uses the first access network device as the executing entity. The method includes:

[0071] The system receives second information from a first core network device, the second information indicating the location of a second terminal device, which is a terminal device of the first cell.

[0072] Based on the second information, an eighth information is sent to the first terminal device, the eighth information indicating entry into an idle state, the first terminal device being a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell, and the second terminal device including the first terminal device.

[0073] In other words, the first access network device instructs the first terminal device to enter an idle state based on the second information, which has low resource overhead and also helps to achieve load balancing in the first cell.

[0074] In one possible design, the method further includes sending a first request to the first core network device, the first request being used to request the location of the terminal device serving the first cell.

[0075] In one possible design, the method further includes: determining the load status of the first cell. If the first cell is overloaded, a fourth message is sent to the first core network device, the fourth message indicating that the first cell is overloaded.

[0076] The technical effects of any design method in the sixth aspect can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0077] Seventhly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first core network device, or by a component within the first core network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software implementing all or part of the functions of the first core network device. The following description uses the first core network device as the executing entity. The method includes:

[0078] A third piece of information is determined, which indicates a first terminal device that serves the first cell and is located at the edge of the first cell. The third piece of information is then sent to a first access network device.

[0079] In one possible design, the first cell includes all cells under the first access network device.

[0080] In other words, the third information indicates the terminal equipment at the cell edge, enabling the first access network equipment to perform load balancing in a timely manner based on the third information.

[0081] Eighthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the methods, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0082] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module, also called a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0083] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and / or a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations.

[0084] Ninth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the method in any of the above aspects or any possible design of any of the above aspects.

[0085] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any one aspect or any possible design in any one aspect.

[0086] Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory, which may be coupled to the processor, or the memory may exist independently of the processor; for example, the memory and the processor may be two separate modules. The memory may be located outside or inside the communication device.

[0087] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. This computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the methods described in any of the preceding aspects or any possible design of any of the preceding aspects to be implemented.

[0088] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when run, causes the method described in any of the foregoing aspects or any possible design in any of the foregoing aspects to be implemented.

[0089] The communication apparatus provided in any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects may be a first core network device as described in the first, second, or seventh aspects, or a component included in the first core network device, such as a chip or chip system; or it may be a first terminal device as described in the third aspect, or a component included in the first terminal device, such as a chip or chip system; or it may be a first access network device as described in the fourth, fifth, or sixth aspects, or a component included in the first access network device, such as a chip or chip system. When the apparatus is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0090] It is understandable that when the communication device provided in any of the eighth to twelfth aspects is a chip, the transmitting action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0091] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method described in any of the preceding aspects or any possible design method in any of the preceding aspects. Optionally, the communication apparatus includes a communication device, a chip system, or a chip. The communication device includes a first core network device, a first access network device, or a first terminal device.

[0092] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects eight through thirteen can be found in the technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects one through seven, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0093] Figure 1 This application provides a diagram of a satellite network architecture in a transparent transmission mode.

[0094] Figure 2 This application provides a network architecture diagram for an open access network.

[0095] Figure 3 This application provides a diagram of a satellite network architecture in a regeneration mode.

[0096] Figure 4 A diagram of a satellite network architecture under another regeneration mode provided in this application.

[0097] Figure 5 This is a diagram of a satellite network architecture under another regeneration mode provided in this application.

[0098] Figure 6 This is a diagram of a satellite network architecture under another regeneration mode provided in this application.

[0099] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application.

[0100] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application.

[0101] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application.

[0102] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application.

[0103] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application.

[0104] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application.

[0105] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application.

[0106] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application.

[0107] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application.

[0108] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application.

[0109] Figure 17A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. Figure 18 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0110] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0112] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, for example, they can be applied to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication systems, such as 5G (5G) th 4G (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, fourth generation (4G) th The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems (also known as future communication networks). These solutions can be used in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0113] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a wireless access network 100. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include a core network 200 and an Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one access network device (such as...). Figure 1 110a and 110b) and at least one terminal device (such as Figure 1 (e.g., 120a-120j). In this configuration, the terminal device can communicate wirelessly with the access network device. Optionally, different access network devices can communicate with each other. Optionally, different terminal devices can communicate with each other.

[0114] It should be pointed out that, Figure 1 This is just a schematic diagram. Although not shown, the communication system 1000 may also include other network devices, such as one or more of core network (CN) devices, wireless relay devices, and wireless backhaul devices. No specific limitations are made here.

[0115] The access network device can connect to the core network device wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network device and the access network device can be independent physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the access network device can be integrated into the same physical device, or a single physical device can integrate some of the functions of the core network device and some of the functions of the access network device. This application does not specifically limit these aspects.

[0116] Optionally, the terminal device accesses the core network via an access network device. The terminal device includes devices that provide voice and / or data connectivity to the user. Specifically, it includes devices that provide voice connectivity to the user, or devices that provide data connectivity to the user, or devices that provide both voice and data connectivity to the user. For example, it may include a handheld device with wireless connectivity or a processing device connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device can communicate with the core network via the wireless access network, exchanging voice or data with the RAN, or interacting with the RAN for both voice and data. The terminal equipment may include user equipment (UE), wireless terminal equipment, mobile terminal equipment, D2D terminal equipment, V2X terminal equipment, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal equipment, Internet of Things (IoT) terminal equipment, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user device, etc. For example, the terminal equipment may include mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers with mobile terminal devices, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, or computer-embedded mobile devices, etc. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). This terminal device also includes limited devices, such as those with low power consumption, limited storage capacity, or limited computing power. Examples include information sensing devices such as barcode scanners, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning systems (GPS), and laser scanners.

[0117] Optionally, an access network device is a network-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. An access network device can be a device in a radio access network (RAN) that provides wireless communication capabilities to terminal devices, referred to as RAN equipment. The RAN can be an access network in 3GPP, such as a 4G or 5G network. The RAN can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a communication network combining two or more of the above. RAN equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation nodeB (gNB) in a 5G system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a long-range radio (LoRa) system, or an access node in a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system. RAN equipment can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station. For example, it can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RAN) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). In different systems, CU, DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning.For example, in an ORAN system, a CU can also be called an O-CU (open CU), a DU can also be called an O-DU, and an RU can also be called an O-RU. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. The wireless access network equipment can be a macro base station (e.g.,...). Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 The node in 110b) can also be a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the wireless access network equipment. For ease of description, "access network equipment" is used as a shorthand for "wireless access network equipment," and "base station" is used as an example of a wireless access network equipment.

[0118] In addition, an introduction to open access networks will be given: such as Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a Random Intelligent Controller (RIC). The RIC communicates with the eNB via an E2 interface. The RIC is used to collect network information and perform necessary optimization operations. For example, the RIC controls the eNB to send relevant information to other communication devices.

[0119] Optionally, core network equipment refers to equipment in the core network (CN) that provides service support for terminal equipment. For example, core network equipment includes access management network elements, session management network elements, etc. The access management network element is mainly used for mobility management and access management, and can be used to implement functions other than session management in the mobility management entity (MME) functions, such as lawful monitoring and access authorization / authentication.

[0120] In a 4G system, this access management network element may include the MME. The MME is responsible for mobility management on the control plane, including user context and mobility state management, and assigning temporary user identities.

[0121] In 5G systems, this access management network element may include a core access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. The AMF network element is responsible for the access management and mobility management of terminal devices.

