Communication method, network device, terminal, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

A communication method, a network device, a terminal, a communication system and a storage medium. The communication method comprises: a first network device receiving first information sent by a terminal, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, the first information being used for indicating that the terminal is configured with a continuous condition handover CHO. Through the embodiment of the invention, communication resources can be saved.

Description

Communication method, network device, terminal, communication system and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular to a communication method, a network device, a terminal, a communication system and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] A non-terrestrial network (NTN) provides wireless resources through satellites (or unmanned aerial vehicles). In the NTN network architecture, since the satellite is constantly moving, even if the terminal does not move on the ground, handover needs to be performed. Therefore, for a satellite in a non-geosynchronous orbit, it moves at a high speed relative to a fixed position on the earth, resulting in frequent and inevitable handover of the terminal, which causes a large amount of signaling overhead.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] How to save communication resources is a problem to be solved.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a network device, a terminal, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: receiving, by a first network device, first information sent by a terminal, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, the first information being used to indicate that the terminal has configured a continuous conditional handover CHO.

[0007] According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: sending, by a terminal, first information to a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, the first information being used to indicate that the terminal has configured a continuous conditional handover CHO.

[0008] According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: receiving, by a second network device, third information sent by a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of a terminal belongs, the second network device being a network device to which a CHO candidate cell belongs, the third information being used to send data of the terminal to the second network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell, the third information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method comprises: receiving, by a third network device, fifth information sent by a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of a terminal belongs, the third network device being a network device to which a last serving cell of the terminal belongs or the third network device being a network device to which a cell providing continuous CHO configuration for the terminal belongs, the fifth information being used for indicating a handover success, and the fifth information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network device is provided. The first network device comprises: a transceiver configured to receive first information sent by a terminal, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, and the first information being used for indicating that the terminal has configured a continuous conditional handover (CHO).

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided. The terminal comprises: a transceiver configured to send first information to a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, and the first information being used for indicating that the terminal has configured a continuous conditional handover (CHO).

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network device is provided. The second network device comprises: a transceiver configured to receive third information sent by a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of a terminal belongs, the second network device being a network device to which a CHO candidate cell belongs, the third information being used for sending data of the terminal to the second network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell, and the third information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a third network device is provided. The third network device comprises: a transceiver configured to receive fifth information sent by a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of a terminal belongs, the third network device being a network device to which a last serving cell of the terminal belongs or the third network device being a network device to which a cell providing continuous CHO configuration for the terminal belongs, the fifth information being used for indicating a handover success, and the fifth information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network device is provided. The first network device comprises: one or more processors; and wherein the first network device is configured to perform the communication method of the first aspect.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided. The terminal comprises: one or more processors; and wherein the terminal is configured to perform the communication method of the second aspect.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a third network device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the third network device is configured to perform the communication method of the fourth aspect.

[0017] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a third network device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the third network device is configured to perform the communication method of the fourth aspect.

[0018] According to a thirteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising a first network device, a terminal, a second network device and a third network device, wherein the first network device is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect, the second network device is configured to implement the communication method of the third aspect, and the fourth network device is configured to implement the communication method of the fourth aspect.

[0019] According to a fourteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, which stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, causing the communication device to perform the method of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0020] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0021] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal sends the first information to the first network device to which the serving cell belongs, to inform the serving cell that the terminal has configured continuous CHO, so that the serving cell no longer needs to send CHO configuration to the terminal, thereby saving communication resources. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following describes the drawings required for the embodiments, and the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not specifically limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a non-ground network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of a transparent mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram of a regenerative mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an interaction diagram of a communication method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3A is a flow diagram of a communication method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3B is a flow diagram of a communication method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 3C is a flow diagram of a communication method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a communication method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a communication method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a communication method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 7 is an interaction diagram of a communication method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a control plane flow of CHO, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 9A is a diagram of a structure of a first network device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 9B is a diagram of a structure of a terminal, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 9C is a diagram of a structure of a second network device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 9D is a diagram of a structure of a third network device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 10A is a diagram of a structure of a communication device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 10B is a diagram of a structure of a chip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a network device, a terminal, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0043] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method includes: receiving, by a first network device, first information sent by a terminal, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, the first information being used to indicate that the terminal has configured a continuous conditional handover (CHO).

[0044] In the above embodiments, the terminal sends first information to the first network device to which the serving cell belongs, to inform the serving cell that the terminal has configured continuous CHO, so that the serving cell can no longer need to send CHO configuration to the terminal, thereby saving communication resources.

[0045] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal has configured continuous CHO; candidate cell identification of the continuous CHO; cell identification of the cell providing continuous CHO configuration for the terminal; terminal identification; cell identification of the last serving cell of the terminal; and candidate cell of the terminal for which CHO has been released.

[0046] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first network device sending second information to the terminal, the second information being used to instruct the terminal to release continuous CHO.

[0047] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information is used to instruct that the candidate cell of the continuous CHO is no longer applied, or the second information is used to instruct the terminal to release the continuous CHO corresponding to the candidate cell.

[0048] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first network device sending third information to a second network device, the second network device being a network device to which a CHO candidate cell belongs, the third information being used to send data of the terminal to the second network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell, and the third information including terminal identification.

[0049] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first network device sending fourth information to a second network device, the second network device being a network device to which a CHO candidate cell belongs, the fourth information being used to instruct to cancel switching, and the fourth information including terminal identification.

[0050] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first network device sending fifth information to a third network device, the third network device being a network device to which the last serving cell of the terminal belongs or the third network device being a network device to which a cell providing continuous CHO configuration for the terminal belongs, the fifth information being used to instruct that switching is successful, and the fifth information including terminal identification.

[0051] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth information is used to instruct the third network device to save or release the continuous CHO configuration of the terminal.

[0052] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal identifier comprises at least one of: an identifier assigned to the terminal by a candidate cell; an identifier assigned to the terminal by a serving cell; an identifier assigned to the terminal by a cell configured with continuous CHO for the terminal; an identifier assigned to the terminal by a last serving cell.

[0053] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal identifier is used to identify the terminal at an interface between base stations or between cells.

[0054] In the second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, comprising: a terminal sending first information to a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, the first information being used to indicate that the terminal is configured with continuous conditional handover (CHO).

[0055] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information comprises at least one of: the terminal being configured with continuous CHO; an identifier of a candidate cell of continuous CHO; an identifier of a cell providing continuous CHO configuration for the terminal; a terminal identifier; an identifier of a last serving cell of the terminal; a candidate cell of CHO released by the terminal.