[0122] It should be understood that core network equipment may also include other network elements, such as user plane function (UPF) network elements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0123] It should be understood that network elements in this application may also be referred to as entities or functional entities. For example, an AMF network element may also be referred to as an AMF entity or an AMF functional entity.

[0124] It should be understood that this application may also include other equipment, such as operation administration and maintenance (OAM) network elements.

[0125] In addition, the communication system used in the technical solutions of this application also includes non-terrestrial networks (NTN).

[0126] In a broad sense, base stations / sites in NTN include various types of aerial base stations, such as low Earth orbit (LEO), middle Earth orbit (MEO), geostationary orbit (GEO), high altitude platform station (HAPS) systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). From a 3GPP perspective, base stations / sites in NTN mainly include GEO, MEO, LEO, or HAPS.

[0127] Satellites are generally categorized into GEO, MEO, and LEO, primarily based on their orbital altitude. LEO satellites, or "low-Earth orbit satellites," orbit at altitudes of approximately 160–2,000 km. The vast majority of Earth observation satellites, geodetic satellites, space stations, and some new communication satellite systems use LEO satellites. MEO satellites, or "medium-Earth orbit satellites," orbit at altitudes of 2,000–35,786 km and are commonly used for television relay and navigation. GEO satellites, or "high-Earth orbit satellites," orbit at an altitude of approximately 35,786 km. Satellites in this orbit are unaffected by the Earth's rotation and are commonly used for remote sensing and satellite phones.

[0128] Below, taking the UE as the terminal device, we will introduce five RAN architectures based on NTN, which can be divided into transparent transmission architecture and regeneration architecture. We will first introduce the transparent transmission architecture.

[0129] Architecture 1: Transparent architecture.

[0130] like Figure 3As shown, during communication between the UE and gNB, the satellite communicates with the NTN gateway via the NR system air interface (Uu interface), the gNB communicates with the 5G core network (5G CN) via the next-generation (NG) interface, and the 5G CN communicates with the data network via the N6 interface. The network communication segment between the UE and the gNB (or ng-eNB, not shown in the diagram) is called a remote radio unit (RRU). The NG-RAN node ensures normal communication between the UE and the 5G CN. The satellite can act as an L1 relay, performing radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification to regenerate physical layer signals, making them invisible to protocol layers above the physical layer. The NTN gateway can support all necessary functions for forwarding NR-Uu interface signals, forwarding NR-Uu interface signals (from the UE) from the satellite to the gNB, or forwarding NR-Uu interface signals from the gNB to the satellite. This architecture can be called a "transparent architecture" or "transparent satellite architecture". In this architecture, the satellite can be understood as the RRU of the ground gNB. The satellite only provides simple physical signal coverage. However, this radio frequency remote extension function needs to go through the NTN gateway station and the microwave link between the satellite and the NTN gateway station to reach the satellite. In the process, no protocol layer processing is involved and no logical interface is established.

[0131] The following describes four regenerative architectures.

[0132] Architecture 2: Regenerated satellites without inter-satellite links (ISL) but with base station processing capabilities.

[0133] like Figure 4As shown, the satellite can act as a base station. For example, the satellite communicates with the UE via the NR-Uu interface. Simultaneously, the satellite communicates with the 5G CN via the NG interface, and the 5G CN communicates with the data network via the N6 interface. During the communication between the satellite and the 5G CN, the NTN gateway station connects network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. In the satellite-NTN gateway station network segment, the NG interface is deployed in the satellite radio interface (SRI), and the NG-RAN node ensures normal communication between the UE and the 5G CN. The NTN gateway station is a transport network layer node that supports all necessary transport protocols and connects network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. This architecture can be called a "regenerative architecture." In this architecture, the satellite, as a base station, has all the protocol layer processing functions of a base station and can directly process signals from the UE or directly transmit signals to the UE.

[0134] Architecture 3: Regenerated satellites with inter-satellite links and base station processing capabilities.

[0135] like Figure 5 As shown, Satellite 1 and Satellite 2 can function as base stations. For example, Satellite 1 communicates with the UE via the NR-Uu interface and with another satellite, Satellite 2, which also serves as a base station, via the Xn interface. The Xn interface can be deployed on an inter-satellite link (ISL). Simultaneously, Satellite 1 and Satellite 2 communicate with the 5G CN via the NG interface. The 5G CN communicates with the data network via the N6 interface. During the communication between Satellite 1 and Satellite 2 and the 5G CN, the NTN gateway station connects network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. In the satellite-NTN gateway station network segment, the NG interface is deployed in the satellite radio interface (SRI), and the NG-RAN node ensures normal communication between the UE and the 5G CN. The NTN gateway station is a transport network layer node that supports all necessary transport protocols and connects network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. In Architecture 3, a satellite can also be viewed as a base station. The difference between Architecture 3 and Architecture 2 is that this scenario has ISL (Inter-Satellite Link), which allows the establishment of Xn interfaces between satellites. Furthermore, when Satellite 1 and the NTN gateway station are not visible to each other, data from Satellite 1 can be transmitted back to the ground via Satellite 2. Architecture 3 is the most promising architecture for the future.

[0136] Architecture 4: Regenerative satellite with DU processing capabilities for base stations.

[0137] like Figure 6As shown, during communication between the UE and the central unit (CU) of the gNB, the satellite acts as the distributed unit (DU) of the gNB. The satellite communicates with the NTN gateway via the F1 interface, the gNB-CU communicates with the 5G CN via the NG interface, and the 5G CN communicates with the data network via the N6 interface. The NG-RAN node is used to ensure normal communication between the UE and the 5G CN. In this architecture, the satellite has some base station functions, namely the gNB-DU function, directly processing signals from the UE or directly transmitting signals to the UE.

[0138] Architecture 5: Satellites with integrated access and backhaul (IAB) capabilities.

[0139] In this scenario, the satellite can act as an IAB node, similar to architecture 4. However, the difference is that in architecture 5, in addition to deploying DU, a mobile terminal (MT) module is also deployed on the satellite. The MT uses the air interface between the terrestrial base station and the satellite for backhaul, eliminating the need to establish a separate microwave backhaul link between the satellite and the NTN gateway station.

[0140] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terminology used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly explained below. It should be understood that these explanations are only for the purpose of understanding the embodiments of this application and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0141] 1. Coarse location report

[0142] The serving access network equipment (such as the serving gNB) of a terminal device reports user location information (ULI) to the serving AMF network element of that terminal device. The ULI includes the serving cell ID and tracking area code (TAC) of the terminal device. In NTN, the cell coverage area is very large, and the serving cell ID of the terminal device cannot accurately reflect the terminal device's location. Therefore, a mapped cell ID is introduced. The serving cell ID reported by the access network equipment in the ULI in NTN is the mapped mapped cell ID. The mapped cell ID can be understood as a virtual cell ID based on the terminal device's location after mapping. Although the actual physical cell area of ​​NTN is very large, it can be further divided into several virtual cells. The relationship between the mapped cell ID and the physical area is configured on the AMF network element and the access network equipment (such as the gNB). Access network devices (such as gNBs) request coarse location from terminal devices. Terminal devices report their coarse location to access network devices (such as gNBs) via radio resource control (RRC) messages. Access network devices (such as gNBs) convert the coarse location of terminal devices into mapped cell IDs, carry them in ULIs, and report them to the core network. The core network performs location management for terminal devices based on the mapped cell IDs.

[0143] It should be understood that in this application, the coarse location is used to characterize the approximate location of the terminal device and does not involve user privacy. The unit of the coarse location can be on the order of kilometers. The coarse location can also be described in other ways, such as a rough location; this application uses a coarse location as an example for illustration.