[0056] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: the terminal receiving second information sent by the first network device, the second information being used to indicate that the terminal releases continuous CHO.

[0057] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate that a candidate cell of continuous CHO is no longer applied, or the second information is used to indicate that the terminal releases continuous CHO corresponding to the candidate cell.

[0058] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal identifier comprises at least one of: an identifier assigned to the terminal by a candidate cell; an identifier assigned to the terminal by a serving cell; an identifier assigned to the terminal by a cell configured with continuous CHO for the terminal; an identifier assigned to the terminal by a last serving cell.

[0059] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal identifier is used to identify the terminal at an interface between base stations or between cells.

[0060] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, which comprises: receiving, by a third network device, third information sent by a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of a terminal belongs, the third network device being a network device to which a CHO candidate cell belongs, the third information being used for sending data of the terminal to the third network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell, and the third information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0061] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method further comprises: receiving, by the third network device, fourth information sent by the first network device, the fourth information being used for indicating to cancel the switching, and the fourth information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0062] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the terminal identifier comprises at least one of: an identifier allocated to the terminal by the candidate cell; an identifier allocated to the terminal by the serving cell; an identifier allocated to the terminal by a cell configured with continuous CHO for the terminal; and an identifier allocated to the terminal by a last serving cell.

[0063] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the terminal identifier is used for identifying the terminal at an interface between base stations or between cells.

[0064] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, which comprises: receiving, by a third network device, fifth information sent by a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of a terminal belongs, the third network device being a network device to which a last serving cell of the terminal belongs or a network device to which a cell configured with continuous CHO for the terminal belongs, and the fifth information being used for indicating that the switching is successful, and the fifth information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0065] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the fifth information is used for indicating that the third network device saves or releases the continuous CHO configuration of the terminal.

[0066] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the terminal identifier comprises at least one of: an identifier allocated to the terminal by the candidate cell; an identifier allocated to the terminal by the serving cell; an identifier allocated to the terminal by a cell configured with continuous CHO for the terminal; and an identifier allocated to the terminal by a last serving cell.

[0067] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the terminal identifier is used for identifying the terminal at an interface between base stations or between cells.

[0068] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network device, comprising: a transceiver, configured to receive first information sent by a terminal, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, and the first information being used to indicate that the terminal has configured a continuous conditional handover CHO.

[0069] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a terminal, comprising: a transceiver, configured to send first information to a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, and the first information being used to indicate that the terminal has configured a continuous conditional handover CHO.

[0070] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a second network device, comprising: a transceiver, configured to receive third information sent by a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of a terminal belongs, the second network device being a network device to which a CHO candidate cell belongs, the third information being used to send data of the terminal to the second network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell, and the third information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0071] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a third network device, comprising: a transceiver, configured to receive fifth information sent by a first network device, the first network device being a network device to which a serving cell of a terminal belongs, the third network device being a network device to which a last serving cell of the terminal belongs or the third network device being a network device to which a cell providing a continuous CHO configuration for the terminal belongs, and the fifth information being used to indicate a handover success, and the fifth information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0072] In a ninth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network device, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the first network device is configured to perform the communication method in the first aspect.

[0073] In a tenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a terminal, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the terminal is configured to perform the communication method in the second aspect.

[0074] In an eleventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a second network device, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the second network device is configured to perform the communication method in the third aspect.

[0075] In a twelfth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a third network device, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the third network device is configured to perform the communication method in the fourth aspect.

[0076] In a thirteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication system, comprising a first network device, a terminal, a second network device and a third network device, wherein the first network device is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect, the second network device is configured to implement the communication method of the third aspect, and the fourth network device is configured to implement the communication method of the fourth aspect.

[0077] In a fourteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a storage medium, which stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, causing the communication device to perform any of the above communication methods.

[0078] In a fifteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a program product, when the program product is executed by a communication device, causing the communication device to perform any of the above communication methods.

[0079] In a sixteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program, when the computer program is executed by a communication device, causing the communication device to perform any of the above communication methods.

[0080] In a seventeenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system comprises processing circuitry configured to perform any of the above communication methods.

[0081] It can be understood that the above network device, terminal, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip or chip system are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved are referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here.

[0082] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose a communication method, a network device, a terminal, a communication system and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the communication method and the information sending method, the information receiving method and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0083] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing some steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation manners in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the steps of different embodiments or all steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, an embodiment can be combined with the optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0084] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0085] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0086] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0087] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0088] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0089] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0090] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0091] The prefix words of "first", "second" and the like in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute limitation on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. The description objects are described in the claims or embodiments, and should not be construed as redundant limitation because of the use of the prefix words. For example, the description object is "field", and the ordinal words before "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields", and "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified thereby are in the same message or not, nor limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description object is "level", and the ordinal words before "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description object is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", wherein the quantity of "device" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different, for example, the description object is "device", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and the types thereof can be the same or different. For another example, the description object is "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and the contents thereof can be the same or different.

[0092] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A" can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0093] In some embodiments, the terms of "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0094] In some embodiments, the terms of "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", "above" and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms of "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", "below" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0095] In some embodiments, an apparatus or the like can be interpreted as an entity, and can also be interpreted as virtual, and the name thereof is not limited to the name described in the embodiments, and the terms "apparatus", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0096] In some embodiments, a "network" can be interpreted as an apparatus (for example, an access network device, a core network device, and the like) included in the network.

[0097] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0098] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal," "terminal device," "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," and so on can be replaced with each other.

[0099] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced with a terminal. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced with communication between a plurality of terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the terminal can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, the terms "uplink," "downlink," and the like can also be replaced with terms corresponding to the inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, the uplink channel, the downlink channel, and the like can be replaced with the side channel, and the uplink, the downlink, and the like can be replaced with the sidelink.

[0100] In some embodiments, the terminal can be replaced with the access network device, the core network device, or the network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0101] In some embodiments, the data, information, etc. can be obtained in compliance with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0102] In some embodiments, the data, information, etc. can be obtained after obtaining the consent of the user.

[0103] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0104] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, a first network device 102, a second network device 103, and a third network device 104.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first network device 102 can be a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal 101 belongs, the second network device 103 can be a network device to which a candidate cell belongs, and the third network device 104 can be a network device to which a last serving cell of the terminal 101 belongs.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first network device 102, the second network device 103, and the third network device 104 can be the same network device, or can be different network devices.

[0108] In some embodiments, the terminal can be a user equipment (UE), and the terminal includes at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a communication-capable car, a smart car, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in smart city, a wireless terminal device in smart home, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0109] In some embodiments, the network device can be one functional network element in a core network device, which can be one device including the first network element, the second network element, etc., or can be multiple devices or device groups including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc., respectively. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), a next generation core (NGC), for example.

[0110] In some embodiments, the network device can include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0111] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device for accessing a terminal to a wireless network, which can include at least one of an evolved node B (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation node B (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be applied to an Open RAN architecture, at which time the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can become internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be realized through software or programs.

[0113] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be referred to as a control unit. The CU-DU structure can split the protocol layers of the access network device, with some of the protocol layers being controlled by the CU and the rest of the protocol layers or all of the protocol layers being distributed in the DUs and controlled by the CU, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] In some embodiments, the core network device can be one device including one or more network elements, or can be multiple devices or device groups including all or part of the one or more network elements described above. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next-generation core (NGC), for example.

[0115] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can know that the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems as the system architecture evolves and new business scenarios appear.

[0116] The embodiments of the present disclosure described below can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1A or part of the subject, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1A are exemplary. The communication system can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1A, or can include other subjects other than those in FIG. 1A. The number and form of each subject is arbitrary. Each subject can be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between each subject is exemplary. Each subject can not be connected or can be connected. The connection can be in any manner, can be direct or indirect, and can be wired or wireless.

[0117] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine to Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) system, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), system using other communication methods, next-generation system expanded based thereon, and the like. In addition, a plurality of systems can be combined (for example, combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G, and the like).

[0118] Non-terrestrial Network (NTN) is an important technology introduced by 5G, which provides wireless resources through satellites (or drones) instead of ground base stations.

[0119] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a non-terrestrial network architecture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 1B, a satellite or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platform is in the air, the satellite communicates with a gateway through a feeder link, and the gateway interacts with a data network. The satellite communicates with a user equipment (UE) through a service link, and the UE is located in the beam footprint of the satellite.

[0121] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of a transparent mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram of a regenerative mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] In some embodiments, depending on the way the satellite processes the signal, it can be divided into transparent mode and regenerative mode. The transparent mode is shown in FIG. 1C, the NTN ground station sends the signal of gNB to the satellite, the satellite converts the signal to the satellite frequency band and then sends it to the UE through the satellite frequency band. Except for frequency conversion and signal amplification, the satellite does not demodulate the gNB signal, which is similar to a repeater. The regenerative mode is shown in FIG. 1D, the NTN ground station sends the signal of gNB to the satellite, the satellite first demodulates and decodes the signal and then re-encodes and modulates it (this process is regeneration) and sends the regenerated signal through the satellite frequency band.

[0123] In some embodiments, the NTN gateway communicates with the UE through the NR Uu interface, the gNB communicates with the 5G CN through the NG interface, and the 5G CN communicates with the data network through the NG interface.

[0124] In some embodiments, the gNB communicates with the UE through the NR Uu interface, and the NTN gateway communicates with the gNB through the NG interface over the satellite radio interface (SRI) (NG over SRI).

[0125] As can be seen from the NTN network architecture, even if the UE does not move on the ground, the UE needs to be handed over due to the movement of the satellite. Therefore, for satellites in non-geosynchronous orbits, they move at high speed relative to fixed positions on the earth, resulting in frequent and inevitable handover of stationary and mobile UEs, which will result in a large amount of signaling overhead.

[0126] For handover, conditional switching (CHO) is currently supported, and the definition of CHO is as follows: CHO refers to a handover performed by a terminal when one or more handover execution conditions are met. The UE starts evaluating the execution conditions upon receiving the CHO configuration and stops evaluating the execution conditions after performing the handover.

[0127] The CHO configuration includes CHO candidate cell configurations generated by candidate gNBs and execution conditions generated by the source gNB.

[0128] The execution conditions can consist of one or two trigger conditions (such as CHO events A3 / A5). Only a single reference signal (RS) type is supported, and at most two different trigger quantities (such as Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP) and Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ), RSRP and Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), etc.) can be configured simultaneously for evaluating the CHO execution conditions of a single candidate cell.

[0129] Before any CHO execution condition is met, upon receiving a HO command (without CHO configuration) or a LTM (Layer1 / 2 triggered mobility) cell handover command MAC CE, the UE performs the protocol specified HO procedure or LTM cell handover procedure without considering any CHO configuration received before.

[0130] When performing CHO, the UE does not monitor the source cell from the time the UE starts synchronizing with the target cell.

[0131] In some embodiments, after the UE receives the CHO configuration, the UE maintains the connection with the source gNB and starts evaluating the CHO execution conditions of the candidate cells. If at least one CHO candidate cell meets the corresponding CHO execution condition, the UE detaches from the source gNB, applies the corresponding configuration stored by the selected candidate cell, synchronizes to the candidate cell, and completes the RRC transfer procedure by sending a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration complete message to the target gNB. After successfully completing the RRC transfer procedure, the UE releases the stored CHO configuration.

[0132] In the related art, the UE starts to evaluate the CHO execution condition when the UE receives the CHO configuration, and stops to evaluate the CHO execution condition once the UE completes the handover. The UE releases the saved CHO configuration once the UE successfully completes the RRC handover procedure. Therefore, according to the current CHO procedure, when the serving cell configures the CHO for the UE, the UE releases the previously configured CHO if the UE completes the handover (regardless of whether it is a CHO).

[0133] In the non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) scenario of NTN, all RRC connected UEs need to perform handover, and therefore a large amount of signaling overhead for handover is generated.

[0134] Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. A terminal sends first information to a first network device to which a serving cell belongs, to inform the serving cell that the terminal has configured continuous CHO. As a result, the serving cell no longer needs to send CHO configuration or HO configuration to the terminal, thereby saving communication resources.

[0135] FIG. 2 is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first network device can be a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, the second network device can be a network device to which a candidate cell belongs, and the third network device can be a network device to which a previous serving cell of the terminal belongs.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first network device and the second network device can be the same network device or different network devices, and the second network device can include the first network device.

[0138] In some embodiments, the second network device and the third network device can be the same network device or different network devices, and the second network device can include the third network device.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first network device and the third network device can be the same network device or different network devices.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first network device, the second network device, and the third network device can all be located on a satellite, and the first network device, the second network device, and the third network device can be located on different satellites or the same satellite.