[0144] During the above process, the terminal device needs to report its coarse location to the access network device. The coarse location of the terminal device is obtained based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

[0145] In some embodiments, the narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system in LTE is a lightweight system without an access stratum (AS) security mechanism. There is no air interface encryption or integrity protection between the terminal device and the access network device (such as the eNB). However, a non-access stratum (NAS) security mechanism exists between the terminal device and the MME network element. Therefore, NB-IoT terminal devices are not allowed to report their coarse location via RRC messages; instead, they directly report to the MME network element via NAS messages, allowing the MME network element to directly obtain the terminal device's location. The MME network element obtains the terminal device's mapped cell ID through its internal core network implementation (e.g., requesting from a location server), without relying on the access network device (such as the eNB) to report the terminal device's ULI.

[0146] Since the MME network element does not rely on the access network device (such as eNB) to report the terminal device's ULI to obtain the terminal device's mapped cell ID, it is not necessary to send the terminal device's coarse location to the access network device (such as eNB). The access network device (such as eNB) generates the terminal device's mapped cell ID and then reports it to the MME network element.

[0147] However, obtaining the coarse location of terminal devices has other advantages for access network devices (such as eNBs). For example, access network devices (such as eNBs) can perform load balancing based on the coarse location of terminal devices. Specifically, when the cell under an access network device (such as eNB) is overloaded, the access network device (such as eNB) can determine which terminal devices are located at the cell edge based on the coarse location of the terminal devices, and release the terminal devices at the cell edge (RRCRelease). Optionally, the RRCRelease message can also instruct neighboring cells to redirect them to neighboring cells. The advantage of doing so is that terminal devices at the cell edge are likely also within the coverage area of ​​neighboring cells and can be reselected to neighboring cells, while terminal devices in the cell center are difficult to reselect to neighboring cells.

[0148] Therefore, although the lack of AS security prevents terminal devices from reporting coarselocation to access network devices (such as eNBs), once the MME network element obtains the coarselocation of the terminal device, it can send it to the access network device (such as eNB) so that the access network device can perform load balancing based on the coarselocation of the terminal device.

[0149] In some embodiments, after obtaining the coarse location of the terminal devices, the MME network element sends it to the access network device (such as the eNB). The access network device (such as the eNB) then performs load balancing based on the coarse location of the terminal devices when needed. For example, the MME network element sends the coarse locations of all terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the access network device (such as the eNB) to the access network device (such as the eNB) so that the access network device (such as the eNB) can determine which terminal devices are located at the cell edge. Since the NTN cell coverage area is very large, the resource overhead incurred when the MME network element sends the coarse locations of all terminal devices within the NTN cell coverage area to the access network device (such as the eNB) is large. How to reduce resource overhead is an urgent technical problem to be solved.

[0150] In view of this, this application provides four communication methods. Each method is applied to... Figures 1 to 6 The system shown.

[0151] First, let me explain some of the descriptions involved in this application:

[0152] First, the first cell is a cell under the first access network device. For example, the first access network device covers at least one cell, and the first cell is one or more of the aforementioned at least one cell.

[0153] Second, the location of the terminal device includes its coarse location, which can be denoted as the coarse location. For example, the location of the first terminal device includes its coarse location. Similarly, the location of the second terminal device includes its coarse location.

[0154] Third, the categories of terminal devices:

[0155] The first terminal device refers to a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell. The first terminal device is one or more terminal devices.

[0156] The second terminal device refers to the terminal devices served by the first cell. A second terminal device can be one or more terminal devices. It should be understood that the first cell serves one or more terminal devices. A second terminal device can be understood as all the terminal devices served by the first cell, or a portion of the terminal devices served by the first cell.

[0157] In this application, the second terminal device includes the first terminal device.

[0158] The third terminal device refers to any terminal device other than the first terminal device in the second terminal device.

[0159] It should be understood that in this application, the first terminal device is included in the second terminal device, so the following situations may exist:

[0160] If the first terminal device is the same as the second terminal device, then the third terminal device does not exist.

[0161] Alternatively, in addition to the first terminal device, the second terminal device may also include other terminal devices, namely the third terminal device.

[0162] Fourth, the edge of a residential area refers to the peripheral area of ​​a residential area. For example, the area that is at a distance greater than or equal to a certain threshold from the center of the residential area, or the area that is at a distance less than or equal to a certain threshold from the boundary of the residential area.

[0163] Below, in conjunction with Figure 7 The communication method 700 proposed in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below:

[0164] S701, The first core network device determines the load status of the first cell.

[0165] The equipment for the first core network is described below:

[0166] Taking a 4G system as an example, the first core network equipment includes MME network elements.

[0167] Taking a 5G system as an example, the first core network equipment includes AMF network elements.

[0168] The load status of the first cell includes: the first cell is overloaded, the first cell is not overloaded, or the load size of the first cell, etc.

[0169] For the first core network device, after determining the load status of the first cell, it executes S702:

[0170] S702. The first core network device sends second information to the first access network device based on the load status of the first cell. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second information from the first core network device.

[0171] The second information indicates the location of the second terminal device. The second terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell.

[0172] For example, the second information includes the identifier of the second terminal device and the coarse location of the second terminal device. The identifier of the second terminal device includes the S1 application protocol (S1AP) identifier. Here, the S1 interface refers to the interface between the first access network device and the first core network device, such as the interface between the eNB and the MME.

[0173] For example, the second information is carried in a UE-level S1 message or an interface-level S1 message.

[0174] The implementation process of S702 includes:

[0175] In the event of overload in the first cell, the first core network device sends a second message to the first access network device; or, if the load of the first cell exceeds a certain threshold, the first core network device sends a second message to the first access network device, enabling the first access network device to perform load balancing in a timely manner. Compared to the method in related technologies, where the first core network device sends the locations of all terminal devices under the first access network device, in this application, the first core network device sends the locations of terminal devices in the overloaded cell, thereby reducing resource overhead.

[0176] It should be understood that, for the first core network equipment, if the first cell is not overloaded or the load of the first cell does not exceed a certain threshold, the first core network equipment does not need to send the second information in order to reduce resource overhead.

[0177] For the first access network device, after receiving the second information, it executes S703:

[0178] S703. The first access network device sends the eighth information to the first terminal device based on the second information. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the eighth information from the first access network device.

[0179] The first terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell. The first terminal device is included in the second terminal devices; for example, the first terminal device is one or more of the second terminal devices.

[0180] The eighth message indicates entry into the idle state, meaning the eighth message indicates that the first terminal device has entered the idle state. For example, the eighth message is carried in an RRC release message.

[0181] The implementation process of S703 includes: the first access network device determining the first terminal device from the second terminal devices based on the cell coverage area and the second information, and then sending the eighth information to the first terminal device. The cell coverage area includes the cell coverage area under the first access network device and the cell coverage area under other access network devices, as detailed in [link to documentation]. Figure 15 The details of that will not be elaborated here.

[0182] As described in S701-S703, the first core network device determines whether to send the second information based on the load status of the first cell, thereby reducing the transmission frequency of the second information to minimize resource overhead. This also enables the first access network device to perform load balancing promptly based on the second information. Compared to related technologies where the first core network device sends the locations of all terminal devices under the first access network device, the method in this application, where the first core network device determines whether to send the second information based on the load status of the first cell, results in lower resource overhead.

[0183] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, this application also includes the following operations:

[0184] S704. The second terminal device sends its coarse location to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the coarse location from the second terminal device.

[0185] For example, the coarse location of the second terminal device is obtained by the second terminal device based on GNSS.

[0186] For example, the coarse location of the second terminal device is carried in the NAS message.

[0187] It should be understood that the first core network device can execute S704 first, and then execute S701. For example, when the second terminal device joins the network, it reports the coarse location of the second terminal device to the first core network device through NAS messages.

[0188] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, S701 includes S701a or S701b:

[0189] S701a, the first access network device sends fourth information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fourth information from the first access network device.

[0190] The fourth piece of information indicates that the first cell is overloaded.

[0191] For example, the fourth information includes the identifier of the first cell and / or the first identifier. The identifier of the first cell includes the evolved universal terrestrial radioaccess network cell global ID (ECGI). The first identifier is used to identify the terminal device served by the first cell. For example, the first identifier is a single identifier used to identify a terminal device served by the first cell. Alternatively, the first identifier may be multiple identifiers, each identifying a terminal device served by the first cell. For the first core network device, it can know the terminal devices served by different cells. Based on the first identifier, it can determine which cell serves the terminal device identified by the first identifier, thereby determining which cell is overloaded. In other words, the first core network device determines that the first cell is overloaded based on the first identifier.

[0192] S701a includes: after the first access network device determines that the first cell is overloaded, it sends fourth information to the first core network device.

[0193] It should be understood that the fourth information may also have other names, such as cell overloaded indication. In this application, the fourth information will be used as an example for description.

[0194] In other words, the first core network equipment determines that the first cell is overloaded based on the fourth piece of information.

[0195] S701b, the first core network device determines the first cell is overloaded through other network devices.

[0196] Other network devices include OAM network elements.

[0197] S701b includes: a first core network device receiving data from other network devices and determining that the first cell is overloaded based on the received data. For details, please refer to relevant technologies.

[0198] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, S702 includes S702a-S702c:

[0199] S702a. The first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device based on the load status of the first cell. Accordingly, the second terminal device receives the second request from the first core network device.

[0200] The second request is used to request the location of the terminal device. This can be understood as the second request being used to request the location of the terminal device serving the first cell.

[0201] For example, the second request is carried out in a NAS message.

[0202] S702a includes: when the first cell is overloaded, the first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device, or when the load of the first cell exceeds a certain threshold, the first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device to obtain the latest location information.

[0203] It should be understood that, for the first core network device, if the first cell is not overloaded or the load of the first cell does not exceed a certain threshold, the first core network device does not need to send the second request in order to reduce resource overhead.

[0204] It should be understood that the second request may also have other names, such as a coarse location request. In this application, the second request will be used as an example for explanation.

[0205] For the second terminal device, after receiving the second request, it executes S702b:

[0206] S702b: The second terminal device sends location information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the location information from the second terminal device.

[0207] The location information indicates the location of the second terminal device. For example, the location information includes the coarse location of the second terminal device.

[0208] For the first core network device, after receiving the location information, it executes S702c:

[0209] S702c, the first core network device sends second information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second information from the first core network device.

[0210] The second piece of information includes location information.

[0211] In other words, considering that terminal devices are mobile and the location of the same terminal device may be different at different times, the first core network device can obtain the latest terminal device location in a timely manner based on the cell load status, thereby providing the latest terminal device location to the first access network device, so that the first access network device can more accurately determine the terminal devices at the cell edge based on the latest terminal device location.

[0212] It should be understood that S702a-S702b are optional steps. If S702a-S702b are not executed, the second information sent by the first core network device includes the most recently obtained location information, such as the coarse location in S704.

[0213] It should be understood that S704 and S702a-S702b are described using the second terminal device as an example. Since the second terminal device includes the first terminal device, or the second terminal device includes both the first and third terminal devices, S704 can be understood as the first and third terminal devices respectively sending their coarse locations to the first core network device. S702a can be understood as the first core network device sending second requests to both the first and third terminal devices. S702b can be understood as the first and third terminal devices respectively sending location information to the first core network device.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first access network device further determines a second cell and sends indication information to the first terminal device. The indication information indicates the second cell, or instructs the first terminal device to reselect to the second cell. The second cell is a suggested cell for reselection. This can be understood as suggesting the first terminal device to reselect to the same cell.

[0215] For example, the first access network device obtains the cell coverage area, such as the coverage area of ​​neighboring cells of the first cell, and then determines the second cell based on the location information, thereby sending indication information to the first terminal device. For example, the second information includes information about the second cell, such as one or more of frequency, carrier, cell identifier, and satellite identifier.

[0216] Below, in conjunction with Figure 9 The communication method 900 proposed in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below:

[0217] S901, the first access network device sends a first request to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the first request from the first access network device.

[0218] The first core network equipment can be found in the S701 introduction, and will not be repeated here.

[0219] The first request is used to request the location of the terminal device that is serving the first cell.

[0220] For example, the first request includes an identifier of a first cell and / or a first identifier. The identifier of the first cell includes an ECGI. The first identifier is used to identify the terminal device served by the first cell. For example, the first identifier is one or more identifiers, as detailed in the description of S701a, and will not be repeated here. For the first core network device, the first core network device can know which terminal devices are served by different cells. Based on the first identifier, it can determine which cell serves the terminal device identified by the first identifier, thereby determining the location of the terminal device in which the first request requests service from the first cell. In other words, the first core network device determines the location of the terminal device requesting service from the first cell based on the first identifier.

[0221] The implementation process of S901 includes:

[0222] In the event of overload in the first cell, the first access network device sends a first request to the first core network device; or, in the event that the load of the first cell exceeds a certain threshold, the first access network device sends a first request to the first core network device to enable the first access network device to perform load balancing in a timely manner; or, when the first access network device wants to obtain the location of the terminal device serving the first cell, the first access network device sends a first request to the first core network device.

[0223] For the first core network device, after receiving the first request, it executes S902:

[0224] S902, the first core network device sends second information to the first access network device according to the first request. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second information from the first core network device.

[0225] The second information indicates the location of the second terminal device, which is a terminal device serving the first cell. Please refer to the description in S702 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0226] For the first access network device, after receiving the second information, it executes S903:

[0227] S903. The first access network device sends the eighth information to the first terminal device based on the second information. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the eighth information from the first access network device.

[0228] The first terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell. The first terminal device is included in the second terminal devices; for example, the first terminal device is one or more of the second terminal devices.

[0229] The eighth message indicates that the device has entered the idle state.

[0230] For details regarding S903, please refer to the description of S703; further details will not be provided here.

[0231] As can be seen from S901-S903, the first core network device sends second information upon receiving the first request, thereby reducing the frequency of sending the second information, thus reducing resource overhead, and enabling the first access network device to perform load balancing in a timely manner based on the second information. Compared to the method in related technologies, where the first core network device sends the locations of all terminal devices under the first access network device, in this application, the first core network device determines whether to send the second information based on the first request, resulting in lower resource overhead.

[0232] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, this application also includes the following operations:

[0233] S904. The second terminal device sends its coarse location to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the coarse location from the second terminal device.

[0234] For S904, please refer to the introduction of S704, and it will not be repeated here.

[0235] It should be understood that the first core network device can execute S904 first, and then execute S901. For example, when the second terminal device joins the network, it reports the coarse location of the second terminal device to the first core network device through NAS messages.

[0236] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, S902 includes S902a-S902c:

[0237] S902a: The first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device according to the first request. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the second request from the first core network device.