[0141] In some embodiments, the candidate cell is equivalent to the target cell.

[0142] In some embodiments, the candidate cell represents a candidate cell or a target cell for UE handover.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 2, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, and the method comprises:

[0144] In step S2101, the terminal sends first information to the first network device.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the first information sent by the terminal.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first network device is a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that the terminal has configured continuous CHO.

[0148] In some embodiments, the continuous CHO refers to that the terminal does not release the CHO configuration after performing RRC handover, and / or the terminal continues to perform CHO evaluation according to the CHO configuration after performing cell handover.

[0149] In some embodiments, in the case that the terminal has configured continuous CHO, the terminal can not release the CHO configuration after performing handover, and continues to perform CHO evaluation using the CHO configuration, determines to perform handover when the CHO condition is met, and the terminal sends the first information indicating that the continuous CHO has been configured to the first network device to which the serving cell of the terminal belongs, so that the first network device to which the serving cell of the terminal belongs does not need to send the CHO configuration to the terminal, and signaling can be saved.

[0150] In some embodiments, when the terminal has configured continuous CHO, the first network device can not send a handover command to the terminal, or can not send the CHO configuration to the terminal.

[0151] In some embodiments, the configured continuous CHO means that the CHO configuration can be continuously used.

[0152] In some embodiments, the configured continuous CHO means that at least one candidate cell of the CHO can use the continuous CHO configuration.

[0153] In some embodiments, the configured continuous CHO means that the handover configuration provided by the network can be continuously used by the UE.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first information comprises at least one of the following: the terminal has configured continuous CHO; candidate cell identification of the continuous CHO; cell identification of the cell providing the continuous CHO configuration for the terminal; terminal identification; cell identification of the last serving cell of the terminal; candidate cell of the CHO released by the terminal.

[0155] For example, the first information can comprise that the terminal has configured continuous CHO, i.e. the terminal reports to the first network device that the terminal has configured continuous CHO.

[0156] For example, the first information can include candidate cell identities capable of providing continuous CHO. For example, when the CHO contains multiple candidate cells, some of the candidate cells are configured with continuous CHO and some of the candidate cells are not configured with continuous CHO, the candidate cell identities included in the first information are the identities of the candidate cells configured with continuous CHO. Or, all candidate cells are configured with CHO, and the candidate cell identities included in the first information are the identities of all CHO candidate cells.

[0157] For example, the first information can include cell identities of cells configured with continuous CHO for the terminal. Wherein, the cells configured with continuous CHO for the terminal refer to the cells configured with continuous CHO for the UE.

[0158] For example, the first information can include cell identities of the last serving cell of the terminal. Wherein, the last serving cell refers to the serving cell of the UE before the current serving cell. Or, the last serving cell refers to the serving cell of the UE before the handover.

[0159] For example, the first information can include candidate cells for which the terminal has released CHO. For example, the terminal stores a CHO configuration corresponding to each of a plurality of candidate cells, the terminal can release the CHO configuration corresponding to the candidate cell, and the terminal can inform the first network device through the first information which CHO configurations corresponding to the candidate cells have been released.

[0160] For example, the first information can include a terminal identifier of the terminal.

[0161] In some embodiments, the terminal identifier includes at least one of the following: an identifier assigned to the terminal by a candidate cell; an identifier assigned to the terminal by a serving cell; an identifier assigned to the terminal by a cell configured with continuous CHO for the terminal; an identifier assigned to the terminal by the last serving cell.

[0162] For example, each candidate cell can assign an identifier to the terminal, each serving cell can assign an identifier to the terminal, each cell configured with continuous CHO for the terminal can assign an identifier to the terminal, and the last serving cell of the terminal can assign an identifier to the terminal.

[0163] In some embodiments, the terminal identifier is used to identify the terminal on an interface between base stations or between cells.

[0164] In some embodiments, the terminal identifier can be, for example, source NG-RAN node UE XnAP ID (UE source station XnAP identifier), Target NG-RAN node UE XnAP ID (UE target station XnAP identifier).

[0165] For example, the cell 1 is a serving cell of the terminal, and the cell 2 is a candidate cell for handover. During the process of exchanging handover messages between the cell 1 and the cell 2, the cell 1 and the cell 2 respectively assign a terminal identifier for the terminal in the cell 1 and the cell 2, which is used for identifying the terminal in the exchange between the cell 1 and the cell 2. The cell 1 can send the terminal identifier for identifying the terminal in the exchange between the cell 1 and the cell 2 to the terminal. When the terminal switches to the cell 2, the terminal sends the terminal identifier to the cell 2, and the cell 2 can identify the terminal by the terminal identifier and / or identify the cell 1 providing the continuous CHO configuration for the terminal.

[0166] In step S2102, the first network device sends second information to the terminal.

[0167] In some embodiments, the terminal receives the second information sent by the first network device.

[0168] In some embodiments, the second information is used to instruct the terminal to release the continuous CHO.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first network device can instruct the terminal to release the continuous CHO, i.e., the terminal no longer applies the continuous CHO.

[0170] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate a candidate cell which no longer applies the continuous CHO, or the second information is used to instruct the terminal to release the continuous CHO corresponding to the candidate cell.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first network device can indicate to the terminal that a certain candidate cell of the CHO configuration no longer applies the continuous CHO configuration, or the first network device can indicate to the terminal to release the CHO configuration of a certain candidate cell.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first network device can indicate to the terminal to release all the continuous CHO configurations.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first network device can indicate to the terminal to release all the CHO configurations.

[0174] In some embodiments, after the first network device sends the handover cancellation message to the second network device, the first network device indicates to the terminal to release the continuous CHO configuration of the cell corresponding to the second network device.

[0175] In step S2103, the first network device sends third information to the second network device.

[0176] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the third information sent by the first network device.

[0177] In some embodiments, the second network device is a network device to which a CHO candidate cell belongs.

[0178] In some embodiments, the third information can be an early status transfer request.

[0179] In some embodiments, the third information is used to send data of the terminal to the second network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell, so as to make the subsequent switching accurate and improve the switching efficiency.

[0180] In some embodiments, the third information can include a terminal identifier.

[0181] For example, the third information can include at least one of the following: an identifier of the terminal in the candidate cell, an identifier of the terminal in the serving cell, and an identifier of the terminal in a cell configured with continuous CHO for the terminal.