[0238] The second request is used to request the location of the terminal device. This can be understood as the second request being used to request the location of the terminal device serving the first cell.

[0239] For example, the second request is carried out in a NAS message.

[0240] For example, upon receiving the first request, the first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device.

[0241] It should be understood that, for the first core network device, if the first request is not received, the first core network device does not need to send the second request in order to reduce resource overhead.

[0242] For the second terminal device, after receiving the second request, it executes S902b:

[0243] S902b: The second terminal device sends location information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the location information from the second terminal device.

[0244] The location information indicates the location of the second terminal device.

[0245] For S902b, please refer to the introduction of S702b, which will not be repeated here.

[0246] For the first core network device, after receiving the location information, it executes S902c:

[0247] S902c: The first core network device sends second information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second information from the first core network device.

[0248] The second piece of information includes location information.

[0249] It should be understood that S902a-S902b are optional steps. If S902a-S902b are not executed, the second information sent by the first core network device includes the most recently obtained location information, such as the coarse location in S904.

[0250] It should be understood that S904 and S902a-S902b are described using the second terminal device as an example. Since the second terminal device includes the first terminal device, or the second terminal device includes both the first and third terminal devices, S904 can be understood as the first and third terminal devices respectively sending their coarse locations to the first core network device. S902a can be understood as the first core network device sending second requests to both the first and third terminal devices. S902b can be understood as the first and third terminal devices respectively sending location information to the first core network device.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first access network device further determines a second cell and sends indication information to the first terminal device. The indication information indicates the second cell, or instructs the first terminal device to reselect to the second cell, as described in the description of communication method 700, and will not be repeated here.

[0252] Below, in conjunction with Figure 11 The communication method 1100 proposed in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below:

[0253] S1101, The first core network device determines the load status of the first cell.

[0254] For S1101, please refer to the description of S701, which will not be repeated here.

[0255] For the first core network device, after determining the load status of the first cell, it executes S1102:

[0256] S1102. The first core network device sends third information to the first access network device based on the load status of the first cell. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the third information from the first core network device.

[0257] The third piece of information indicates the first terminal device. The first terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell and is located at the edge of the first cell.

[0258] For example, the third information includes the identifier of the first terminal device. The identifier of the first terminal device includes the S1AP identifier.

[0259] For example, the third information is carried in a UE-level S1 message or an interface-level S1 message.

[0260] For example, the third information includes the location of the first terminal device. Based on the location of the first terminal device, the first access network device determines which terminal devices among the first terminal devices should be released to the IDLE state for load balancing.

[0261] The implementation process of S1102 includes:

[0262] In the event of overload in the first cell, the first core network device sends third information to the first access network device; or, if the load of the first cell exceeds a certain threshold, the first core network device sends third information to the first access network device, enabling the first access network device to perform load balancing in a timely manner. Compared to the method in related technologies, where the first core network device sends the locations of all terminal devices under the first access network device, in this application, the first core network device indicates the terminal devices at the edge of the overloaded cell to the first access network device, thereby reducing resource overhead.

[0263] It should be understood that, for the first core network equipment, if the first cell is not overloaded or the load of the first cell does not exceed a certain threshold, the first core network equipment does not need to send third information in order to reduce resource overhead.

[0264] For the first access network device, after receiving the third information, it executes S1103:

[0265] S1103. The first access network device sends the eighth information to the first terminal device based on the third information. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the eighth information from the first access network device.

[0266] The first terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell and is located at the edge of the first cell.

[0267] The eighth message indicates entry into the idle state, that is, it indicates that the first terminal device has entered the idle state. For example, the eighth message is carried in an RRC release (RRCRelease) message.

[0268] As shown in S1101-S1103, the third information indicates the terminal devices at the cell edge. Compared to the method where the first core network device sends the locations of all terminal devices under the first access network device, this method incurs less resource overhead. Furthermore, the first core network device determines whether to send the third information based on the load status of the first cell, thereby reducing the transmission frequency of the third information and enabling the first access network device to perform load balancing processing in a timely manner based on the third information. Compared to the method in related technologies, where the first core network device sends the locations of all terminal devices under the first access network device, the method in this application where the first core network device determines whether to send the third information based on the load status of the first cell results in less resource overhead.

[0269] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, this application also includes the following operations:

[0270] S1104. The second terminal device sends its coarse location to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the coarse location from the second terminal device.

[0271] For S1104, please refer to the description of S704, which will not be repeated here.

[0272] It should be understood that the first core network device can execute S1104 first, and then execute S1101. For example, when the second terminal device joins the network, it reports the coarse location of the second terminal device to the first core network device through NAS messages.

[0273] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, this application also includes the following operations:

[0274] S1105, the first access network device sends the fifth information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fifth information from the first access network device.

[0275] The fifth piece of information indicates the cell coverage area. For example, the fifth piece of information indicates the cell coverage area of ​​the first access network device and the cell coverage area of ​​other access network devices. Other access network devices are adjacent to the first access network device; for example, other access network devices include the second access network device.

[0276] For example, since the first cell is a cell under the first access network device, the fifth information indicates the coverage area of ​​the first cell. Exemplarily, the fifth information includes the cell ID of the first cell and the cell coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0277] Since the second cell could be a cell under the first access network device or a cell under the second access network device, the fifth information indicates the coverage area of ​​the second cell. Similarly, since the third cell could be a cell under the first access network device or a cell under the second access network device, the fifth information indicates the coverage area of ​​the third cell.

[0278] It should be understood that the fifth information may also have other names, such as cell coverage report. In this application, the fifth information will be used as an example for description.

[0279] It should be understood that S1105 is an optional step. The first core network device can obtain the fifth information from the first access network device, or it can obtain the fifth information from other network devices, such as OAM network elements, without limitation. Among them, the fifth information can be used to determine the terminal devices at the edge of the first cell, as detailed in the description of S1102c, which will not be repeated here.

[0280] It should be understood that the first core network device can execute S1104 first and then S1105, or it can execute S1105 first and then S1104, or it can execute S1104 and S1105 simultaneously.

[0281] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, S1101 includes S1101a or S1101b:

[0282] S1101a, the first access network device sends a fourth message to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fourth message from the first access network device. The fourth message indicates that the first cell is overloaded.

[0283] S1101b: The first core network device determines that the first cell is overloaded through other network devices. These other network devices include OAM network elements.

[0284] For S1101a-S1101b, please refer to the introduction of S701a-S701b, which will not be repeated here.

[0285] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, S1102 includes S1102a-S1102c:

[0286] S1102a. The first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device based on the load status of the first cell. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the second request from the first core network device. The second request is used to request the location of the terminal device.

[0287] S1102b: The second terminal device sends location information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the location information from the second terminal device. The location information indicates the location of the second terminal device.

[0288] For S1102a-S1102b, please refer to the introduction of S702a-S702b, which will not be repeated here.

[0289] S1102c: The first core network device determines the first terminal device from the second terminal devices based on the location information.

[0290] For example, the first core network device determines the first terminal device from the second terminal devices based on location information and the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0291] S1102d, the first core network device sends third information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the third information from the first core network device. The third information indicates the first terminal device.

[0292] In other words, considering that terminal devices are mobile and the location of the same terminal device may be different at different times, the first core network device can obtain the latest terminal device location in a timely manner based on the cell load status, and determine the terminal devices at the cell edge based on the latest terminal device location, thereby more accurately determining the terminal devices at the cell edge.

[0293] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, this application also includes the following operations:

[0294] S1106. The first core network device sends the sixth information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the sixth information from the first core network device.

[0295] The sixth piece of information indicates the second cell and / or the third cell.

[0296] The second cell is the cell recommended for reselection. This can be understood as the cell that the first terminal device is advised to reselect. For example, the second cell can be denoted as the recommended cell.

[0297] For example, the sixth information includes information about the second cell, such as one or more of the following: frequency, carrier, cell identifier, and satellite identifier.

[0298] The third cell is a cell that is prohibited from being reselected. This can be understood as a cell that the first terminal device is prohibited from reselecting. For example, the third cell can be denoted as "restricted cell".

[0299] For example, the sixth information includes information about the third cell, such as one or more of the following: frequency, carrier, cell identifier, and satellite identifier.

[0300] The sixth piece of information can be carried in a UE-level S1 message or an interface-level S1 message.

[0301] It should be understood that the first terminal device can be multiple terminal devices. If the sixth information is carried in an interface-level S1 message, each terminal device can be mapped to a second cell in the same message, i.e., a one-to-one mapping (1:1 mapping) can be used, or multiple terminal devices can be mapped to a second cell in the same message, i.e., a many-to-one mapping (N:1 mapping) can be used.

[0302] Similarly, the mapping method described above also applies to the third cell. That is, if the sixth information is carried in an interface-level S1 message, each terminal device can be mapped to a third cell in the same message, i.e., a one-to-one mapping (1:1 mapping) method can be used, or multiple terminal devices can be mapped to a third cell in the same message, i.e., a many-to-one mapping (N:1 mapping) method can be used.

[0303] For example, the sixth information and the third information can be carried in the same message.

[0304] In some embodiments, the first access network device further sends indication information to the first terminal device. The indication information indicates a second cell, or instructs the first terminal device to reselect to the second cell. The second cell is the cell to which the device is suggested to reselect.

[0305] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, this application also includes the following operations:

[0306] S1107. The first core network device sends the seventh information to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the seventh information from the first core network device.

[0307] The seventh information indicates the first cell.

[0308] The first cell is the cell that is prohibited from being reselected. This can be understood as the cell that the terminal device of the second access network is prohibited from reselecting. For example, the first cell can be denoted as "restricted cell".

[0309] For example, the seventh information includes information about the first cell, such as one or more of the following: frequency, carrier, cell identifier, and satellite identifier.

[0310] For example, the seventh information is carried in the S1 message.

[0311] In other words, the first core network device sends the seventh information to the second access network device, thereby suggesting that the terminal device of the second access network device should not reselect to the first cell, but can reselect to other cells, thereby increasing the probability of successful reselection of the terminal device and also helping to reduce the load of the first cell.

[0312] It should be understood that the first core network device executes S1101 first, and then executes S1107.

[0313] Regarding S1101-S1102, as a possible alternative, the first core network device determines the third information and sends the third information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the third information from the first core network device. The third information indicates the first terminal device. The third information and the first terminal device are described in S1102 and will not be repeated here.

[0314] In other words, the first core network device sends third information to the first access network device without needing to consider the load status of the first cell. In this approach, the first cell can include all cells under the first core network device.

[0315] For the first access network device, after receiving the third information, the first access network device sends the eighth information to the first terminal device according to the third information, as detailed in the description of S1103, which will not be repeated here.

[0316] In other words, the third information indicates the terminal equipment at the cell edge, enabling the first access network equipment to perform load balancing in a timely manner based on the third information.

[0317] Below, in conjunction with Figure 13 The communication method 1300 proposed in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below:

[0318] S1301, The first core network device determines the load status of the first cell.

[0319] For S1301, please refer to the description of S701, and it will not be repeated here.

[0320] For the first core network device, after determining the load status of the first cell, it executes S1302:

[0321] S1302. The first core network device sends first information to the first terminal device according to the load status of the first cell. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first information from the first core network device.

[0322] The first information indicates entering an idle state, that is, instructing the first terminal device to enter an idle state. The first terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell and is located at the edge of the first cell.

[0323] For example, the first information is carried in a NAS message.

[0324] The implementation process of S1302 includes:

[0325] In the event of overload in the first cell, the first core network device sends the first information to the first terminal device; or, in the event that the load of the first cell exceeds a certain threshold, the first core network device sends the first information to the first terminal device so that the first terminal device can enter an idle state in a timely manner, which helps to reduce the load of the first cell.

[0326] It should be understood that, for the first core network device, if the first cell is not overloaded or the load of the first cell does not exceed a certain threshold, the first core network device does not need to send the first information in order to reduce resource overhead.

[0327] For the first terminal device, after receiving the first information, it executes S1303:

[0328] S1303, the first terminal device responds to the first information and enters the idle state.

[0329] As described in S1301-S1303, the first core network device determines whether to send the first information to the first terminal device based on the load status of the first cell, thereby instructing the first terminal device at the edge of the first cell to enter an idle state, reducing the transmission frequency of the first information, reducing resource overhead, and also helping to achieve load balancing in the first cell. Compared to the method in related technologies, where the first core network device sends the location of all terminal devices under the first access network device, in this application, the first core network device determines whether to send the first information to the first terminal device based on the load status of the first cell, without needing to go through the first access network device for processing, thereby reducing the impact on the first access network device.

[0330] In some embodiments, such as Figure 14 As shown, this application also includes the following operations:

[0331] S1304. The second terminal device sends its coarse location to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the coarse location from the second terminal device.

[0332] For S1304, please refer to the description of S704, which will not be repeated here.

[0333] It should be understood that the first core network device can execute S1304 first, and then execute S1301. For example, when the second terminal device joins the network, it reports the coarse location of the second terminal device to the first core network device through NAS messages.

[0334] In some embodiments, such as Figure 14 As shown, this application also includes the following operations:

[0335] S1305, the first access network device sends the fifth information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fifth information from the first access network device. The fifth information indicates the cell coverage area.

[0336] For S1305, please refer to the description of S1105, which will not be repeated here.

[0337] In some embodiments, such as Figure 14 As shown, S1301 includes S1301a or S1301b:

[0338] S1301a, the first access network device sends a fourth message to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fourth message from the first access network device. The fourth message indicates that the first cell is overloaded.

[0339] S1301b: The first core network device determines that the first cell is overloaded through other network devices. These other network devices include OAM network elements.

[0340] For S1301a-S1301b, please refer to the introduction of S701a-S701b, which will not be repeated here.

[0341] In some embodiments, such as Figure 14 As shown, S1302 includes S1302a-S1302c:

[0342] S1302a: The first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device based on the load status of the first cell. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the second request from the first core network device. The second request is used to request the location of the terminal device.

[0343] S1302b: The second terminal device sends location information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the location information from the second terminal device. The location information indicates the location of the second terminal device.

[0344] S1302c: The first core network device determines the first terminal device from the second terminal devices based on the location information.

[0345] For S1302a-S1302c, please refer to the introduction of S702a-S702c, which will not be repeated here.

[0346] S1302d, the first core network device sends first information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first information from the first core network device. The first information indicates that the first terminal device enters an idle state.

[0347] In other words, considering that terminal devices are mobile and the location of the same terminal device may be different at different times, the first core network device can obtain the latest terminal device location in a timely manner based on the cell load status, determine the terminal devices at the cell edge based on the latest terminal device location, and thus more accurately instruct the corresponding terminal devices to enter the idle state.