[0182] In step S2104, the first network device sends fourth information to the second network device.

[0183] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the fourth information sent by the first network device.

[0184] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate cancellation of the switching.

[0185] In some embodiments, the fourth information can be a switching cancellation.

[0186] In some embodiments, the fourth information includes a terminal identifier.

[0187] In some embodiments, the fourth information can include at least one of the following: an identifier of the terminal in the candidate cell, and an identifier of the terminal in a cell configured with continuous CHO for the terminal.

[0188] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to instruct the second network device to release or delete the CHO configuration of the terminal.

[0189] In step S2105, the first network device sends fifth information to the third network device.

[0190] In some embodiments, the third network device receives the fifth information sent by the first network device.

[0191] In some embodiments, the third network device is a network device to which a last serving cell of the terminal belongs, or a network device to which a cell configured with continuous CHO for the terminal belongs.

[0192] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to indicate that the switching is successful.

[0193] In some embodiments, the fifth information can be a switching success indication.

[0194] In some embodiments, the fifth information includes a terminal identifier.

[0195] In some embodiments, the fifth information can comprise at least one of the following: an identity of the terminal in the candidate cell, an identity of the terminal in a cell configured with continuous CHO for the terminal, an identity of the terminal in the last serving cell, or an identity of the terminal in the source cell.

[0196] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to instruct the third network device to save or release the continuous CHO configuration of the terminal.

[0197] In some embodiments, the handover success indication comprises an instruction to the last serving cell of the UE or the source cell of the UE to save or release the UE configuration for continuous CHO of the UE.

[0198] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for the terminal to send first information to the first network device to which the serving cell belongs, to inform the serving cell that the terminal has been configured with continuous CHO, so that the serving cell no longer needs to send CHO configuration to the terminal, thereby saving communication resources.

[0199] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise at least one of steps S2101-S2105. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, S2101+S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2101+S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0200] In some embodiments, steps S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105 can be exchanged in order or executed simultaneously.

[0201] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0202] In some embodiments, step S2103 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0203] In some embodiments, step S2104 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0204] In some embodiments, step S2105 is optional, and one or more of these steps can be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0205] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the corresponding description of FIG. 2 can be referred to.

[0206] In some embodiments, the names of information and the like are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "field", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", "chip", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0207] In some embodiments, terms such as "time", "time point", "time instant", and the like can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0208] In some embodiments, "acquire", "obtain", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive", and the like can be replaced with each other, and can be interpreted as receiving from another subject, acquiring from a protocol, obtaining from a higher layer, obtaining by self-processing, autonomously implementing, and the like.

[0209] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "issue", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0210] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "pre-set", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "arbitrary", "first", and the like can be replaced with each other, and "certain A", "preset A", "pre-set A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "arbitrary A", "first A" can be interpreted as A specified in advance in a protocol and the like, can be interpreted as A obtained by setting, configuring, or indicating, and the like, and can be interpreted as certain A, a certain A, arbitrary A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0211] In some embodiments, the determining or judging can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or a comparison of numerical values (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0212] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on the time domain resource and / or the frequency domain resource, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data, etc. after receiving the data; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the content of the sending.

[0213] FIG. 3A is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a first network device, and the above method comprises:

[0214] In step S3101, the first network device receives first information sent by a terminal.

[0215] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be described here.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first network device receives first information sent by a terminal, and the first information is used to indicate that the terminal has configured a continuous CHO.

[0217] In step S3102, the first network device sends second information to the terminal.

[0218] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be described here.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first network device sends second information to the terminal, and the second information is used to indicate that the terminal releases the continuous CHO.

[0220] FIG. 3B is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a first network device, and the above method comprises:

[0221] In step S3201, the first network device sends third information to a second network device.

[0222] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be described here.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first network device sends third information to the second network device, and the third information is used for sending data of the terminal to the second network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell.

[0224] In step S3202, the first network device sends fourth information to the second network device.

[0225] The optional implementation of step S3202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be described here again.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first network device sends fourth information to the second network device, and the fourth information is used for indicating to cancel the switching.

[0227] FIG. 3C is a flow diagram of a communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3C, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which is performed by a first network device, and the above method comprises:

[0228] In step S3301, the first network device sends fifth information to a third network device.

[0229] The optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be described here again.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first network device sends fifth information to the third network device, and the fifth information is used for indicating that the switching is successful.

[0231] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which is performed by a terminal, and the above method comprises:

[0232] In step S4101, the terminal sends first information to a first network device.

[0233] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be described here again.

[0234] In some embodiments, the terminal sends the first information.

[0235] In some embodiments, the terminal sends the first information to the first network device, and the first information is used for indicating that the terminal has configured continuous CHO.

[0236] In step S4102, the terminal receives second information sent by the first network device.

[0237] The optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0238] In some embodiments, the terminal receives second information sent by the first network device, and the second information is used to instruct the terminal to release the consecutive CHO.

[0239] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a second network device, and the above method comprises:

[0240] In step S5101, the second network device receives third information sent by the first network device.

[0241] The optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0242] In some embodiments, the second network device receives third information sent by the first network device, the first network device is a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, the second network device is a network device to which a CHO candidate cell belongs, the third information is used to send data of the terminal to the second network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell, and the third information comprises a terminal identifier.

[0243] In step S5102, the second network device receives fourth information sent by the first network device.

[0244] The optional implementation of step S5102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0245] In some embodiments, the second network device receives fourth information sent by the first network device, and the fourth information is used to instruct to cancel the switching, and the fourth information comprises a terminal identifier.

[0246] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a third network device, and the above method comprises:

[0247] In step S6101, the third network device receives fifth information sent by the first network device.

[0248] The optional implementation of step S6101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0249] In some embodiments, the third network device receives fifth information sent by the first network device, the first network device is a network device to which a serving cell of the terminal belongs, the third network device is a network device to which a last serving cell of the terminal belongs or the third network device is a network device to which a cell providing continuous CHO configuration for the terminal belongs, the fifth information is used to indicate that the handover is successful, and the fifth information includes a terminal identifier.

[0250] FIG. 7 is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the above method includes:

[0251] In step S7101, the terminal sends first information to the first network device.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the first information sent by the terminal.

[0253] The optional implementation of step S7101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2 and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2, which will not be described here.

[0254] In some embodiments, the above method can include the method of the embodiments of the above communication system side, the first network device side, the terminal side, and the like, which will not be described here.