[0348] In some embodiments, such as Figure 14 As shown, this application also includes the following operations:

[0349] S1306, the first core network device sends the sixth information to the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the sixth information from the first core network device.

[0350] The sixth information indicates the second cell and / or the third cell, where the second cell is the cell to which reselection is recommended and the third cell is the cell to which reselection is prohibited.

[0351] For S1306, please refer to the description of S1106, which will not be repeated here.

[0352] For example, the sixth piece of information and the first piece of information can be carried in the same message.

[0353] In some embodiments, after the first terminal device enters the idle state, it performs cell reselection, such as reselecting to a second cell.

[0354] In some embodiments, such as Figure 14 As shown, this application also includes the following operations:

[0355] S1307. The first core network device sends the seventh information to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the seventh information from the first core network device. The seventh information indicates the first cell.

[0356] For S1307, please refer to the description of S1107, which will not be repeated here.

[0357] In addition, in some embodiments, the communication method provided in this application is applicable to open access networks, as can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2Introduction. In open access networks, the RIC (Regulator-Instrument Cluster) is primarily responsible for network management and control. For example, the RIC manages the coverage area of ​​each cell, and the first access network device (such as the eNB) obtains the coverage area of ​​each cell through the RIC. The scheme for the first access network device (such as the eNB) to obtain cell coverage area through the RIC is as follows: Figure 15 As shown:

[0358] Step 1: RIC determines the cell coverage area.

[0359] The cell coverage area includes the cell coverage area of ​​the first access network device and the cell coverage areas of other access network devices. Other access network devices are adjacent to the first access network device. Other access network devices may include second access network devices.

[0360] It should be understood that in this application, since the first cell is a cell under the first access network device, the cell coverage area determined by the RIC includes the coverage area of ​​the first cell. Similarly, since the second cell is a cell under the first access network device or the second access network device, the cell coverage area determined by the RIC includes the coverage area of ​​the second cell. Since the third cell is a cell under the first access network device or the second access network device, the cell coverage area determined by the RIC includes the coverage area of ​​the third cell.

[0361] For example, prior to step 1, the first access network device sends the ninth information to the RIC. Correspondingly, the RIC receives the ninth information from the first access network device. The ninth information includes one or more of the following: beam direction, channel state, and channel strength of the first access network device. For example, the ninth information is carried in an E2 message. Then, the RIC determines the cell coverage area based on the ninth information.

[0362] Step 2: The RIC sends the tenth information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the tenth information from the RIC.

[0363] The tenth piece of information indicates the cell coverage area. For example, the tenth piece of information indicates the cell coverage area of ​​the first access network device and the cell coverage area of ​​other access network devices.

[0364] For example, the tenth information includes the cell ID and cell coverage of each cell. For instance, the tenth information includes the following: the identifier of the first cell, the coverage of the first cell, the identifier of the second cell, the coverage of the second cell, the identifier of the third cell, the coverage of the third cell, etc.

[0365] For example, the tenth message is carried in an E2 message.

[0366] For the first access network device, after obtaining the tenth information, it can determine the first terminal device based on the tenth information, as detailed in the descriptions of communication method 700 and communication method 900; or, it can send the fifth information to the first core network device based on the tenth information so that the first core network device can know the cell coverage area in a timely manner, as detailed in the descriptions of communication method 1100 and communication method 1300, which will not be repeated here.

[0367] It should be understood that in this application, the suggested reselection location may also be described in other ways, such as the recommended reselection location. The prohibited reselection location may also be described in other ways, such as the suggested not to reselect location, or the recommended not to reselect location.

[0368] It is understood that the methods and / or steps implemented by the various communication devices in the above embodiments can also be implemented by components (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, logic modules, or software) that can be used in the communication device. The communication device includes a first core network device, a first terminal device, or a first access network device. The chip system may be composed of chips, or it may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0369] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0370] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0371] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of a communication device 1600 is shown. The communication device 1600 includes a processing module 1601 and a transceiver module 1602. This communication device 1600 can be used to implement the functions described above.

[0372] In some embodiments, the communication device 1600 further includes a storage module ( Figure 16 (Not shown in the image) is used to store program instructions and data.

[0373] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1602, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement sending and / or receiving functions. The transceiver module 1602 may consist of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0374] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1602 may include a receiving module and a sending module, respectively configured to perform the receiving and sending steps performed by the communication device in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein; the processing module 1601 may be configured to perform the processing steps (e.g., determination) performed by the communication device in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein.

[0375] The communication device includes a first core network device, a first terminal device, or a first access network device.

[0376] In one possible design, taking the communication device 1600 as the first core network device in the above method embodiment as an example:

[0377] Processing module 1601 is used to determine the load status of the first cell.

[0378] The transceiver module 1602 is used to send first information to the first terminal device according to the load status of the first cell, or to send second or third information to the first access network device according to the load status of the first cell.

[0379] Wherein, the first terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell, and the first information indicates entering an idle state; the second information indicates the location of the second terminal device, which is a terminal device serving the first cell; the third information indicates the first terminal device, which is a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell.

[0380] In one possible design, taking the communication device 1600 as the first core network device in the above method embodiment as an example:

[0381] The transceiver module 1602 is used to receive a first request from a first access network device, wherein the first request is used to request the location of a terminal device serving the first cell.

[0382] The transceiver module 1602 is further configured to send second information to the first access network device according to the first request, the second information indicating the location of the second terminal device, the second terminal device being a terminal device serving the first cell. The second information is generated by the processing module 1601.

[0383] In one possible design, taking the communication device 1600 as the first terminal device in the above method embodiment as an example:

[0384] The transceiver module 1602 is used to receive first information from the first core network device, the first information indicating that it has entered an idle state.

[0385] Processing module 1601 is used to enter an idle state in response to the first information.

[0386] In one possible design, taking the communication device 1600 as the first access network device in the above method embodiment as an example:

[0387] Processing module 1601 is used to determine the load status of the first cell.

[0388] The transceiver module 1602 is used to send fourth information to the first core network device when the first cell is overloaded, the fourth information indicating that the first cell is overloaded.

[0389] In one possible design, taking the communication device 1600 as the first access network device in the above method embodiment as an example:

[0390] The transceiver module 1602 is used to receive third information from the first core network device, the third information indicating a first terminal device, the first terminal device being a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell.

[0391] The transceiver module 1602 is further configured to send an eighth message to the first terminal device based on the third message, the eighth message indicating entry into an idle state. The eighth message is generated by the processing module 1601.

[0392] In one possible design, taking the communication device 1600 as the first access network device in the above method embodiment as an example:

[0393] The transceiver module 1602 is used to receive second information from the first core network device, the second information indicating the location of the second terminal device, which is the terminal device of the first cell.

[0394] The transceiver module 1602 is further configured to send eighth information to the first terminal device based on the second information. The eighth information indicates entering an idle state. The first terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell. The second terminal device includes the first terminal device. The eighth information is generated by the processing module 1601.

[0395] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0396] Optionally, in this application, the transceiver module receiving / sending information can also be understood as the processing module receiving / sending information through the transceiver module. The processing module receiving / sending information through the transceiver module can also be understood as the processing module controlling the transceiver module to receive / send information. Alternatively, the processing module sending information through the transceiver module can be understood as the processing module outputting information to the transceiver module, which then sends that information; the processing module receiving information through the transceiver module can be understood as the transceiver module receiving information and inputting that information into the processing module.