[0255] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a control plane flow of CHO according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the above method includes handover preparation, handover execution and handover completion, and specifically includes the following steps:

[0256] In step S8101, the AMF provides mobility control information.

[0257] In some embodiments, before step S8101, user data is transmitted between the UE and a source gNB, and user data is transmitted between the source gNB and UPF(s).

[0258] In step S8102, measurement control and reporting are performed between the UE and the source gNB.

[0259] In some embodiments, the source gNB configures a UE measurement procedure, and the UE reports according to the measurement configuration.

[0260] Step S8103, the source gNB makes CHO decision.

[0261] In some embodiments, the source gNB decides to use CHO.

[0262] Step S8104, the source gNB sends a handover request to the target gNB and other potential gNB(s).

[0263] Step S8105, the target gNB and other potential gNB(s) make admission control.

[0264] Step S8106, the target gNB and other potential gNB(s) send a handover request acknowledge to the source gNB.

[0265] Step S8107, the source gNB sends an RRC reconfiguration to the UE.

[0266] Step S8108, the UE sends an RRC reconfiguration complete to the source gNB.

[0267] Step S8108a, the source gNB sends an early status transfer to the other potential gNB(s).

[0268] Step S8109, the UE evaluates the CHO conditions.

[0269] Step S8110, the UE detaches from the old cell, synchronizes to the new cell.

[0270] Step S8111, CHO handover completion.

[0271] Step S8111a, the target gNB sends a handover success to the source gNB.

[0272] Step S8111b, the source gNB sends an SN status transfer to the target gNB.

[0273] Step S8111c, the source gNB sends a handover cancel to the target gNB and other potential gNBs.

[0274] In the NGSO scenario of NTN, all RRC connected UEs need to be handed over, thus generating a large amount of signaling overhead for handover. In order to reduce the signaling overhead, a configuration method of subsequent CHO is proposed. The subsequent CHO includes that the UE does not release the CHO configuration after the completion of handover, and continues to evaluate the candidate cells according to the CHO configuration, but the target cell of the handover process may not know that the UE is configured with the subsequent CHO by the source cell, and thus needs to provide some information to the target cell by the UE.

[0275] The method for the UE to send information to the target cell in the subsequent CHO handover process provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can include that the UE sends the following information: the UE is configured with the subsequent CHO; the candidate cell identifier of the subsequent CHO; the cell identifier of the cell that configures the UE with the subsequent CHO; the UE identifier; the cell identifier of the last serving cell of the UE; and the UE releases the CHO configuration of a certain candidate cell in the CHO configuration.

[0276] In some embodiments, the target cell instructs the source cell of the UE to release or save the UE configuration applied to the subsequent CHO;

[0277] In some embodiments, the target cell sends an early data forwarding request to the candidate cell, or cancels the handover, and includes the identifier of the UE in the candidate cell and the identifier of the cell that configures the UE with the subsequent CHO.

[0278] In some embodiments, the UE sends information to the target cell in the handover process, and the information includes one of the following: the UE is configured with the subsequent CHO; the candidate cell identifier of the subsequent CHO; the cell identifier of the cell that configures the UE with the subsequent CHO; the UE identifier; the cell identifier of the last serving cell of the UE; and the UE releases the CHO configuration of a certain candidate cell in the CHO configuration.

[0279] In some embodiments, the UE identifier is used to identify the UE between base stations or inter-cell interfaces, and includes the identifier of the UE in the candidate cell, the identifier of the UE in the current serving cell, the identifier of the UE in the cell that configures the UE with the subsequent CHO, and the identifier of the UE in the last serving cell.

[0280] In some embodiments, when the UE is configured with the subsequent CHO, the target cell can not send a handover command to the UE, including CHO.

[0281] In some embodiments, the target cell sends an early data forwarding request to the candidate cell, and the early data forwarding includes: the identifier of the UE in the candidate cell; the identifier of the UE in the target cell; and the identifier of the UE in the cell that configures the UE with the subsequent CHO.

[0282] In some embodiments, the early data forward request is an early status transfer.

[0283] In some embodiments, the target cell sends a handover success indication to a last serving cell of the UE.

[0284] In some embodiments, the handover success indication comprises: an identity of the UE in the candidate cell; an identity of the UE in a cell configured with continuous CHO for the UE; an identity of the UE in a last serving cell or an identity of the UE in a source cell.

[0285] In some embodiments, the handover success indication comprises an indication for the last serving cell of the UE or the source cell of the UE to save or release the UE configuration for continuous CHO of the UE.

[0286] In some embodiments, the target cell indicates the UE to release the continuous CHO configuration, or indicates a certain candidate cell of the CHO configuration to no longer apply the continuous CHO configuration.

[0287] In some embodiments, the target cell sends a handover cancellation to a candidate cell of the continuous CHO, the handover cancellation comprising: an identity of the UE in the candidate cell; an identity of the UE in a cell configured with continuous CHO for the UE.

[0288] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps, the optional implementation manners thereof, can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or can be combined with the optional implementation manners in other embodiments.

[0289] The embodiments of the present disclosure also propose an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods, for example, an apparatus comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is proposed, comprising units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the network device (such as an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0290] It should be understood that the division of each unit or module in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, the apparatus includes a processor, the processor is connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to realize any of the above methods or realize the functions of each unit or module of the above apparatus, wherein the processor is a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory in the apparatus or a memory outside the apparatus. Alternatively, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship of elements in the circuit; for another example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above apparatus can be all implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part implemented in the form of processor calling software and the remaining part implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0291] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of hardware circuits, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuits is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the configuration of the hardware circuit. It can be understood that the processor loads instructions to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, the hardware circuit can also be designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), or the like.

[0292] FIG. 9A is a structural schematic diagram of a first network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9A, the first network device 9100 can include a transceiver module 9101. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 9101 is configured to receive first information. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to perform at least one of the processes performed by the first network device in any of the above methods (for example, step S2101, but not limited thereto), and details are not described herein.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first network device can further include a processing module.

[0294] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: a continuous CHO configured for the terminal; a candidate cell identifier of the continuous CHO; a cell identifier configured for the terminal to provide the continuous CHO; a terminal identifier; a cell identifier of a last serving cell of the terminal; and a candidate cell of a released CHO of the terminal.

[0295] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send second information to the terminal, the second information being used to instruct the terminal to release the consecutive CHO.