[0397] In this application, the communication device 1600 can be presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0398] In some embodiments, when Figure 16 When the communication device 1600 is a chip or chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1602 can be implemented through the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 1601 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0399] Since the communication device 1600 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0400] As a possible product form, the communication device described in the embodiments of this application can also be implemented using one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0401] As another possible product form, the communication device described in this application embodiment can be implemented using a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, see [link to documentation]. Figure 17 , Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1700 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1700 includes a processor 1701 and a transceiver 1702. The communication device 1700 can be a first core network device, or a chip or chip system therein; or, the communication device 1700 can be a first access network device, or a chip or module therein; or, the communication device 1700 can be a first terminal device, or a chip or module therein. Figure 17 Only the main components of the communication device 1700 are shown. In addition to the processor 1701 and transceiver 1702, the communication device 1700 may further include a memory 1703 and input / output devices (not shown).

[0402] Optionally, the processor 1701 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs. The memory 1703 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 1702 may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry and an antenna. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0403] Optionally, the processor 1701, transceiver 1702, and memory 1703 can be connected via a communication bus.

[0404] It should be noted that the memory 1703 can exist independently of the processor 1701, or it can be integrated with the processor 1701. The memory 1703 can be located inside or outside the communication device 1700, without limitation.

[0405] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1701 can read the software program in the memory 1703, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1701 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1701. The processor 1701 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0406] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0407] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the above-described communication device 1600 can be implemented in hardware using... Figure 17 The communication device shown is in the form of 1700.

[0408] As an example, Figure 16 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1601 can be achieved through... Figure 17 The processor 1701 in the communication device 1700 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1703 to achieve this. Figure 16 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1602 in the middle can be obtained through Figure 17 This is achieved through the transceiver 1702 in the communication device 1700 shown.

[0409] As another possible product form, the communication device in this application can adopt... Figure 18 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 18 The components shown. Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 1800 provided in this application.

[0410] like Figure 18 As shown, the communication device 1800 includes at least one processor 1801. Optionally, the communication device also includes a communication interface 1802.

[0411] When the relevant program instructions are executed in the at least one processor 1801, the communication device 1800 can implement the methods and any possible designs provided in any of the foregoing embodiments. Alternatively, the processor 1801 can implement the methods and any possible designs provided in any of the foregoing embodiments through logic circuits or executable code instructions.

[0412] The communication interface 1802 can be used to receive program instructions and transmit them to the processor, or the communication interface 1802 can be used for communication interaction between the communication device 1800 and other communication devices, such as exchanging control signaling and / or service data. For example, the communication interface 1802 can be used to receive signals from other devices besides the communication device 1800 and transmit them to the processor 1801, or to send signals from the processor 1801 to other communication devices besides the communication device 1800.

[0413] Optionally, the communication interface 1802 can be a code and / or data read / write interface circuit, or the communication interface 1802 can be a signal transmission interface circuit between a communication processor and a transceiver, or a pin of a chip.

[0414] Optionally, the communication device 1800 may also include at least one memory 1803, which may be used to store the required program instructions and / or data.

[0415] It should be noted that the memory 1803 can exist independently of the processor 1801, or it can be integrated with the processor 1801. The memory 1803 can be located inside or outside the communication device 1800, without limitation.

[0416] Optionally, the communication device 1800 may further include a power supply circuit 1804, which can be used to power the processor 1801. The power supply circuit 1804 may be located in the same chip as the processor 1801, or in a separate chip outside the chip where the processor 1801 is located.

[0417] Optionally, the communication device 1800 also includes a bus 1805, through which the various parts of the communication device 1800 can be interconnected.

[0418] In some embodiments, the hardware implementation will be apparent to those skilled in the art as described above. Figure 16 The communication device 1600 shown can be adopted Figure 18 The communication device shown is in the form of 1800.

[0419] As an example, Figure 16 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1601 can be achieved through... Figure 18 The processor 1801 in the communication device 1800 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1803 to achieve this. Figure 16 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1602 in the middle can be obtained through Figure 18This is achieved through the communication interface 1802 in the communication device 1800 shown.

[0420] It should be pointed out that, Figure 18 The structure shown does not constitute a specific limitation on the communication device. For example, in other embodiments of this application, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The components shown may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0421] Optionally, the processor in this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, or it can be any conventional processor.

[0422] Optionally, the memory in this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or it can include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), or direct rambus RAM (DRRAM).

[0423] Optionally, the power supply circuit described in the embodiments of this application includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a power supply line for an electronic system, a power management chip, a power management processor, or a power management control circuit.

[0424] In some embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments.

[0425] As one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. This memory stores necessary computer programs and data. The computer program may include instructions, which a processor can invoke to instruct the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the memory may not be present in the communication device.

[0426] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit, used to receive computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0427] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for communicating with modules outside the communication device.

[0428] It is understood that the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0429] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above-described method embodiments.

[0430] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0431] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0432] It is understood that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described in this application can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the shown or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be through some interfaces, or indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Additionally, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. In the above embodiments, they can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device including one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive (SSD)). In the embodiments of this application, the computer may include the aforementioned devices. Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in carrying out the claimed application by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple components. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. Although different dependent claims may describe certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce a good effect.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first core network device, and the method includes: Determine the load status of the first cell; The system may send first information to the first terminal device based on the load status of the first cell, or send second or third information to the first access network device based on the load status of the first cell. Wherein, the first terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell, and the first information indicates entering an idle state; the second information indicates the location of the second terminal device, which is a terminal device serving the first cell; the third information indicates the first terminal device, which is a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the first terminal device based on the load status of the first cell includes: sending the first information to the first terminal device when the first cell is overloaded; or... Sending the second information to the first access network device based on the load status of the first cell includes: sending the second information to the first access network device when the first cell is overloaded; or... Sending the third information to the first access network device based on the load status of the first cell includes: sending the third information to the first access network device when the first cell is overloaded.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Determining the load status of the first cell includes receiving fourth information, the fourth information indicating that the first cell is overloaded.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fourth information includes the identifier of the first cell and / or a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device serving the first cell.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Corresponding to the transmission of the first information, the method further includes: sending a sixth information to the first terminal device; Corresponding to the transmission of the third information, the method further includes: sending a sixth information to the first access network device; The sixth information indicates the second cell and / or the third cell, where the second cell is the cell to which reselection is recommended, and the third cell is the cell to which reselection is prohibited.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first access network device, and the method includes: Receive third information from a first core network device, the third information indicating a first terminal device, the first terminal device being a terminal device serving a first cell and located at the edge of the first cell; Based on the third information, an eighth information is sent to the first terminal device, the eighth information indicating entry into an idle state.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving sixth information from the first core network device, the sixth information indicating a second cell and / or a third cell, the second cell being a cell recommended for reselection, and the third cell being a cell prohibited from reselection.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine the load status of the first cell; In the event of overload in the first cell, a fourth message is sent to the first core network device, the fourth message indicating that the first cell is overloaded.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first core network device, and the method includes: A third piece of information is determined, the third piece of information indicating a first terminal device, the first terminal device being a terminal device serving a first cell and located at the edge of the first cell; The third information is sent to the first access network device.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; the processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-5, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6-8, or to perform the method as described in claim 9.

11. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, the method as described in any one of claims 1-5 is implemented, or the method as described in any one of claims 6-8 is implemented, or the method as described in claim 9 is implemented.

12. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run, it causes the method as described in any one of claims 1-5 to be implemented, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 6-8 to be implemented, or causes the method as described in claim 9 to be implemented.

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