[0296] In some embodiments, the second information is used to instruct the terminal to release the candidate cell of the consecutive CHO, or the second information is used to instruct the terminal to release the consecutive CHO of the candidate cell.

[0297] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send third information to a second network device, the second network device being a network device to which the candidate cell of the CHO belongs, the third information being used to send data of the terminal to the second network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell, the third information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0298] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send fourth information to a second network device, the second network device being a network device to which the candidate cell of the CHO belongs, the fourth information being used to instruct to cancel the switching, the fourth information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0299] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send fifth information to a third network device, the third network device being a network device to which the last serving cell of the terminal belongs or the third network device being a network device to which the cell providing the consecutive CHO configuration for the terminal belongs, the fifth information being used to instruct the switching to be successful, the fifth information comprising a terminal identifier.

[0300] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to instruct the third network device to save or release the consecutive CHO configuration of the terminal.

[0301] In some embodiments, the terminal identifier comprises at least one of the following: an identifier allocated to the terminal by the candidate cell; an identifier allocated to the terminal by the serving cell; an identifier allocated to the terminal by the cell configuring the consecutive CHO for the terminal; an identifier allocated to the terminal by the last serving cell.

[0302] In some embodiments, the terminal identifier is used to identify the terminal on an interface between base stations or between cells.

[0303] FIG. 9B is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9B, the terminal 9200 can comprise a transceiver module 9201. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 9201 is configured to send first information. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to perform at least one of the processes performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, and details are not repeated here.

[0304] In some embodiments, the terminal can further comprise a processing module.

[0305] In some embodiments, the first information comprises at least one of the following: a continuous CHO configured for the terminal; a candidate cell identity of the continuous CHO; a cell identity of a cell providing the continuous CHO configuration for the terminal; a terminal identity; a cell identity of a last serving cell of the terminal; a candidate cell of which the terminal has released a CHO.

[0306] In some embodiments, the transceiver is further configured to receive second information sent by the first network device, the second information being used to indicate that the terminal releases the continuous CHO.

[0307] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate that a candidate cell of which the continuous CHO is no longer applied, or the second information is used to indicate that the terminal releases the continuous CHO corresponding to the candidate cell.

[0308] In some embodiments, the terminal identity comprises at least one of the following: an identity assigned to the terminal by a candidate cell; an identity assigned to the terminal by a serving cell; an identity assigned to the terminal by a cell configuring the continuous CHO for the terminal; an identity assigned to the terminal by a last serving cell.

[0309] In some embodiments, the terminal identity is used to identify the terminal at an interface between base stations or between cells.

[0310] FIG. 9C is a structural schematic diagram of a second network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9C, the second network device 9300 can comprise a transceiver 9301. In some embodiments, the transceiver 9301 is configured to receive third information. Optionally, the transceiver is configured to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0311] In some embodiments, the second network device can further comprise a processing module.

[0312] In some embodiments, the transceiver is further configured to receive fourth information sent by the first network device, the fourth information being used to indicate a cancellation of handover, and the fourth information comprising a terminal identity.

[0313] In some embodiments, the terminal identity comprises at least one of the following: an identity assigned to the terminal by a candidate cell; an identity assigned to the terminal by a serving cell; an identity assigned to the terminal by a cell configuring the continuous CHO for the terminal; an identity assigned to the terminal by a last serving cell.

[0314] In some embodiments, the terminal identity is used to identify the terminal at an interface between base stations or between cells.

[0315] FIG. 9D is a structural schematic diagram of a third network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9D, the third network device 9400 can include a transceiver module 9401. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 9401 is configured to receive third information. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to perform at least one of the steps in the processes performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, details are not described herein.

[0316] In some embodiments, the third network device further includes a processing module.

[0317] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to instruct the third network device to save or release the continuous CHO configuration of the terminal.

[0318] In some embodiments, the terminal identifier includes at least one of the following: an identifier assigned to the terminal by a candidate cell; an identifier assigned to the terminal by a serving cell; an identifier assigned to the terminal by a cell configuring continuous CHO for the terminal; an identifier assigned to the terminal by a last serving cell.

[0319] In some embodiments, the terminal identifier is used to identify the terminal at an interface between base stations or between cells.

[0320] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module, or can include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules perform all or part of the steps required to be performed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be replaced by a processor.

[0321] FIG. 10A is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 10100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 10100 can be a network device (such as an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (such as a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the terminal to implement any of the above methods. The communication device 10100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, details of which can be referred to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0322] As shown in FIG. 10A, the communication device 10100 includes one or more processors 10101. The processor 10101 can be a general processor or a special-purpose processor, etc., for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, the central processing unit can be used to control a communication apparatus (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process data of the programs. Optionally, the communication device 10100 is configured to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the one or more processors 10101 are configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 10100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0323] In some embodiments, the communication device 10100 further includes one or more transceivers 10102. When the communication device 10100 includes one or more transceivers 10102, the transceiver 10102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S2101, but not limited to) in the above methods, and the processor 10101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc. can be replaced with each other, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0324] In some embodiments, the communication device 10100 further includes one or more memories 10103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memory 10103 can also be outside the communication device 10100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 10100 can include one or more interface circuits 10104. Optionally, the interface circuit 10104 is connected to the memory 10103, and the interface circuit 10104 can be used to receive data from the memory 10103 or other devices, and can be used to send data to the memory 10103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 10104 can read data stored in the memory 10103 and send the data to the processor 10101.

[0325] The communication device 10100 described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal, but the range of the communication device 10100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 10100 can not be limited by FIG. 10A. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: 1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally also include storage components for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, a smart terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handset, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, and the like; (6) other devices, and the like.

[0326] FIG. 10B is a structural diagram of a chip 10200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 10100 is a chip or a chip system, the structural diagram of the chip 10200 shown in FIG. 10B can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0327] The chip 10200 includes one or more processors 10201. The chip 10200 is configured to perform any of the above methods.

[0328] In some embodiments, the chip 10200 further includes one or more interface circuits 10202. Optionally, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and the like can be replaced with each other. In some embodiments, the chip 10200 further includes one or more memories 10203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memory 10203 can be outside the chip 10200. Optionally, the interface circuit 10202 is connected to the memory 10203, and the interface circuit 10202 can be configured to receive data from the memory 10203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 10202 can be configured to send data to the memory 10203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 10202 can read data stored in the memory 10203 and send the data to the processor 10201.

[0329] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 10202 performs at least one of the communication steps (such as step S2101, but not limited thereto) in the above methods, such as transmitting and / or receiving. The interface circuit 10202 performing the communication steps in the above methods, such as transmitting and / or receiving, means that the interface circuit 10202 performs data interaction between the processor 10201, the chip 10200, the memory 10203, or a transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 10201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0330] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments of the virtual device, the physical device, the chip, etc. can be combined or separated according to circumstances. Alternatively, part or all of the steps can also be performed by multiple modules and / or devices in cooperation, which is not limited here.

[0331] The disclosure further provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 10100, causes the communication device 10100 to perform any of the above methods. Alternatively, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium is a computer readable storage medium, but is not limited to this, and it can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Alternatively, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited to this, and it can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0332] The disclosure further provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 10100, causes the communication device 10100 to perform any of the above methods. Alternatively, the program product is a computer program product.

[0333] The disclosure further provides a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A first network device receives first information sent by a terminal. The first network device is the network device to which the serving cell of the terminal belongs. The first information is used to indicate that the terminal has been configured with Continuous Conditional Handover (CHO).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The terminal is configured for continuous COH; Candidate community identifiers for consecutive CHOs; Provide the terminal with a cell identifier for continuous CHO configuration; Terminal identifier; The cell identifier of the terminal's previous serving cell; The terminal has released the candidate cell for CHO.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network device sends a second message to the terminal, the second message being used to instruct the terminal to release continuous CHO.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second information is used to indicate that candidate cells for which continuous CHOs are no longer applied, or the second information is used to indicate that the terminal releases the continuous CHOs corresponding to the candidate cells.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network device sends third information to the second network device, which is the network device to which the CHO candidate cell belongs. The third information is used to send the terminal's data to the second network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell. The third information includes the terminal identifier.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network device sends a fourth message to the second network device, which is the network device to which the CHO candidate cell belongs. The fourth message is used to indicate cancellation of the handover and includes the terminal identifier.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network device sends a fifth message to the third network device, which is either the network device to which the terminal's previous serving cell belongs or the network device to which the cell that provides continuous CHO configuration to the terminal belongs. The fifth message is used to indicate that the handover was successful and includes the terminal identifier.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fifth piece of information is used to instruct the third network device to save or release the terminal's continuous CHO configuration.

9. The method according to claim 2, 5, 6, or 7, characterized in that, The terminal identifier includes at least one of the following: The identifier assigned to the terminal by the candidate cell; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the serving cell; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the cell that configures continuous CHO; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the previous serving cell.

10. The method according to claim 2, 5, 6, or 7, characterized in that, The terminal identifier is used to identify the terminal at interfaces between base stations or cells.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The terminal sends first information to a first network device, which is the network device to which the terminal's serving cell belongs. The first information is used to indicate that the terminal has configured continuous conditional handover (CHO).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The terminal is configured for continuous COH; Candidate community identifiers for consecutive CHOs; Provide the terminal with a cell identifier for continuous CHO configuration; Terminal identifier; The cell identifier of the terminal's previous serving cell; The terminal has released the candidate cell for CHO.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives a second message sent by the first network device, the second message being used to instruct the terminal to release continuous CHO.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second information is used to indicate that candidate cells for which continuous CHOs are no longer applied, or the second information is used to indicate that the terminal releases the continuous CHOs corresponding to the candidate cells.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The terminal identifier includes at least one of the following: The identifier assigned to the terminal by the candidate cell; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the serving cell; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the cell that configures continuous CHO; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the previous serving cell.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The terminal identifier is used to identify the terminal at interfaces between base stations or cells.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second network device receives third information sent by the first network device, wherein the first network device is the network device to which the serving cell of the terminal belongs, and the second network device is the network device to which the CHO candidate cell belongs. The third information is used to send the terminal's data to the second network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell. The third information includes the terminal identifier.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second network device receives a fourth message sent by the first network device, the fourth message being used to indicate cancellation of the handover, the fourth message including a terminal identifier.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The terminal identifier includes at least one of the following: The identifier assigned to the terminal by the candidate cell; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the serving cell; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the cell that configures continuous CHO; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the previous serving cell.

20. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The terminal identifier is used to identify the terminal at interfaces between base stations or cells.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The third network device receives the fifth information sent by the first network device, wherein the first network device is the network device to which the terminal's serving cell belongs, and the third network device is the network device to which the terminal's previous serving cell belongs or the network device to which the cell that provides continuous CHO configuration to the terminal belongs. The fifth information is used to indicate that the handover was successful, and the fifth information includes the terminal identifier.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The fifth piece of information is used to instruct the third network device to save or release the terminal's continuous CHO configuration.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The terminal identifier includes at least one of the following: The identifier assigned to the terminal by the candidate cell; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the serving cell; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the cell that configures continuous CHO; The identifier assigned to the terminal by the previous serving cell.

24. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The terminal identifier is used to identify the terminal at interfaces between base stations or cells.

25. A first network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by the terminal, wherein the first network device is the network device to which the serving cell of the terminal belongs, and the first information is used to indicate that the terminal has been configured with Continuous Conditional Handover (CHO).

26. A terminal, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to send first information to a first network device, which is the network device to which the serving cell of the terminal belongs. The first information is used to indicate that the terminal has been configured with Continuous Conditional Handover (CHO).

27. A second network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive third information sent by a first network device, wherein the first network device is the network device to which the serving cell of the terminal belongs, and the second network device is the network device to which the CHO candidate cell belongs. The third information is used to send the terminal's data to the second network device before the terminal switches from the serving cell to the candidate cell. The third information includes a terminal identifier.

28. A third network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive the fifth information sent by the first network device, where the first network device is the serving cell of the terminal. The network device, wherein the third network device is the network device to which the terminal's previous serving cell belongs or the network device to which the cell providing continuous CHO configuration to the terminal belongs, and the fifth information is used to indicate a successful handover, the fifth information including the terminal identifier.

29. A first network device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The first network device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

30. A terminal, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The terminal is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 11 to 16.

31. A second network device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The second network device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 17 to 20.

32. A third network device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The third network device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 21 to 24.

33. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a first network device, a terminal, a second network device, and a third network device, wherein the first network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, the terminal is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 11 to 16, the second network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 17 to 20, and the third network device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 21 to 24.

34. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 16, or the method as described in any one of claims 17 to 20, or the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 24.

35. A program product, characterized in that, include: A computer program, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24.

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